Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair an emergency Cobra meeting on Wednesday amid growing international anxiety over a possible US military strike on Iran, as Britain continues to push for calm in an increasingly volatile Middle East.
Returning from the G7 summit in Canada, Starmer is expected to convene ministers and senior security officials to review the UK’s position and prepare its response to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The emergency meeting reflects Downing Street’s increasing concern that the conflict could widen if the US decides to support Israel’s military action.
Despite having expressed confidence on Tuesday that the US would avoid joining Israel’s bombing campaign, Downing Street on Wednesday declined to echo Starmer’s earlier remarks. This hesitation comes as Donald Trump’s administration signals a hardline posture, deploying military assets in the region and issuing mixed messages on direct involvement.
One of the most sensitive matters confronting the UK is whether to permit American use of British territory to carry out potential strikes. Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean is a territory that falls under UK sovereignty. Recent leasing agreements with Mauritius reaffirm British control, meaning any launch of B-2 stealth bombers from the base would require UK approval if aimed at Iran’s underground nuclear facility in Fordow.
Fordow’s site, hidden beneath 80 to 90 metres of mountainous terrain, would likely be a target should the US proceed with pre-emptive action against Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Although Washington could bypass UK airspace and launch directly from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, a lack of British support would send a strong political signal of disapproval.
A similar requirement for UK consent would apply to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where American B-2 bombers are based in Europe. However, military analysts suggest this is a less likely launch point due to logistical constraints.
Starmer to Chair Urgent Cobra Meeting on Iran
UK officials have consistently reiterated that Britain is not expected to engage directly in military action unless extraordinary circumstances arise. The deployment of Typhoon fighter jets to the region is currently focused on securing UK assets rather than contributing to any offensive strike.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions in Starmer’s absence, emphasized Britain’s commitment to diplomacy.
“The one thing I will say is we agree with President Trump that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, but we’ve been consistent in urging Iran to engage in the diplomatic process and work with the United States, and we continue to support that diplomatic approach.”
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has updated its guidance to British nationals in Israel, advising them to remain in place and stay close to shelter. This advisory stands even as the families of UK diplomatic staff were evacuated from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Tuesday evening.
A spokesperson for Downing Street clarified that family members of British embassy staff were “temporarily withdrawn as a precautionary measure,” and that embassy personnel remain operational. Despite ongoing advice for British citizens not to leave, officials noted that commercial travel to border crossings was still available, albeit impacted by intermittent security alerts.
“First and foremost, this is a fast-moving situation. We’re keeping all our advice under constant review, and the FCDO continues to plan for a variety of developments. As you’d expect, the safety and security of British nationals is our top priority.
“Our key message to British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories is to follow the advice of local authorities on staying close to shelter.”
No 10. spokesperson
Downing Street confirmed that de-escalation remains the UK’s overriding goal. This comes amid Donald Trump’s unexpected early departure from the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington, further underscoring the urgency surrounding the evolving crisis.
