London

The British government on Saturday said it did not participate in the joint strikes launched by the US and Israel on Iran, calling for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation of the conflict into the wider region.

Downing Street said Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair an emergency ministerial Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (COBRA) meeting to discuss bolstering the UK's defensive capabilities in the region.

A government spokesperson said the immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region, who will be provided consular assistance 24/7.

“Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution,” the spokesperson said.

“As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.

“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict,” the spokesperson said.

The additional defensive capabilities deployed earlier this year by the UK were to its Sovereign Base Areas, including radar systems, counter-drone systems, F-35 jets, and ground-based air defence.

In January, Britain also deployed Typhoon jets to Qatar from the Royal Air Force (RAF) joint Typhoon squadron for “defensive purposes.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued urgent advice for British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE to “Shelter in Place”.

“Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,” the FCDO alert states.

It has also updated its travel advisory due to the ongoing regional tensions to recommend “against all but essential travel to Israel and Palestine.”

READ MORE: Temple serves Sehri to Muslim Mahout

“We continue to recommend against all travel to parts of Israel and Palestine. British nationals are advised to review these changes and consider travel accordingly. Travel Advice is kept under regular review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals,” it states.

The UK had withdrawn its embassy staff from Tehran on Friday amid reports of imminent air strikes, which came after days of build-up with US President Donald Trump ramping up the pressure on Iran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.