The United Kingdom has launched an unprecedented consular operation to support hundreds of thousands of British nationals stranded in the Gulf as Iranian missile strikes intensify across the region. More than 76,000 people, most of them in the United Arab Emirates, have registered their presence with the Foreign Office, which is preparing potential evacuation plans if regional airspace remains closed. For now, citizens are being advised to stay put, follow local authority guidance and monitor official travel updates.

The crisis follows escalating military action between Israel, the United States and Iran, including airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with missile attacks across neighbouring countries and against American military targets, resulting in civilian and military casualties. British officials say no British nationals have been killed or injured, although around 300 British troops were stationed close to an Iranian strike in Bahrain.

The United Kingdom has not participated in the strikes on Iran but has carried out defensive actions, including intercepting Iranian drones. While the Government has condemned Iran’s retaliation and urged a return to negotiations, it has declined to state whether it supports the initial strikes or considers them lawful, drawing criticism from opposition parties on both sides of the political spectrum.