Sir Keir Starmer has convened the government’s emergency Cobra committee as missile strikes escalate across the Middle East after US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Saturday morning.
The US and Israel described the attacks as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.
The attacks across Iran prompted retaliation from Tehran, with missiles reported to have targeted Israel and countries across the Middle East.
It is understood that the UK was not involved in the US-Israeli strikes.
Sir Keir Starmer has convened a Cobra meeting Credit: Scott Heppell/PA
A government spokesperson said the UK did not want to see “further escalation into a wider regional conflict” and reiterated Britain’s support for a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Following the strikes, the Foreign Office has warned against all travel to Israel while embassies in Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE have advised British nationals to shelter in place.
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.
“Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.”
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