United Kingdom involvement in the 2026 Iran war

Common card · No. 289924

Since the beginning of the 2026 Iran war on 28 February, when the United States and Israel conducted joint airstrikes across Iran, the United Kingdom has shot down Iranian drones and missiles over allied countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, Iraq, and Jordan. After a drone struck a British military base on Cyprus, the UK deployed further military assets to the island and began relocating the destroyer HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean. As the conflict spread throughout the region, the UK announced efforts to evacuate its 300,000 citizens in the region. Ahead of the initial US–Israeli strikes, UK prime minister Keir Starmer denied a request from US president Donald Trump to use British military bases. On 1 March, Starmer granted a US request to use UK bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian capabilities; however, his initial refusal created a rift with Trump. The UK was also criticised by Cypriot officials for failing to warn them or prevent the drone attack. Domestic opposition...

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