Sir Keir Starmer will conduct an emergency meeting in light of the unfolding events in the Middle-East to which the British Government has said it played no part in.
It is understood the UK was not involved in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with the Prime Minister soon to chair a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee.
A Government spokesman said: “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.
This morning, the United States and Israel conducted a “joint operation” against Iran, motivated by the nation’s reluctance to denuclearise, the nations have claimed.
Since then, attacks have been carried out across Iran, with Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia reporting retaliatory attacks.
Just before 7am GMT this morning, explosions throughout Tehran were reported, with Israel confirming a “pre-emptive attack” had taken place.
Shortly after, President Trump posted an eight minute video on Truth Social, confirming “major combat operations” had begun in Iran.
Sir Keir Starmer is due to call a COBR (Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms) meeting
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GETTY
The US President said: “We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”
He further claimed Iran had “rejected every opportunity” to make a deal.
Iran since then has launched retaliatory strikes in the region, with Israel declaring a “red alert”, with civilians heading to bunkers.
Bahrain has been hit, with images from the nation depicting huge plumes of smoke, with reports from Dubai of missile interceptions, as well as reports from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan that they have either been hit by or intercepted missiles.
Smoke pluming from Bahrain on Saturday
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REUTERS
The British Government has said “we stand ready” amid the joint the growing conflict in the Middle East.
A spokesman said: “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.
“As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.
“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.”
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