Aftonbladet reports that a deadly drone fired from Iran was disrupted by British military forces defending allies in the Middle East. According to sources, a one-way attack drone had been launched by Iran towards Iraq, and UK forces successfully engaged the drone, reports indicate. The engagement occurred as RAF Typhoons and F-35 jets continued to conduct defensive sorties across the region, reports say.
The specific type of drone launched by Iran and its exact target or intended impact in Iraq remain unknown. This incident follows heightened tensions in the region, including an attack by drones earlier in the week on an RAF base in Cyprus. France and Greece have already deployed military assets to defend Cyprus, according to reports.
In response to the escalating situation, the UK government has taken several military measures, reports indicate. The Prime Minister later allowed US forces to use British bases for limited defensive operations, according to sources. The £1billion Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon is heading to the Mediterranean, but is only expected to set sail in the next few days, reports say.
A Merlin helicopter is due to arrive in theatre, further strengthening our ability to detect aerial threats, according to sources. The aircraft can fly a mile in height and give more advanced warning of incoming drones, reports indicate. The MoD is also increasing the preparedness of aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and reducing the time it would take to set sail, according to sources.
However, no decisions have been taken to deploy the warship, reports say. These actions come amid political controversy in the UK. Sir Keir Starmer has attracted widespread criticism for not initially backing the US-Israeli bombing on Iran, which began last week and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to reports.
Many have slammed the PM’s move as too little, too late – not least US president Donald Trump, who has unleashed a barrage of insults against his one-time ally, reports indicate. Trump was quoted as saying, 'We don’t need them any longer. But we will remember.
' according to sources. Sir Keir has defended his decision not to permit the US to use British bases in the opening assault against the Tehran regime, suggesting it could have been unlawful, reports say. The legal justifications or international law considerations behind this decision are not specified.
He spoke to Mr Trump by phone on Sunday in a bid to repair the damaged special relationship, according to sources. The current status of diplomatic relations between the UK and Iran following this drone incident is unknown.