'We Are Ready To Protect Our Interests': UK Says It Has 'Defence Capabilities' In Middle East Amid Ongoing Israel-Iran War
The UK government said that it doesn't want any further escalation in the Middle East after the US and Israeli forces launched a joint strike on Iran. A spokesperson of UK government stressed that the UK has a range of denfence capabilities in the region and UK stands ready to protect its interests.
New Delhi: The UK government has stated that it does not want any further escalation in the Middle East after the US and Israeli forces launched a joint strike on Iran on Saturday. A spokesperson of the UK government stressed that the UK has a range of denfence capabilities in the region and the UK stands ready to protect its interests.
“Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7,” the spokesperson said, adding, “As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.”
'We Played No Role In These Strikes': UK
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that UK had no role in the strikes on Iran. Further, it reiterated its stand on Iran, saying, “The regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent. They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent, and sought to destabilise the region.”
He added, “Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and the Jewish community. Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil. So it’s clear – they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies – including the US.”
‘We Support Our Allies’
Keir Starmer stated that UK planes are in the skies above the Middle East as part of coordinated defence operations to protect its people and its allies. Condemning Iran’s attacks on UK's partners across the region, Starmer said, “We extend our support and solidarity to them. As part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region – which we’ve recently taken steps to strengthen."
He further said, “Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies - as Britain has done before, in line with international law.”
He further announced that the UK has stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to the “highest level”.
'Iran Can End This Now'
Iran can end the conflict "now", Starmer said, adding, “They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programmes and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people – who deserve the right to determine their own future, in line with our longstanding position.”
He urged Iran to follow the route of de-escalation, saying, “I have been speaking with leaders today - from the E3, and across the region. It is vital now that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process. We want to see peace and security, and the protection of civilian life.”
Published By : Nidhi Sinha
Published On: 28 February 2026 at 16:27 IST