Key facts
- Britain's armed forces are ready to defend the UK from any attack, whether on its soil or from abroad.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a warning concerning US bombers operating from UK bases.
- The UK has increased its force protection levels in the Middle East.
- US bombers are anticipated to arrive at British bases shortly.
- Additional military aircraft have been deployed to the Middle East by the UK.
- British nationals have been evacuated from Tel Aviv to Cyprus.
Britain has stated its armed forces are prepared to defend the country from any attack, following a warning from Iran's Revolutionary Guards concerning the use of UK bases by US bombers. A government spokesperson affirmed that the UK stands ready 24/7 to protect itself, employing a layered approach to air and missile defence with assets from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, in coordination with NATO allies.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy indicated that the UK's force protection in the Middle East is at its highest level amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. He urged Iran to de-escalate and negotiate with the US, emphasizing that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Lammy confirmed that an RAF aircraft had evacuated 63 British nationals from Tel Aviv to Cyprus and that more flights would follow. He also noted that one British national in Israel was injured during Iranian missile attacks.
Western officials have stated that British troops are on very high readiness in the UK to respond to the Middle East conflict if necessary, warning that the war could continue for some time. US bombers are expected to arrive at British bases, including RAF Fairford, within days. While initial reports suggested the UK had denied bases for US strikes, sparking Trump's displeasure, officials have not ruled out participating in future strikes against Iranian ballistic missile launch sites. Cobra meetings are being held daily to manage the crisis.
HMS Dragon is scheduled to depart next week to protect a British base in Cyprus that was recently struck by a drone. Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, armed with drone-busting missiles, will be deployed within days to bolster regional defence.