Russia's ambassador to the United Kingdom has declared that Moscow is 'not neutral' in the conflict between the United States and Iran, stating that Russia supports Tehran. Andrey Kelin said Russia maintains a strong relationship with Iran but claimed that no request for direct assistance had been made since air strikes began more than a week ago.

The remarks came after an Iranian drone struck a British airbase in Cyprus, reportedly using a Russian-made navigation system previously identified in drones used in Ukraine. British defence sources are examining recovered components amid allegations that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran to help target American forces in the region. While President Donald Trump said he had seen no clear indication of Russian assistance, British military leaders said they had little doubt intelligence sharing was taking place.

The attack has intensified political debate in Britain over the government's response. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer initially resisted allowing the United States to use British bases for strikes on Iran, later permitting limited defensive operations. Critics have accused him of acting too slowly, while the government says it is increasing military readiness but has not yet decided whether to deploy an aircraft carrier to the region.