Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the RAF shot down “a number” of Iranian attack drones in defence of Israel on Saturday night.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK sent “additional planes” to the region as part of missions already under way against Isis in Syria and Iraq.
The jets were given permission to shoot down any Iranian missiles or drones as part of the missions, meaning where they were operating near Syrian and Iraqi airspace, rather than over Israel.
Sunak said the UK participated in an “international coordinated effort” to intercept the missiles and drones fired.
He went on to describe Iran’s attack as “dangerous and unnecessary escalation which I’ve condemned in strongest terms”.
He added that the “fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate” had the attack been successful.
It is feared that Israel will retaliate, with Iran threatening larger attacks if Israel were to retaliate.
Israel’s Prime Minister addressed his nation in a speech, asserting that “we will win”.
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Sunak urged those involved to have clear heads, adding that the UK will be working alongside its allies to de-escalate the situation.
Both he and his US counterpart, Joe Biden, reaffirmed their commitment to defending Israel, with Biden and his Vice-President, Kamala Harris, referring to it as “ironclad”.
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Source Agencies
