On February 28, 2026 (today), the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, confirmed that British aircraft are active in the Middle East as part of defensive operations to protect UK personnel and allied forces in the region.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the UK did not participate in the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier in the day but has increased patrols to safeguard its strategic interests following retaliatory actions by Tehran, according to The Independent.
According to the government, security at British bases in the region has been raised to the highest level. Prime Minister Starmer condemned the Iranian regime for its aggressive actions while urging all parties to seek de-escalation.
The UK government also advised British nationals in the region to shelter in place and rely on official guidance for their safety, highlighting the seriousness of the current regional tensions.
These developments come in the aftermath of US-Israeli “pre-emptive” strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program, which have significantly escalated security concerns across the Middle East.
