UK Defence Secretary Denies Involvement in US-Israel Iran Strikes
British Defence Secretary John Healey revealed Sunday that two Iranian missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus, where the UK maintains military bases, amid escalating tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. While Healey stated the missiles were not believed to be intentionally targeting Cyprus, he emphasized the incident demonstrated the “indiscriminate” nature of Iran’s retaliatory attacks.
The revelation came as Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a Cobra meeting to address the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. Starmer confirmed that RAF fighter jets are currently engaged in defensive operations, flying “in the sky today” to protect allied interests from potential Iranian retaliation. The RAF has deployed Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar to safeguard al-Udeid airbase and other military facilities in the region, and has bolstered deployments to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus with additional F-35s, air defence systems, and counterdrone technology.
Healey likewise disclosed that approximately 300 UK military personnel were located near targets struck by Iranian missiles and drones in Bahrain. The UK did not participate in the initial US-Israeli strikes against Iran, but is actively working to protect its assets and allies in the region.
The strikes on Iran, which reportedly killed Iranian Defence Minister Major General Amir Hatami, were described as a preventative attack by Israeli officials. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, and US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. These attacks resulted in casualties, including the deaths of nine people in Israel and three US service members, according to reports.
The UK Foreign Office is currently developing plans to evacuate tens of thousands of British citizens stranded in the Middle East, with the majority of those registered as being in the United Arab Emirates. Approximately 76,000 people have registered their presence in the region with the government following the outbreak of hostilities.
President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides stated that Prime Minister Starmer had assured him that Cyprus was not a target in the escalating conflict. However, President Christodoulides also appeared to express some doubt regarding the initial reports of missile threats, stating that authorities were closely monitoring developments.
The situation remains fluid, with Iran continuing to vow revenge for the killing of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. The UK government has not yet commented on the potential for further escalation or the long-term implications of the strikes.