LONDON (BN24) — The United Kingdom is increasing its military presence in the Middle East by sending additional Royal Air Force jets, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Saturday, as hostilities escalate between Israel and Iran. The deployment, which includes Typhoon fighter jets and air-to-air refueling aircraft, is intended to provide contingency support throughout the volatile region.
Starmer, speaking en route to the G7 summit in Canada, described the situation as rapidly evolving and said the UK remained in close contact with its allies. “We’ve already been moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support across the region,” he told reporters. “Our constant message is de-escalate, and therefore everything we’re doing, all discussions we’re having, are to do with de-escalation.”
This latest move follows a previous UK military deployment to the Middle East last year, when RAF aircraft were dispatched as part of a broader strategy to deter regional escalation. The Prime Minister emphasized that the current decision continues that posture amid worsening conditions on the ground.
Pressed on whether the UK might intervene directly to defend Israel, Starmer declined to offer specifics but confirmed a “constructive discussion” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “That included discussions about the safety and security of Israel, as you would expect between two allies,” he said. Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense and underscored Britain’s long-standing concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
The latest developments come as Iran threatens to target British, French, and American military bases if those countries intervene on Israel’s behalf. Tensions soared following a new wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israeli targets late Saturday. In response, Israel’s military said it had launched retaliatory strikes on military installations in Tehran.
The conflict has already resulted in casualties on both sides. Iranian state media reported 60 people killed in strikes on Tehran, while Israeli officials said three people were killed and dozens injured. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a “more severe” retaliation should Israel continue its military campaign, prompting Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz to issue a stark warning that “Tehran will burn” if aggression continues.
Downing Street said Starmer also held a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday to discuss the deteriorating situation. Both leaders agreed on the urgency of de-escalation to avoid broader regional conflict.
Plans for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled to resume in Oman on Sunday, were abruptly canceled amid the renewed hostilities. Omani officials, acting as mediators, confirmed the postponement, citing the immediate breakdown in diplomatic conditions.
As leaders gather for the G7 summit, the Middle East crisis is expected to dominate much of the conversation, with growing calls for restraint and urgent diplomacy to prevent further bloodshed.
