Your cart is currently empty!
The United Kingdom is ramping up its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional Royal Air Force (RAF) jets, including Typhoon fighters and air-to-air refueling aircraft, in response to a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the deployment on Saturday, describing it as “contingency support across the region” amid a “fast-moving” and volatile situation.
Sir Keir emphasized that the UK’s primary objective remains de-escalation, telling reporters, “Our constant message is de-escalate, and therefore everything we’re doing, all discussions we’re having, are to do with de-escalation.” He made these remarks en route to the G7 summit in Canada, where leaders from major world powers, including the US, France, Germany, and host nation Canada, are expected to prioritize the spiraling Middle East conflict in their deliberations.
The prime minister also held a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where the two discussed matters of trade and security, including the latest developments in the Middle East. Both leaders will join their counterparts in Alberta for the three-day G7 summit.
The UK’s military build-up comes amid intense fighting between Israel and Iran, which has prompted concerns of a broader regional war. Over the weekend, Iran launched another wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes from the Israeli military. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, issued a stark warning, stating, “Tehran will burn” if attacks from Iran continue.
UK Sends More RAF Jets to Middle East as Tensions Escalate Between Israel and Iran
The situation has already claimed dozens of lives. Iranian state television reported at least 60 fatalities in Tehran from Israeli strikes, while Israeli officials confirmed three deaths and multiple injuries from Iranian missile attacks. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed an even “more severe” response should Israel not back down.
In light of these developments, UK officials have not ruled in or out the possibility of British jets being used in support of Israeli operations. When pressed on whether the UK would assist Israel militarily, Sir Keir avoided specifics, saying, “I had a good and constructive discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu… about the safety and security of Israel, as you would expect between two allies.”
While the UK is clear in its support for Israel’s right to self-defence, it has also reiterated concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “We’ve had long-standing concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme,” Starmer stated, a sentiment echoed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
Reeves defended the decision to deploy military assets, saying it would be a “dereliction of duty” not to act to protect UK personnel and interests in the region. “It’s right, as a precautionary measure, to send assets including jets,” she said. She clarified that while the UK has helped defend Israel from attacks in the past, it has not participated in offensive strikes. “Those two things are very different,” she said.
Chancellor Reeves also urged British nationals in the region to heed updated travel advice. On Sunday, the Foreign Office issued a new warning, advising against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It cited the “fast-moving situation that poses significant risks” and urged those already in the region to follow guidance from the Israeli government and its Home Front Command.
Meanwhile, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride voiced support for the government’s decision, describing the deployment as “the right thing to do.” He emphasized the need to protect British military assets, particularly in light of Iran’s threats. “We’ve got assets out there that need to be protected, given Iran has suggested they might be under threat,” Stride said.
When asked whether he supported Israel’s recent strikes, Stride said, “Yes, on the basis that we can’t allow Iran to become a nuclear power.” His remarks reflect growing bipartisan consensus in the UK on confronting Iranian aggression while working to prevent the spread of conflict.
Back in the diplomatic arena, Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday afternoon. “They discussed the gravely concerning situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need to de-escalate,” a spokesperson said.
Efforts to defuse tensions have suffered another setback as Oman, a key mediator between the West and Tehran, confirmed that scheduled nuclear talks between the US and Iran have been cancelled. The diplomatic stalemate raises fears that the crisis could deepen, with wider repercussions for global stability.
As the G7 summit begins, world leaders face mounting pressure to coordinate an effective response that balances support for regional allies with efforts to avoid a catastrophic conflict. The UK’s increased military posture underscores the seriousness of the crisis — and the fragile path the world now treads between deterrence and diplomacy.