Likelihood of UK joining Iran-Israel war explained after US bombs major nuclear sites
Tensions in the Middle East have reached new heights this weekend after Donald Trump launched several strikes on Iran, with people now left wondering whether the UK will be soon to follow suit.
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social following the shock move, calling it a 'very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites' as he said the US has 'totally and completely obliterated' the facilities.
Iran had been accused by the West of building its own nuclear weapons, with the US deciding to act despite the president telling press on Friday (20 June) that he would take two weeks to decide whether or not to take action.
But following a series of hectic events over the past 48 hours, 12 30,000 pound bombs were fired at Iran's nuclear facility in Fordow, with an additional 30 Tomahawk missiles hitting the nation's two other sites at Natanz and Isfahan.
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It was what the president called a 'spectacular military success', though it is unclear what Iran's next move will be.
But given Iran's foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the US' actions 'will have everlasting consequences', it's not looking good.
Amidst all the chaos though, it has to be asked - will the UK be getting involved? Here's everything we know.
What has been happening in Iran?
While relations between Iran and Israel have been tense for a while now, the two nations have begun firing missiles at one another over the past week, sparked after Israel launched a large-scale attack on nuclear targets in Iran last week.
Iran then fired back, with some of its bombs being intercepted by Israel's defence systems, while others managed to make it through.
Israel hit back with more strikes aimed at Iran's energy infrastructure, as President Trump suggested that the former launch more weapons until a deal was struck with Iran over nuclear development.
The West has long suspected that Iran has been developing weapons of mass destruction, which primarily drove Trump's decision to fire missiles at its bases.
Iranian state media said that US, UK and French military bases and ships in the region could be targeted if they were to help Israel.
What has Trump said about Iran?
Following the US' attack last night, Trump took to Truth Social, writing: "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordo.
"All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors.
"There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter."
The president also threatened to hit Iran again with more severity, branding it as 'the world's No.1 state sponsor of terror' in an address to the nation.
Trump, 79, added that no other military in the world could have accomplished what the US did on Saturday night, thanking his team of advisers.
It comes after Trump previously insisted Iran would face 'the full strength and might of the US armed forces' if it were to strike any American bases.
What has Keir Starmer said about Iran and could the UK get involved?
Following the US' bombing attack in Iran, Keir Starmer stated that 'Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security'.
"Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat," he continued.
"The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority.
"We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis."
British government officials have been stressing the UK wasn't involved in Israel's missile strikes on Iran, and it's long been highlighted that the UK's stance amid the conflict has been diplomacy and de-escalation, though this doesn't mean the nation won't be involved in the conflict.
Back in 2003, the nation joined the US in a military campaign against Iraq to get rid of its 'weapons of mass destruction'.
People have long wondered what the nation's role will be in this conflict over two decades on, despite the UK calling for a de-escalation along with its other G7 allies.
An anonymous senior figure told the BBC: "Europe is pretty irrelevant in all this."
President Trump has even said in the past: "Iran doesn't want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one."
Another source claimed via the publication: "Britain doesn't have a strategy or a plan for Iran. It looks at Iran through the point of view of Israel or Gaza but doesn't look at it in its own right, so that's a problem."
However, it should be remembered that the UK has military bases in and around the Middle East, which could be involved in some capacity.
Where are the UK's military bases around the Middle East?
Diego Garcia
The small island Indian Ocean base could be used by the US as a base for the B-2 heavy bombers, though they would need permission from the UK.
The Attorney General, Richard Hermer, is said to have advised the government to keep military involvement to a defensive nature.
Cyprus
The British Armed Forces have two strategic assets on the island, featuring a number of RAF Typhoon jets.
A rapid deployment force has long been set up here for any emergency events in the Middle East.
The Gulf
The UK was more active here in the 1980s, as it now helps to keep the area free of sea mines.
The Ministry of Defence stated that there is one Royal Navy minesweeper in The Gulf.
Topics: Donald Trump, UK News, World News, Iran
Joshua Nair