British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK is deploying additional military assets, including fighter jets, to the Middle East to support regional stability as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate. The statement came as Starmer was en route to the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada.
The move follows a dramatic surge in hostilities after Israel launched a large-scale air offensive on Friday, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, senior military commanders, and scientists. In response, Iran retaliated with missile strikes, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.
“We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support in the region,” Prime Minister Starmer told reporters traveling with him. Britain already maintains a military presence in the Middle East as part of its ongoing operations to counter threats in Iraq and Syria.
According to a spokesperson for the prime minister, deployment preparations began early Friday morning after intelligence indicated a rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region. The UK has since sent additional refuelling aircraft from its home bases, and more fighter jets are expected to be dispatched.
The redeployment underscores growing Western concern over the unfolding crisis and signals London’s commitment to safeguarding allied interests and deterring further escalation in the Middle East.
