Sir Keir Starmer has convened the Government's emergency committee as missile strikes escalate across the Middle East following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. The two countries described their action as a pre-emptive effort to halt Tehran's nuclear weapons development, prompting retaliatory missile launches from Iran targeting Israel and other locations in the region.

The United Kingdom confirmed it was not involved in the strikes and called for de-escalation to prevent a wider regional conflict. The Government reiterated its support for a negotiated solution to Iran's nuclear ambitions and said its immediate priority is the safety of British nationals. Travel to Israel has been warned against, while citizens in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have been advised to shelter in place.

Tensions had been mounting after recent failed talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear programme. Critics, including the chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, warned the strikes could further destabilise the region and put shipping routes, oil facilities and military bases at risk, raising concerns about unpredictable consequences.