British Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lamy said there was a legal basis for British Air Force (RAF) strikes from Akrotiri in Limassol against Iranian missile installations as long as they were used for attacks on British interests in the Middle East.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Lammy said that RAF F-35 and Typhoon fighters were already operating in the area, shooting down missiles and drones launched by Iran against British allies. He clarified, however, that so far the operations have been limited to defense missions, but stressed that there is the possibility of more direct action against Iranian bases from which attacks are launched.
"It is perfectly legal to protect our people and our staff. In such circumstances, we have the full range of operational capabilities at our disposal," he said. He also added that the UK has satellite and intelligence capabilities to locate Iranian military installations.
Britain has already given the United States permission to use British military bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile installations. Defense Secretary John Healy did not rule out the involvement of British aircraft in attacks against Iran, noting that in any conflict actions must be adjusted according to the development of the situation.
London has come under criticism from allies for its response to the crisis, particularly in relation to the defence of Cyprus and the RAF base in Akrotiri, which was attacked by a drone. At the same time, the air defense destroyer HMS Dragon is expected to be deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean in the coming weeks to strengthen the air defenses of the region.
At the same time, efforts to repatriate British citizens from the conflict zone continue. The first repatriation flight chartered by the British government arrived in the UK early on Friday from Oman, while more than 140.000 British citizens in the region have declared their presence to the Foreign Office.
