Keir Starmer calls emergency Cobra meeting as UK confirms it played no part in strikes on Iran

A Government spokesman said: “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.

This morning, the United States and Israel conducted a "joint operation" against Iran, motivated by the nation's reluctance to denuclearise, the nations have claimed.

Since then, attacks have been carried out across Iran, with Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia reporting retaliatory attacks.

Just before 7am GMT this morning, explosions throughout Tehran were reported, with Israel confirming a "pre-emptive attack" had taken place.

Shortly after, President Trump posted an eight minute video on Truth Social, confirming "major combat operations" had begun in Iran.

The US President said: "We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon."

He further claimed Iran had "rejected every opportunity" to make a deal.

Iran since then has launched retaliatory strikes in the region, with Israel declaring a "red alert", with civilians heading to bunkers.

Bahrain has been hit, with images from the nation depicting huge plumes of smoke, with reports from Dubai of missile interceptions, as well as reports from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan that they have either been hit by or intercepted missiles.

The British Government has said “we stand ready” amid the joint the growing conflict in the Middle East.

A spokesman said: “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.

“As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.

“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.”

It is not yet known if the British Government was made aware of the attacks before they happened.

Dame Emily Thornberry said today on BBC Radio 4's Today show that she doesn't think there is a "legal basis" for the attacks.

The chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee also said the UK should resist being drawn into the unfolding conflict, "unless we're attacked ourselves".

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK has said he's praying "for the right outcome" as he called on the Prime Minister to "change his mind".

He wrote on X: "As the American attacks against this evil regime in Iran begin, I pray for the right outcome for the wonderful Persian people.

"The Prime Minister needs to change his mind on the use of our military bases and back the Americans in this vital fight against Iran!"

Kemi Badenoch has declared she stands with the US and Israel.

She wrote on X: "I stand with out allies I stand with our allies in the US and Israel as they take on the threat of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its vile regime.

"The same regime that carries out attacks on the UK and on our citizens, that seeks to build nuclear weapons that would threaten our country and that brutally repressed pro-democracy protests only months ago and murdered thousands of its own people.

"Under my leadership, the Conservative Party will always put our national security first and work with our allies to make the world a safer place."