UK Confirms Defense Operations Amid US-Israeli Strikes on Iran

The UK government has confirmed its involvement in defense operations in the Middle East in response to recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a video statement on Saturday, clarified that British planes are active to protect the country's interests and allies, but they are not directly involved in the US and Israeli attacks targeting Iran's leadership.

Starmer stressed the importance of Iran refraining from further attacks and abandoning its weapon program, highlighting the need to cease violence against the Iranian people, who deserve the right to determine their own future. He reiterated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a priority for Britain and its allies.

Following the strikes, the UK government advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Israel and the Palestinian territories and urged Gulf states to seek shelter. Starmer also held discussions with French and German leaders to advocate for a negotiated solution to avoid a wider regional conflict.