LONDON — British citizens in Gulf countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE have been advised to “shelter in a secure location” following reported missile attacks linked to Iran, as tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies escalate rapidly.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel guidance, urging caution due to missile exchanges and volatile conditions. Travel to Iran, Israel, and the Palestinian territories has been strongly discouraged because of closed airspace and heightened risks.
In response to the crisis, the UK has temporarily withdrawn diplomatic staff from Iran while continuing to operate the British Embassy in Tehran remotely to maintain contact with British nationals.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an emergency COBRA national security meeting to coordinate the UK’s response. While Britain did not participate in the recent U.S.–Israeli military strikes on Iran, officials confirmed that defensive capabilities have been strengthened in the region to protect British interests and allies.
The UK reiterated its long-standing policy that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, stressing the importance of non-proliferation and regional stability. Officials emphasized the UK’s commitment to negotiated solutions and efforts to prevent further escalation into a wider Middle East conflict.
Domestically, the UK faces political debate over its stance: some opposition figures have called for a stronger condemnation of U.S. and Israeli strikes as unlawful and destabilizing, while senior Conservative voices have supported allied actions against Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs.
