UK Defence Minister Jon Gheel has confirmed that Iranian missile attacks in response to US-Israeli strikes included two ballistic missiles launched towards Cyprus. He stated that it is now almost certain these missiles were not aimed at the Mediterranean island.
In an interview with the BBC, Gheel noted that a military base in Bahrain, which was targeted by missiles and drones, housed 300 British personnel, some of whom were within a few hundred yards of the strikes. He emphasized that these attacks illustrate the increasing threat posed to British military and civilian personnel by a regime that is becoming more indiscriminate and uncontrollable in its actions.
Gheel indicated that the UK is taking measures to prevent further regional escalation, with British aircraft remaining airborne throughout Saturday and into the night. However, he clarified that the UK did not participate in the US-Israeli strikes against Iran.
During a conversation with Sky News on Sunday, Gheel highlighted that defensive forces in the Middle East have been strengthened in collaboration with the United States. He stated, “We are conducting these combat sorties. We are intercepting drones that pose a threat to our bases, our personnel, or our allies.”
Two British military bases are located on the island of Cyprus. On February 28, Israeli forces conducted strikes on Iranian territory. Shortly after, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington had initiated “large-scale military operations” against Iran.
In retaliation for the US and Israeli strikes, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps launched several waves of drones and ballistic missiles towards Israel. Additionally, Iran targeted several Middle Eastern countries hosting US military bases, with reports of explosions in Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Explosions were also heard in Tehran today.
UK Defence Minister Jon Gheel has reported that Iranian missile strikes targeted areas in the Middle East, highlighting the risks to British personnel. The UK is enhancing its defensive measures in collaboration with the US, while remaining uninvolved in recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran.