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Missiles

UK Condemns Escalation in Middle East Amid Ongoing Iran-US Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK has issued a statement condemning any escalation in the Middle East, following Iran's missile attack on a US military base in Qatar and the US strikes on Iran's nuclear program. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Iran to "take the off ramp" and return to negotiations with the US, warning of unpredictable consequences if a diplomatic solution is not reached.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has evacuated 63 British nationals from Israel, with more flights to follow, due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US.
  • The UK has withdrawn staff from its embassy in Iran and is operating "remotely" to ensure the safety of its citizens.
  • Iran's missile attack on a US military base in Qatar was in retaliation for the US strikes on its nuclear program.
  • The US has also carried out air raids on Iran's nuclear facilities using B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched missiles.
  • The UK has deployed additional RAF Typhoon jets to the region to reinforce its posture, deter threats, and reassure partners.
  • The Foreign Office had advised British nationals in Qatar to "shelter in place" after a US security alert.
  • Oil prices have reached their highest level in almost six months due to fears of a regional conflict restricting supply.
  • The US has posted on its Truth Social platform, urging oil prices to remain stable and warning against playing into the hands of the enemy.

Statistics:

  • 63 British nationals were evacuated from Israel on the first flight.
  • 4,000 British nationals had registered their presence in Israel or Palestine with the Foreign Office.
  • 1,000 people had requested a seat on an evacuation flight, representing a quarter of the total registered.
  • The UK has withdrawn staff from its embassy in Iran and is operating "remotely".
  • Oil prices have reached their highest level in almost six months, sparking concerns of supply restrictions.
  • The Foreign Secretary has urged Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, warning of a blockade being "a monumental act of economic self-harm".

Sources:

  • [The UK Government]
  • [Al Jazeera: Iran fires missiles at US military base in Qatar]
  • [BBC News: Iran-US conflict: UK evacuates nationals from Israel]
  • [Guardian: Iran launches missile attack on US base in Qatar after US strikes its nuclear facilities]
  • [i24NEWS: Israeli jets strike targets in Iran amid escalating tensions]
  • [i24NEWS: Iran launches missile attack on US base in Qatar, Israel strikes Iranian sites]

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