WW3 tensions rise as Iran makes chilling threat to UK amid ongoing conflict

Iran made a threat that British military bases in the region could be targeted after the conflict between Iranians and Israelis erupted into reciprocal missile strikes.

Israel launched a series of strikes at Iran earlier this week, targeting nuclear research facilities and killing some of Iran's high-profile military leaders.

A retaliation from Iran followed in the form of strikes, some were intercepted by Israeli defence systems but other weapons made it through.

There were further strikes from Israel which struck energy infrastructure in Iran, including an oil refinery, and US President Donald Trump suggested that Israel would launch more weapons until the country agreed to a deal over nuclear development.

Iran has said that the missile strikes are a 'declaration of war' and that other countries helping block its retaliation on Israel would be considered targets as well, which includes the UK.

Israel launched missiles at Iran and there have been multiple exchanges since then (Stringer/Getty Images)

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for a de-escalation of the conflict, though more military assets including jets have been moved to the region.

The Foreign Office has also issued a travel advisory telling Brits they should not go to Israel, warning that the conflict between Israel and Iran is 'a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks' which 'has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning'.

The government has insisted that the UK sending more jets to the Middle East does not mean Britain is at war and is just a 'precaution'.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the UK has 'not been involved in these strikes or this conflict', and that the jets were sent to protect 'important assets in the region'.

Iranian state media said that US, UK and French military bases and ships in the region could be targeted if those countries helped Israel.

Iran has retaliated against Israel, and threatened that UK bases and ships could also be targeted (MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

The UK has a naval support facility in Bahrain where a Type 23 frigate and some mine hunting vessels are stationed.

Meanwhile, the RAF already had jets stationed in the Middle East as part of Operation Shader which continues action against ISIS.

While both the US and UK have insisted that they did not participate in the missile strikes and Israel acted unilaterally, Trump threatened Iran by saying that if it struck the US in any way then the 'might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before'.

Starmer's message was less threatening, as the prime minister said: "The message is: de-escalate.

"We do have long-standing concerns about the nuclear programme Iran has. We do recognise Israel’s right to self-defence. But I’m absolutely clear that this needs to de-escalate. There is a huge risk of escalation for the region."