British Defence Secretary John Healey has arrived in Cyprus as the UK intensifies preparations for a possible evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon. The visit comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, with the region facing the risk of broader conflict.
Healey confirmed that British forces were actively involved in defending Israel against an Iranian ballistic missile attack, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s warning about the dangers of further escalation. Starmer expressed concern that any miscalculation could worsen the situation.
RAF jets, including Typhoons, played a key role in intercepting the Iranian missiles, similar to their involvement in a previous operation in April when Iran launched drone and missile strikes at Israel.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Healey said, “British forces have tonight contributed to efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.” Hundreds of British troops, along with RAF and Royal Navy resources, were deployed to Cyprus in preparation for evacuating British citizens from Lebanon as Israel’s ground offensive intensifies.
During his visit, Healey met with his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas, to discuss the unfolding crisis.
On Tuesday, Israel intercepted many of the missiles launched by Iran, while Tehran claimed most of its targets had been hit. No casualties have been reported so far.
Prime Minister Starmer reiterated his concern, stating, “The region is on the brink, and the risk of miscalculation is high.” He pointed to Iran’s continued influence through proxies like Hezbollah, warning that the situation has been volatile for too long.
With the situation worsening, Britons in Lebanon were offered seats on a UK government-chartered flight for £350, while some used scheduled Middle East Airlines services to leave Beirut. However, officials in Whitehall fear that further Israeli military activity could shut down Beirut’s airport, potentially cutting off the most accessible exit route for the estimated 4,000 to 6,000 British citizens in the country.
In such an event, a military-led evacuation from British bases in Cyprus could become the only viable option.
Israel has also ordered the evacuation of 24 more villages in southern Lebanon as it ramps up its operations against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed its fighters forced Israeli troops to retreat after clashes in the border town of Odaisseh.
Iran said its missile strikes were in retaliation for the recent assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.
