As tensions intensify in the Middle East, the United Kingdom has ramped up its military preparedness in the region to protect its national interests and support its allies, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has confirmed. Addressing Members of Parliament, Lammy outlined the UK’s strategic response to the escalating volatility sparked by the fallout from recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Lammy stated that the UK’s military posture is at its highest level in the region, with Royal Air Force Typhoon jets and air-to-air refueling aircraft already deployed to provide contingency support. The foreign secretary emphasized that while the UK has not taken part in the American military operations, it remains deeply concerned about the potential threat to British citizens, military personnel, and strategic assets in the area.

“The UK will always defend its people, facilities, and interests—as well as those of our allies and partners,” Lammy said, as per reported. He added that while immediate military action might delay nuclear progress, it cannot erase the technical knowledge Iran has gained over decades.

The heightened readiness comes in the wake of Iran’s vow to retaliate against the United States following the strikes, raising fears of a broader conflict. Although Lammy refrained from commenting directly on the legality of the U.S. action, describing it as “a matter for the former Trump administration,” he acknowledged that the intent of the strikes was to deter a significant threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He urged Iran to de-escalate and return to the negotiating table with the United States, stressing the need for diplomacy over warfare. “Strikes alone cannot eliminate Iran’s capacity or intent to build a nuclear weapon,” Lammy warned.

The foreign secretary also briefed MPs on efforts to protect and assist British nationals caught in the crisis. He confirmed that 63 UK citizens had been evacuated from Tel Aviv to Cyprus via Royal Air Force transport, with further evacuation flights underway. Additionally, one British citizen had reportedly been injured during recent Iranian missile attacks on Israel. The UK has also issued a shelter-in-place advisory for British nationals in Qatar, citing potential threats to the Coalition Air Operations Centre at Al-Udaid Air Base.

In media interviews earlier in the day, Lammy described any potential Iranian military retaliation—particularly targeting U.S. bases or attempting a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—as a “catastrophic mistake” with dire consequences for regional stability and international security.

However, Lammy’s cautious and noncommittal tone drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel accused the government of failing to take a clear stance, suggesting it was “sitting on the moral fence” during a major international crisis. “The public deserves clarity on whether the UK supports military efforts to counter the Iranian threat,” she said.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller took the opposite view, condemning U.S. and Israeli military actions as “disproportionate” and warning that they could further destabilize the region. He criticized the UK government for not openly condemning what he called “a breach of international norms.”

Despite the criticisms, Lammy maintained that the UK’s priority is to encourage de-escalation while being prepared for all eventualities. He reiterated the government’s belief that sustainable peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved through force alone, but through committed diplomacy and adherence to international law.

As global tensions remain on edge and the situation continues to evolve, the UK government is carefully balancing its security responsibilities with its diplomatic obligations. Lammy’s approach reflects the broader challenge facing Western governments: defending national and allied interests without inflaming a volatile geopolitical landscape.