It seems that the ongoing Middle East crisis may intensify in the coming days, as the United Kingdom (UK) has announced the deployment of four additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced this while speaking at 10 Downing Street in London.
Starmer said the aircraft would join UK forces already stationed in Qatar to strengthen Britain’s defence presence in the region.
He explained that the UK had already moved defence assets, including air-defence systems, to Qatar in January and February to ensure British forces were prepared for any potential escalation.
Starmer also said Britain had used aerial refuelling aircraft to support allied operations and that London was responding to additional requests for assistance from partners in the region.
The UK had previously allowed the United States to use British military bases, but not for direct strikes against Iran.
However, Starmer has now confirmed that the United States has been permitted to use British bases for operations related to Iran. He clarified that British forces are not directly involved in combat, and that the UK’s role is limited to defensive support and logistical assistance.
On the other hand, France has granted US forces access to its bases in the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, France stated that the temporary arrangement is intended to help protect its partners in the Gulf.
An official from France’s Joint Defence Staff stated that the country has authorised the temporary presence of U.S. aircraft at “specific bases.”
The move comes as the US is conducting a joint campaign with Israel against Iran.“Given the current context, France has requested that the resources involved not participate in any US operations in Iran, but remain solely dedicated to supporting the defence of its partners in the region,” the official said.
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