UK Deploys Fighter Jets to Middle East Amid Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict
“We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support,” Starmer told reporters aboard his flight to Canada, where he is scheduled to attend the G7 summit.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Britain is deploying fighter jets and other military assets to the Middle East in response to the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Saturday, according to AFP.
“We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support,” Starmer told reporters aboard his flight to Canada, where he is scheduled to attend the G7 summit.
The announcement comes as Israel continues its military campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. Dozens of people have reportedly been killed, including senior commanders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and civilians, AFP said. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drones and missiles at Israel overnight from Friday into Saturday.
Prime Minister Starmer described the situation as “fast moving” and “intense,” noting that the UK government is in constant coordination with its allies. “We’re having ongoing discussions with our allies all of the time, both myself and [Foreign Minister] David Lammy, who also spoke to the Iranians,” he said.
“Our constant message is de-escalate, and therefore everything we’re doing, all discussions we’re having are to do with de-escalation.”
Starmer added that his Friday phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “good and constructive” and included talks on “the safety and security of Israel.”
Earlier in the day, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was “alarmed” by the continuing strikes and emphasized the need to prevent further harm to civilians. “We must urgently de-escalate & prevent any further harm to civilians,” Lammy said in a post on social media, adding that he had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “to urge calm.”
The UK’s decision to move military assets into the region reflects growing international concern that the conflict could spiral further, drawing in regional and global powers.
Kurdistan24 English will continue to provide instant coverage and up-to-date news on developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Keep an eye on Kurdistan24 English's website and social media platforms for the latest updates.
