UK criticizes Iran’s aggression towards Israel, deploys additional jets to the area
The prime minister and the defence secretary expressed strong condemnation for the attack, labeling it as ‘reckless’ and ‘senseless.’ They emphasized that the UK is collaborating with allies to prevent further escalation.
The UK has denounced the Iranian regime’s assaults on Israel, deeming them “reckless” and “senseless.” They have deployed additional jets and air refuelling tankers to the region to intercept airborne attacks.
An Israeli military spokesperson reported that over 300 attacks were launched on Saturday, including 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari disclosed that 99% of the attacks were intercepted, with some ballistic missiles causing minor damage to an air base and injuring a 7-year-old girl in another location.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, U.S. and British warplanes participated in intercepting Israel-bound drones over the Iraq-Syria border area, with the U.S. military taking down numerous drones and missiles headed for Israel.
In a statement released on Saturday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the Iranian regime’s attack against Israel, emphasizing the risk of escalating tensions and destabilizing the region.
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“These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard,” he reiterated.
The prime minister affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Israel’s security and that of regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.
“We are actively working with our allies to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. The aim is to avoid more bloodshed,” he emphasized.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps also denounced the senseless airborne attack and stressed the importance of maintaining regional security.
Mr. Shapps highlighted ongoing collaboration with Israel and regional partners to deter escalation, urging the Iranian regime to cease destabilising activities immediately.
Additional jets and tankers have been deployed to the region to address the escalating situation.
“In response to the region’s escalation and in collaboration with our allies, the prime minister and I have authorized the deployment of additional Royal Air Force assets. These RAF jets and air refuelling tankers will enhance our existing Operation Shader, aimed at countering ISIS in Iraq and Syria,” he detailed.
“Moreover, these jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions,” he added.
Israeli ministers issued warnings of retaliation against Iran for any attacks on Israel.
U.S. President Joe Biden condemned Saturday’s attacks, attributing them to the Iranian regime and its proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
“To support Israel’s defense, the U.S. military has been mobilized, deploying aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the incredible skill of our servicemembers, we assisted Israel in intercepting nearly all incoming drones and missiles,” he stated.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting of Israel’s war cabinet at a military headquarters in Tel Aviv after Saturday’s attacks.
Israel and Jordan temporarily closed their airspace on Saturday, with Israel resuming its airspace at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday.
The European Union, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, France, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Norway joined in condemning Iran’s attack.
Former President Donald Trump, referencing the airstrikes at a Pennsylvania rally, criticized his Democratic rival, President Biden, and lamented the perceived weakness shown in dealing with the situation.
An emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council has been scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, following requests from Israel’s ambassador.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
