Refermer News Network reported on June 16 that according to a report from the Financial Times website on June 14, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on the 14th that Britain is dispatching fighter jets and other military aircraft to the Middle East. Iran had previously threatened that if Britain supports Israel, Iran would attack Britain's bases in the Middle East.

Starmer said this move is an "emergency" measure to support regional security, but hinted that Britain may also provide defensive support to Israel in the standoff between Israel and Iran.

When asked about Iran's threat, Starmer told reporters, "We are deploying (military) assets to the region, including jet fighters, to provide emergency support to the region."

Starmer refused to discuss issues related to this operation, stating that the situation is "tense" and "developing rapidly."

According to informed sources, when Iran launched the first wave of retaliatory attacks against Israel late on the evening of the 13th, Britain did not participate in Israel's defense operations.

The Iranian state media said on the 14th that if Britain, France, and the United States help Israel in any form, these countries' bases in the region may be attacked. Britain currently has access to multiple bases in Qatar and the UAE, as well as a facility in Bahrain.

Starmer said he had a "good and constructive" discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 13th, which included discussions on "Israel's security and assurance."

Starmer will fly to Canada to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa, then go to Alberta for the G7 meeting. He emphasized that Britain urges all parties to avoid further conflict.

Starmer said, "Our message is: de-escalate the situation. We indeed have long-term concerns about Iran's nuclear program. We do recognize Israel's right to self-defense. But I am very clear that the situation needs to be de-escalated. There is a huge risk of escalation in the region."

The British government said as part of emergency measures, Britain will deploy "fast jet aircraft" and "tanker aircraft" to the Middle East. These military aircraft began preparations for deployment on the morning of the 13th, when the situation in the region was clearly deteriorating.

Britain had previously deployed Royal Air Force jet fighters in the region as part of the UK's "Shader" operation to combat remnants of the Islamic State organization.

Starmer said he discussed de-escalation issues with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 13th and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia on the 14th. He said he would conduct more calls with leaders of various countries during his flight to Canada.

According to TASS reports on June 14, U.S. Defense Secretary Hackett said in an interview with Fox News Channel that the United States has transferred some of its air defense systems deployed in Ukraine to the Middle East.

Hackett said, "I have been attending hearings on Capitol Hill all week. One question I was asked was, 'Have you sent some equipment to counter unmanned aerial vehicles from Ukraine to the Middle East?' I replied, 'Yes.' We are using every resource we can obtain to protect our personnel in the region and around the world."

In addition, according to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration has redirected components of the air defense systems originally intended for Ukraine to meet the needs of U.S. Air Force in the Middle East. It was reported that the Pentagon "quietly" informed the Senate Armed Services Committee that this move was called an "urgent task" by the Defense Secretary. (Compiled/Hu Guanghe, Liu Yang)

British Royal Air Force jet (AFP file photo)

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516346101314617868/

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