Britain's Defense Secretary John Healey declined to explicitly support recent air strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, stating that it was for the United States to explain the legal basis for its actions. He emphasized that Britain was not involved in the strikes, though it shares the objective that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.

The strikes reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian state media. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks that Healey described as increasingly indiscriminate, targeting civilian airports, hotels, and military bases.

Healey said Britain has strengthened its defenses in the region and is actively participating in regional defense operations. British aircraft operating from bases in Qatar and Cyprus have been intercepting drone attacks aimed at bases and allied forces.