Starmer deploys warship to Cyprus as Trump declares Iran talks ‘too late’

British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has ordered the deployment of Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon and equipped helicopters to Cyprus, stepping up the UK’s antiaircraft posture amid escalating tensions betwixt the United States and Iran.

The determination follows an Iranian drone onslaught connected the British subject basal astatine RAF Akrotiri.

The authorities besides confirmed plans for a charter evacuation formation from Oman to assistance British nationals successful Gulf states, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stating that 130,000 citizens person registered their beingness successful the portion with the Foreign Office.

Sir Keir said: “The UK is afloat committed to the information of Cyprus and British subject unit based there.

We’re continuing our antiaircraft operations, and I’ve conscionable spoken with the president of Cyprus to fto him cognize that we are sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities, and HMS Dragon is to beryllium deployed to the region.

We volition ever enactment successful the involvement of the UK and our allies.”

The Type 45 destroyer’s deployment underscores Britain’s increasing engagement successful a situation triggered by US and Israeli rocket strikes connected Iran implicit the weekend, which reportedly killed elder figures including Iran’s ultimate leader, Ali Kha...