THE UK is considering a mass evacuation of British nationals from the Middle East and measures to defend the Strait of Hormuz as Iran prepares to “destroy” the global economy.
Defence Secretary warned that British forces must be ready to evacuate Brits if the war between the US, Israel and Iran escalates any further.
Defence Secretary John Healy said the UK was considering a mass evacuation of the Middle EastCredit: PA
Healy also said the UK was drawing up plans to protect key shipping lanes in the regionCredit: PA
US-Israeli strikes continue to batter Tehran and its citizens
Speaking to senior military commanders, he said: “If this conflict worsens, we have to be ready should evacuations be required.”
Healey said he had already spoken with counterparts in the so-called E5 group of European powers – , , and – about potential responses as tensions in the region intensify.
He also revealed the UK is weighing up options to help defend shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz after a string of Iranian attacks on vessels moving through the strategic waterway.
Any increase in Britain’s military presence would build on the current deployment of the destroyer to the region.
However, Healey stressed that the most effective way to reopen the vital passage would be bringing the war to an end.
Whatever steps may eventually be taken, he made clear planning was still in the early stages.
“You should not read into that that we have got some hard options poised to go. But… I am discussing additional options with our planners,” he said.
This warning comes as Iran declared it was prepared for a prolonged conflict that could “destroy” the global economy.
Tensions were underscored when a .
American troops stationed at the base suffered casualties, although no British forces were injured.
Lt Gen Nick Perry, commander of UK global operations, said the US injuries were not life-threatening.
During a briefing with Healey, he said: “All our people remain safe, touch wood, but the Americans took some casualties last night, but nothing too serious.”
Lt Gen Perry also warned there was a “definitive link” between .
The former commander said Tehran had learned from Russian battlefield tactics, making the more difficult to intercept.
Donald Trump has claimed there is very little left to target in IranCredit: AFP
The President went to claim the deadly conflict would end ‘soon’Credit: AFP
“We have seen, definitely, the Iranian tactics of the use of their drones has learnt from the Russians,” he said.
“They are flying them much lower and therefore they are more effective.”
Healey said it was no surprise that “Putin’s hidden hand” was involved.
“,” he said.
“It helps him with a fresh supply of funds for his brutal war in .”
prices have surged since the fighting began – largely because Tehran has , one of the most important choke points in global supply.
Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil passes through the narrow shipping lane.
In an effort to stabilise markets, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said member countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves.
The developments come after claimed the had “practically nothing left to target” in Iran and predicted the war would end “soon”.
Meanwhile, Iran’s new Supreme Leader .
The 56-year-old is reportedly in a coma and has lost a leg while suffering serious damage to his stomach and liver.
Despite his condition, – condemning Iran’s enemies and pledging continued resistance.
Released as a written statement, it declared Iran “will be victorious” and repeated claims they were only targeting American bases in neighbouring countries.
“We send a message to the leaders of the region and emphasise that we are going to have good relations with the countries around us,” the statement read.” the statement read.
“But the existence of the US bases in some of these countries and usage of those bases to attack Iran is not benefiting the region and they must be closed.
“As we said, we are not an enemy of the countries around us, and we are only targeting the bases of those Americans.
Khamenei’s statement also vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed to vessels supplying Iran’s western adversaries and promised retaliation.
“The crime against humanity and against the children… will not be ignored,” the statement added.
Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly been critically wounded in an airstrikeCredit: EPA
Iran’s state TV has read out a statement allegedly from the new leaderCredit: via REUTERS
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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