British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will deploy additional fighter jets to the Middle East as tensions escalate amid the ongoing war involving Iran.
Speaking during a briefing on the regional conflict, Starmer said four additional Typhoon jets will be sent to join the Royal Air Force squadron already stationed in Qatar, aimed at reinforcing defensive operations and protecting allied forces across the region.
“I can announce today that we’re sending four additional Typhoon jets to join our squadron in Qatar to strengthen our defensive operations in Qatar and across the region,” Starmer said.
The prime minister also confirmed that Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone capabilities are scheduled to arrive in Cyprus, as the UK seeks to respond to recent drone attacks targeting the island.
Despite the reinforcement, Starmer resisted calls for Britain to join the United States directly in the conflict. The decision has drawn criticism from former US president Donald Trump, who accused the British leader of lacking wartime leadership.
Starmer said he has not spoken with the US president since Saturday evening but insisted the long-standing “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States remains active.
Separately, the first UK-chartered evacuation flight carrying British nationals departed from Oman after an overnight delay caused by difficulties boarding passengers, officials said.