05.03.2026 20:06
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that they will send 4 Typhoon fighter jets to strengthen defense operations in Qatar. Starmer emphasized that they do not participate in the attacks by the US and Israel against Iran.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that they will send 4 more Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar.
"UK DECIDES NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN ATTACKS ON IRAN"
During a press conference regarding the recent developments in the Middle East, Starmer emphasized that his country stands behind the decision not to participate in the attacks on Iran by the US and Israel.
Starmer noted that the long-standing position of the UK has been to find a negotiated solution for Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, stating, "That is why I made the decision for the UK not to participate in the initial attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. This decision was a deliberate one."
Starmer stressed that this decision was made in line with national interests and asserted that, even if pressured otherwise, he would remain firmly committed to British values and principles.
"WE ARE RESPONDING TO OUR ALLIES' REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE GULF"
Prime Minister Starmer stated that his country is responding to the "increased requests for assistance" from its allies in the Gulf, saying, "Today, I can announce that we will send 4 more Typhoon jets to our fleet in Qatar to strengthen our defense operations in Qatar and the region."
Starmer noted that the UK took this step to enhance defense operations in Qatar and the region.
The British Prime Minister reported that during January and February, his country moved defense assets, including fighter jets, air defense missiles, and advanced radar systems, to Cyprus and Qatar to ensure "high readiness" before any potential conflict.
"WE GAVE PERMISSION TO THE US TO USE BRITISH BASES"
Prime Minister Starmer indicated that Wildcat helicopters, capable of neutralizing drones, will arrive on the island of Cyprus tomorrow, and that HMS Dragon, considered one of the most advanced ships in the world in air defense, will be deployed to the Mediterranean.
Starmer also explained that the UK has "given permission to the US to use British bases for conducting defense operations," stating, "We will protect British citizens and our allies in the region with this shield."
Starmer expressed that the UK government is working every day to strengthen this shield and to evacuate British citizens from the Gulf countries, mentioning that over 140,000 people in the region have reported their presence to the UK government so far.
In this context, Starmer announced that the first charter flight from Oman, rented to evacuate British citizens from the region, took off just a few minutes ago. He also shared that additional charter flights will be organized in the coming days.
Keir Starmer also noted that more than 4,000 British citizens have returned to their country via commercial flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE US AND UK CONTINUES"
In response to the question, Prime Minister Starmer said:
"The special relationship is continuing at this time. We are working with the Americans on the deployment from our bases. We are working together in the region. The US and UK are working together to protect Americans and Brits at joint bases. As always, we are sharing intelligence 24/7. That is what the special relationship is."
US-ISRAEL ATTACKS ON IRAN
Israel and the US launched a military attack on Iran on February 28 while negotiations were ongoing between Tehran and Washington.
In response, Iran attacked targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, where US bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the US-Israel attacks, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many high-ranking officials were killed.
Iran's Health Ministry Spokesperson Hossein Kermanpur announced that 926 people lost their lives in the US-Israel attacks.