On Tuesday, June 17, the UK Defense Minister John Khili said that in the coming days, additional British fighters and other aircraft would be sent to the region.
He reported this during a speech in the analytical center in London, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel is a "dangerous moment for the entire region."
“We always supported Israel's right to security and expressed serious concern about Iran’s nuclear program,” Hili said, adding that “diplomatic settlement, and not military operations, is the only way to steady stability.”
According to him, the first Typhoon fighters, which were previously announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have already arrived in the region, and the rest of his forces will follow in the coming days. Heil noted that the protection of the British military forces in the region is now “at the highest level”.
“This operational response measure is aimed at protecting our personnel, strengthening the confidence of the allies and confirming the urgent need for de -escalation,” he emphasized.
On Sunday, June 15, British Prime Minister confirmed that the country has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East. The radar data indicate an increase in activity from the Royal Air Force base in acrotiri (Cyprus) in recent days, including flights in the Levantian Sea and Jordania airspace.
Although the official representatives of the British bases in Cyprus refused to confirm or refute the fact of the placement of new aircraft, it is obvious that the base of acrotiri plays a key role in the current strengthening of the presence of Great Britain in the region. In addition, the country has access to bases in the UAE (al-Minhad) and Qatar (al-Udeid).
Later on the same day, the British Foreign Minister David Lammy said in parliament that the British bases in Cyprus are “extremely important at the moment,” emphasizing that London is not involved in Israeli’s blows, but continues to play a role in the fight against terrorism and strengthening regional security.
Answering the question of the parliamentarian from the Green Party about the goals of sending additional fighters to the region, Lammy said that this was a precaution. “It would be irresponsible not to take into account all possible scenarios in this intense time,” he said.
He also emphasized that “special importance” represents the fulfillment of the UK of its international obligations. According to him, tension is felt not only in Israel, but also in Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and in Cyprus.
For its part, the Chancellor of the Treasury Rachel Reeves noted that the UK is ready to protect both itself and its allies. She recalled that forces have already been directed to protect the interests of Britain in the region.
The decision to strengthen the British presence was made against the backdrop of threats from Iran against the UK, the USA and France that their bases and ships may become a goal if they intervene in the Israeli-Iranian conflict. At the same time, London insists that he did not participate in the blows of Israel and did not help in protection against Iranian fire.
The constant representative of Great Britain at the UN Barbara Woodword rejected the charges of Russia of using the British bases in Cyprus, calling them “nonsense” and criticizing the spread of misinformation in such a tense time.
Cyprus was already used as a launch pad last year, when the British Typhoon and Voyager refueling aircraft were involved in ensuring Israel's safety after Iran missile attack in October.
The Minister of Khili was also on the island and emphasized that the actions of the British forces were aimed at preventing further escalation of the conflict and the protection of the Allies.
“Great Britain fully supports Israel’s right to protect its territory and its people,” he concluded.
Source: Cyprus-Mail.com
