US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Saturday morning (February 28) in what the two countries described as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.
The Prime Minister had previously joined European allies in condemning Iranian attacks on Middle Eastern countries following the strikes.
Sir Keir has now confirmed that British planes are in the Middle East in a move he said was “to protect our people, our interests and our allies”.
Sir Keir Starmer confirms British planes are in the Middle East following strikes
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that British planes “are in the sky today” in the Middle East “as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies”.
In his own statement from Downing Street, Sir Keir said he had also spoken to Middle Eastern leaders as he urged Iran to return to the negotiating table.
He said: “It is vital that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process.
“We want to see peace and security and the protection of civilian life.
“Iran can end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programme and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people.”
Sir Keir also said protections at British bases had been increased to “their highest level” while the Government was “reaching out to UK nationals in the region” in order to support them.
Britain was not involved in the strikes on Iran, and the Government has advised UK nationals in some parts of the Middle East to “shelter in place”.
The UK is reported to have previously resisted US requests to use the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean to launch strikes on Iran.
Situation in Iran explained
Talks between the US and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme ended on Thursday (February 26) without agreement.
US and Israeli forces launched an attack on Iran on Saturday morning (February 28) in what the two countries described as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.
The attack prompted retaliation from Iran, with missiles reported to have targeted Israel and countries across the Middle East.
In a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany, Sir Keir condemned Iran’s retaliation “in the strongest terms”.
The three leaders said: “Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”
The earlier statement came after he chaired a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee before speaking to allies, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
It added that the three countries were “in close contact” with international partners, including the US and Israel.
