0h 10min, feb 28, 2026 y - UK Joins Defensive Operation

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The prime minister has spoken to Donald Trump after the US and Israel launched strikes across several Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran.

Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement earlier that British planes were "in the sky" in the Middle East as part of a defensive operation "to protect our people, our interests and our allies" - something he reiterated in the call with the US president.

The US-Israeli strikes were launched after negotiations to limit Iran's nuclear programme ended without a deal. The UK did not participate.

Sir Keir also released a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany on Saturday, calling for Iran to "refrain from indiscriminate military strikes".

Sir Keir said in his speech that he wanted to see "peace and security" in the Middle East and the "protection of civilian life".

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