UK Deploys Additional Fighter Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Iran-Israel Tensions

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom is sending additional military assets, including fighter jets, to the Middle East as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday while en route to the G7 summit in Canada, Starmer said the move was part of contingency plans aimed at stabilizing the increasingly volatile region.

“We’re moving assets to the region, including jets, and that’s for contingency support in the region,” Starmer stated.

The UK already maintains a military presence in the Middle East, primarily supporting coalition efforts against terrorist threats in Syria and Iraq. However, the latest deployment reflects growing concern in London over the worsening security situation following a sharp uptick in hostilities between Iran and Israel.

According to defence sources, preparations for the additional deployment began on Friday after intelligence assessments suggested that the regional situation was deteriorating rapidly.

This decision comes less than 48 hours after a dangerous escalation saw Iran launch a barrage of missiles targeting multiple locations in Israel late Friday and into early Saturday. In response, the Israeli military has carried out dozens of retaliatory airstrikes on Iranian positions in recent days.

The UK government has previously expressed alarm over the intensifying conflict and urged both sides to de-escalate. Saturday’s announcement, however, marks a shift toward active contingency readiness.

Military analysts suggest the redeployment may involve support for allied surveillance operations and the protection of key assets and personnel in the region.

More updates are expected as Prime Minister Starmer meets with other world leaders at the G7 summit to discuss the global implications of the Iran-Israel confrontation.