British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on Saturday confirmed the deployment of fighter jets and other military resources to the Middle East amid rising hostilities between Iran and Israel.
Speaking to reporters aboard his flight to Canada for the G7 summit, Starmer said, “We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support.”
The UK prime minister revealed he had recently spoken with both United States President, Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, following Israel’s early Friday strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.
Those attacks have reportedly led to dozens of casualties, including senior commanders in Iran’s army and Revolutionary Guards, as well as civilian deaths.
In retaliation, Iran launched a wave of drones and missile attacks on Israel late Friday into Saturday.
Describing the situation as “fast moving” and “intense,” Starmer emphasized that the UK is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts. “We’re having ongoing discussions with our allies all of the time, both myself and (foreign minister) David Lammy… who also spoke to the Iranians,” he stated.
“Our constant message is de-escalate, and therefore everything we’re doing, all discussions we’re having are to do with de-escalation.”
Starmer characterized his Friday conversation with Netanyahu as “good and constructive,” noting that it “included discussions about the safety and security of Israel.”
Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary David Lammy also expressed concern over the overnight hostilities.
“We must urgently de-escalate & prevent any further harm to civilians,” Lammy posted on social media, adding that he had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “to urge calm.”
