President Trump has indicated that the military campaign against Iran could last for approximately four to five weeks. This statement follows Iran’s ongoing retaliatory actions in response to strikes by the US and Israeli forces, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has escalated across the Middle East, with Iran targeting various countries such as Cyprus, Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar with missiles and drones.
Iran has successfully hit US bases and key military and economic targets. Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran’s First Vice President, has issued a warning of a potentially severe offensive operation in retaliation for the airstrikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and three of his family members.
The Israeli Air Force deployed over 200 fighter jets, marking the largest deployment in its history. Israel conducted strikes on around 500 targets, including anti-aircraft batteries and missile launch sites.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that the UK is not directly participating in the strikes on Iran. However, the UK has granted permission for the US to utilize British bases, including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, for defensive operations against Iranian missile capabilities. Starmer emphasized the need to protect British lives and support Gulf partners in countering threats from Iran.
The UK’s involvement is focused on defensive actions and providing expertise to assist Gulf partners in defending against Iranian drones. The decision to allow the US to use British bases for defensive purposes is based on collective self-defense principles and the protection of British lives.
