London: The United Kingdom is moving additional military assets, including fighter jets and refuelling aircraft, to the Middle East as the region faces escalating instability triggered by the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the deployment as part of a broader contingency plan, saying the move is aimed at supporting regional security during what he described as a “gravely concerning” moment.
According to a spokesperson from Starmer’s office, British military crews began preparing for deployment early Friday morning, once it became clear that the situation in the region was rapidly deteriorating. While the UK has not officially entered the conflict, the movement of assets suggests heightened readiness for any fallout that might threaten its strategic interests or allied operations across the Gulf.
Additional fighter jets are being dispatched from British bases, alongside refuelling aircraft, to support extended air operations if required. These deployments enhance the UK’s existing presence in the region, which already includes military personnel and infrastructure in countries like Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, and Cyprus. British officials say these actions are defensive in nature and are designed to support allies and protect vital interests as the threat of regional escalation grows.
Prime Minister Starmer also held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the spiraling crisis. The two leaders reportedly agreed on the urgent need to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and avoid a wider military confrontation. With Saudi Arabia acting as a key power broker in the region, London appears to be coordinating closely with Gulf leadership to ensure that diplomatic channels remain active even as military preparations continue.
As Israel and Iran continue trading strikes, the fear is no longer just about bilateral conflict but a potential chain reaction that could pull in global powers and destabilize the entire region. The UK’s latest military moves underline both the seriousness of the crisis and the high stakes involved—not only for the Middle East but for international security at large.
