The United Kingdom has formally aligned with the United States and Israel in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, escalating tensions across the Middle East.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement in a nationwide broadcast on Saturday, confirming that British forces are actively participating in coordinated defensive operations.
“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,” Starmer said.
He called on Tehran to halt further aggression and abandon its weapons programmes, urging a return to diplomacy.
“Iran can end this now. They should restrain from further strikes. Give up their weapon programs and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people. This is the root to escalation and back to the negotiation table,” he added.
The development marks a significant expansion of the conflict, which has already drawn in the United States and Israel.
The situation intensified after US and Israeli forces reportedly launched strikes on Iranian targets. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks on US military bases across parts of the Middle East.
An Iranian missile was also reported to have struck areas in Israel, further heightening regional tensions. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has pledged to defend its sovereignty amid the escalating hostilities.
