Sir Keir Starmer is ramping up the UK’s military presence in the Middle East, dispatching four extra Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar to protect British citizens and forces amid escalating conflict with Iran.
Starmer Stands Firm Despite Trump’s ‘No Churchill’ Jab
Delivering a statement from Number 10, the prime minister defended his choice not to join the US and Israeli strikes against Iran, despite sharp criticism from Donald Trump, who labelled him “no Churchill.”
Starmer said the game changed once Iran started firing missiles at Gulf states housing UK nationals and military bases, including an RAF base in Cyprus that was recently hit.
“I am satisfied we can keep our people safe,” Starmer asserted. “Four more Typhoon jets will join the RAF squadron in Qatar.”
He confirmed anti-drone Wildcat helicopters will arrive in Cyprus tomorrow, while HMS Dragon is set for Mediterranean deployment as tensions escalate.
Rescue Mission Underway for 140,000 Brits in Danger Zones
The prime minister revealed an intense evacuation effort is ongoing, with 4,000 Britons already flown home on commercial flights from the UAE.
First charter flights from Oman have taken off after yesterday’s delays. Starmer vowed:
“It is not going to happen overnight. But we will not stop until our people are safe.”
Ukraine’s Drone Tech Could Be a Game-Changer in the Gulf
The US and Gulf allies are scrambling to secure Ukraine’s cutting-edge drone interception tech to counter a surge of Iranian Shahed drone attacks.
- Ukraine’s low-cost interceptors have proven effective against tens of thousands of Iranian drones launched by Russia in Ukraine.
- Leaders from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait have held talks with President Zelenskyy about possible cooperation.
- The Pentagon is reportedly keen to buy the technology, as Gulf states rely heavily on costly Patriot missile systems.
Zelenskyy insisted that any deals would not compromise Ukraine’s defence or diplomatic efforts to halt Russia’s invasion.
Fresh Strikes and Rising Danger
Israel and Iran continued a brutal exchange of missile and drone attacks into the sixth day of the conflict.
Recent Iranian drone strikes hit targets near an airport and school in Azerbaijan, sparking official protests from Baku. Meanwhile, Israel retaliated by targeting missile launchers and defence sites inside Iran.
Italy plans to send air defence systems to Gulf allies, and Canada hasn’t ruled out joining the conflict.
Donald Trump was handed a free hand for further military action after US lawmakers rejected a resolution to limit presidential war powers against Iran.
US Tanker Set Ablaze in Gulf by Iranian Attack
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for hitting a US oil tanker this morning, leaving it in flames in the sensitive Strait of Hormuz.
Tasnim News Agency reported the vessel is “currently burning,” with the Guards warning Iran would control the vital shipping lane during wartime. The Strait is a crucial artery, channelling about a fifth of the world’s oil through the Persian Gulf.
Recent drone strikes have crippled maritime traffic, with oil shipments to Europe, the US, and Asia severely disrupted.
A Maltese-flagged container ship was recently hit near Oman, forcing its crew to abandon ship as tensions skyrocket.
This is the latest in a rapidly intensifying crisis putting Britons, global oil markets, and international stability on edge.
