28.02.2026 20:16
Following the attacks initiated by the US and Israel against Iran, defense support from the UK has arrived for the Gulf countries where US bases are located, after Tehran carried out retaliatory strikes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that British fighter jets are flying in the skies of the Middle East as part of coordinated regional defense operations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made statements regarding the attacks initiated by the US and Israel against Iran.
"WE HAVE LONG MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE IRANIAN REGIME IS EXTREMELY DESPICABLE"
Starmer, who argued that Iran poses a direct threat to dissidents and the Jewish community even in the UK, stated, "The UK has not played any role in this matter, but we have long made it clear that the Iranian regime is extremely despicable. Just in the past year, they supported more than 20 deadly attacks on UK soil." Starmer emphasized that Iran should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, stating, "Today, I condemn Iran's attacks on its partners in the region. Most of these partners are not parties to this conflict."
"BRITISH PLANES ARE IN THE SKY TODAY FOR THE SECURITY OF OUR ALLIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST"
Expressing that his country provides support and solidarity to these partners, Starmer noted: "As part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defense capabilities in the region and have recently taken steps to strengthen these capabilities. As the UK has done before, our forces are actively engaged as part of coordinated regional defense operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies in accordance with international law, and British planes are in the sky today."
"IRAN CAN END THIS NOW"
Starmer emphasized the vital importance of returning to a diplomatic process aimed at preventing further escalation, peace, security, and the protection of civilian life, stating, "Iran can end this now. They must avoid further attacks." He stated that Iran must abandon its nuclear programs and end the violence and oppression against its people, saying, "The Iranian people have the right to determine their own future in line with the position we have long advocated. This is the path that should be followed for de-escalation and a return to the negotiating table."
WHAT HAPPENED?
While the negotiation process between Iran and the US continues, Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran in the early hours of the morning. The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that Israel has initiated a "preventive strike" against Iran. US President Donald Trump also announced that they have launched a "major operation" against Iran. The attacks targeted the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Qom, Tabriz, Bushehr, Kermanshah, and Ilam. While Israel and Iran closed their airspace, a state of emergency was declared throughout Israel, and sirens were sounded. Warnings were issued directing the Israeli public to shelters before Iran's counterattacks. The Iranian army announced that it has launched counterattacks against Israel with dozens of ballistic missiles and drones in response to the attacks by the US and Israel. Iran targeted simultaneous US bases in countries such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan with missile attacks, while the US naval base in Bahrain was hit.