Extra UK jets after Iran threat

EXTRA British fighter jets are being deployed to the Middle East as the Israel-Iran conflict last night teetered on the brink of all-out war.

- BY ASHLEY COWBURN Deputy Political Editor, in Ottawa, Canada and SIMON MURPHY

Keir Starmer announced additional military support as he urged the two nations to de-escalate the aggression.

It came as Iran was said to have warned it will target UK, US and French bases in the region if they help prevent strikes against Israel.

Tehran launched retaliatory attacks against Israel on Friday night after Tel Aviv's strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on Thursday night. In a ratcheting up of tensions, Israel's defence minister said “Tehran will burn” if Iran keeps firing missiles.

Speaking as he flew to the G7 meeting in Canada, Mr Starmer described the extra military help as “contingency support”.

It is understood aircraft began deployment preparations on Friday.

The UK already has RAF jets in the region as part of Operation Shader combating ISIS.

The Prime Minister said: “I will always make the right decisions for the UK and our allies.

“We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support in the region. I will be clear-eyed in relation to our duties and obligations and my duties as prime minister.”