British Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced today (Sunday) that the deployment of extra military aircraft to the Middle East is a “precautionary step” aimed primarily at protecting British bases and personnel in the region.
Speaking to Sky News, Reeves emphasized that while the UK could support Israel in its conflict with Iran, the immediate goal is defense and preparedness.
Reeves acknowledged past British assistance to Israel during rocket attacks and noted, “We are sending equipment to protect ourselves and also perhaps to support our allies.” She also called for de-escalation to reduce regional tensions.
The announcement comes amid escalating hostilities, with Iran recently launching a new batch of missiles toward Israel and the Israeli military reporting strikes on over 80 targets in Tehran overnight.
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride came out in support of the move, while at the same time stressing on the need for de-escalation in the region.
Reeves said the UK government is “very concerned” about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Stride said he supported Israel’s decision to strike Iran “on the basis” that the “intelligence” showed Iran was close to a viable nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, was quoted as saying, “Iran has no intentions to get into a diplomatic solution here”.
Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, director of Iranian think tank DiploHouse, was asked whether the UK’s decision to send more jets to the region will make it a target of Iran.
“(The UK’s jets) have not been involved yet. Just sending fighter jets doesn’t mean that they are involved,” Gholamzadeh said.
