British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has ordered the deployment of Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon and armed helicopters to Cyprus, stepping up the UK’s defensive posture amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
The decision follows an Iranian drone strike on the British military base at RAF Akrotiri.
The government also confirmed plans for a charter evacuation flight from Oman to assist British nationals in Gulf states, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stating that 130,000 citizens have registered their presence in the region with the Foreign Office.
Sir Keir said: “The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there.
We’re continuing our defensive operations, and I’ve just spoken with the president of Cyprus to let him know that we are sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities, and HMS Dragon is to be deployed to the region.
We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.”
The Type 45 destroyer’s deployment underscores Britain’s growing involvement in a crisis triggered by US and Israeli missile strikes on Iran over the weekend, which reportedly killed senior figures including Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and destroyed key military assets.
While Sir Keir has resisted direct participation in offensive operations and initially restricted US use of British bases, RAF aircraft were later launched to protect UK interests and regional partners.
The US was subsequently permitted to use bases for defensive purposes.
The move has drawn criticism from Donald Trump, who questioned Britain’s level of support. Speaking at the White House, he said: “This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with.”
Earlier, Mr Trump told The Sun he was “very sad” that his relationship with Sir Keir is “obviously not what it was”.
Despite the remarks, the prime minister has maintained that UK-US ties remain solid, telling MPs: “I stand by my decision.”
Based in Portsmouth, HMS Dragon recently underwent a refit and previously operated in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.
Commanded by Commander Iain Giffin, the vessel carries around 200 personnel and is equipped with advanced air-defence systems, missiles, naval guns and electronic warfare technology.
Opposition figures have challenged the timing of the deployment. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge asked: “It begs the question: why wasn’t she already there?” Former defence secretary Gavin Williamson also criticised the delay, calling it “very, very poor planning.”
Meanwhile, Ms Cooper said additional defensive measures had already been reinforced in Cyprus, including radar systems, F-35 fighter jets, air defence assets and counter-drone capabilities.
France is also reportedly considering sending air-defence systems and a naval frigate to the region.
Starmer deploys warship to Cyprus as Trump declares Iran talks ‘too late’
