Explosions rocked the night near the British Akrotiri Air Force base in Limassol, Cyprus. Staff were told to stay clear of windows and take cover amid fears of a possible attack.
Drone or Missile? Dramatic Footage Shows Object Crashing Near Base
Unverified video appears to capture a projectile—likely a drone or an intercepted missile—crashing near Akrotiri’s horizon. If confirmed, this could be a dangerous escalation, pulling Britain deeper into the volatile Middle East conflict.
While the UK did not partake in recent deadly strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, British jets did shoot down an Iranian drone targeting Qatar.
Starmer Greenlights US Defensive Strikes from UK Bases
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has permitted the US to launch defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites from UK bases. Teaming up with France and Germany, the UK promised to shield allies from Iran’s relentless drone and missile assaults.
“Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them and it’s my duty to protect British lives,” Starmer said.
“We have British jets in the air, coordinating defensive operations that have already intercepted Iranian strikes. The only way to stop the threat is to destroy missiles at source — in their storage depots or launchers.”
Starmer assured the move complies with international law, promising to publish a summary of the legal advice. He stressed the UK has learned from past mistakes, committing only to limited, targeted defensive action.
Middle East Fury Grows as UK Plans Mass Evacuations
Iran has fired ballistic missiles and suicide drones at US allies including Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Israel. At least 10 have died in Israel, alongside Gulf civilians caught in the crossfire.
The UK is preparing to evacuate at least 94,000 Britons stuck in the region due to rising airspace closures and escalating security threats.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed two missiles were launched near Cyprus but stressed they likely weren’t aimed at the island.
The Ministry of Defence added that an RAF Typhoon jet based in Qatar shot down an Iranian drone heading for Qatari airspace, protecting British interests.
Starmer’s Full Statement on UK’s Role
“Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained the UK was not involved in strikes on Iran. That remains the case.
Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region targeting countries who did not attack them, hitting airports and hotels where British citizens are staying.
We have at least 200,000 Brits in the region — residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. I ask all in the region to register their presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.
We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations already intercepting Iranian strikes.
The US requested to use British bases for a specific and limited defensive purpose — to destroy missiles at source. We have accepted to prevent innocent civilians and British lives being put at risk.
This decision is based on collective self-defence of allies and protecting British lives, aligned with international law.
We are not joining strikes but will continue defensive actions in the region.
We will also bring counter-drone expertise to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones.
We remember Iraq’s mistakes and have learned. We were not involved in initial strikes on Iran and will not join offensive action now.
But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy, so we support collective self-defence to protect British people in the region.”
As tensions spike, the UK braces for a precarious stand-off that could drag the Middle East conflict into even darker waters.
