UK Foreign Office issues travel advice to Brits in Middle East as Trump confirms 'major combat operation'

Brits in the Middle East have been issued a warning after missile strikes were reported in the region.

Explosions could be heard in Iranian cities today (28 February), as president Donald Trump confirmed that 'major combat operations' were underway.

These strikes also took place after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Iran an 'existential threat' to his nation, though Iran have since responded with strikes of their own.

Aiming for US military bases across countries in the Arabian Gulf, Iran have launched retaliatory strikes on a number of Middle Eastern countries, with the Israeli Defense Forces confirming that missiles had been launched towards Israel.

Speaking after the US launched attacks, Trump said: "A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,

"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," he said, adding that Washington's aim is to 'ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon'.

The President added: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."

Now though, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has issued travel advice to Brits who are in the Middle East, specifically those in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

Taking to social media, they advised: "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."

In another statement on its website, the Foreign office said: “Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we recommend against all travel to Israel and Palestine.

“On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel commenced joint military action in Iran, Israeli airspace has now closed.”

The UK government has highlighted that their priority is 'the safety of UK nationals' in the region, though it is understood that the UK was not involved in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to chair a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee today.

A government spokesperson told the Independent: “Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution.

“Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.”

They added that they have 'a range of defensive capabilities' in the Middle East, as they are are 'ready to protect our interests', adding: “We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.”

Qatar Airways have since suspended all flights to and from its hub Doha, while Emirates and flydubai have followed suit by suspending operations.

There have been weeks of negotiations and talks over Iran's nuclear programme, involving the US, though they proved unsuccessful.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also thanked Trump, saying: “My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.

“I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership.”

Trump went on, saying that US forces were 'undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests'.

He also said that there may be loss of life for US personnel, adding: "The Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties.

"That often happens in war. But we're doing this not for now. We're doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission."