Starmer Chairs Cobra Meeting Amid US-Israeli Strikes on Iran
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chaired a Cobra meeting in response to the US and Israeli air strikes on Iran.
Explosions were reported across five Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, on Saturday following the collapse of negotiations earlier this week aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear programme.
The UK government confirmed it did not participate in the strikes. A government spokesperson stated the UK would protect British interests in the region and emphasized:
"We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict."
A Cobra meeting is an emergency committee where ministers and officials coordinate the government's response to emerging situations.
The spokesperson added:
"Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution."
They further noted the immediate priority was the safety of UK nationals in the region and assured that consular assistance would be provided.
UK Advisories for Nationals in the Middle East
The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates to shelter in place immediately following reports of missile attacks.
UK nationals in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Oman have been instructed to remain vigilant and take shelter if advised.
Regional Impact and Military Responses
Following the strikes early Saturday morning, explosions and air raid sirens were reported in Doha, Qatar's capital, which hosts a US military facility. Qatar's defence ministry announced it had intercepted Iranian missiles.
Bahraini state news reported that the service centre of the US Navy's 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, had been subjected to a missile attack.
Former US President Donald Trump described the strikes as the beginning of "major combat operations" and called on Iranian government forces to lay down their arms. He urged Iranians to shelter until the operation concluded.
In response, Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) vowed a "crushing" retaliation to the US-Israeli attacks.
Airline Disruptions and Flight Cancellations
Several major airlines serving the Middle East have diverted or cancelled flights due to safety concerns.
British Airways cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday, and to Amman, Jordan, on Saturday. More than 200 passengers on the 20:00 flight to Doha on Friday were returned to Heathrow after the flight was ordered to turn back approximately one-third into the journey.
Virgin Atlantic cancelled a Heathrow to Dubai flight and warned that flights to India, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives may experience delays due to rerouting.
Wizz Air confirmed suspension of all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman through next Saturday.
Qatar Airways announced a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
Heathrow Airport, the UK's busiest, urged travelers to check with their airlines for updates.
Political Reactions
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed support for the US and Israel, stating she stood with them
"as they take on the threat of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its vile regime."
Additional reporting was provided by Matt Cole and Marc Ashdown.
