A Royal Air Force Typhoon successfully shot down an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory on 1 March, marking the first British fighter jet kill since the latest outbreak of conflict, as Keir Starmer authorized the United States to launch defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites from UK bases.
The Typhoon jet operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron used an air-to-air missile whilst conducting a defensive air patrol. The Ministry of Defence stated: “The Typhoon jet was conducting a defensive air patrol and used an air-to-air missile to shoot down the drone, ensuring the security of Qatar’s airspace and British interests in the region.”
The Prime Minister confirmed the US can use British bases for “specific and limited defensive purpose” of hitting missile launch sites or storage depots in Iran following what he described as “scorched earth strikes” by Tehran. However, he ruled out taking part in pre-emptive strikes, stating it “remains the case” the UK is not involved in strikes on Iran and will “not join offensive action now.”
Starmer stated: “I want to be very clear. We all remember the mistakes of Iraq. And we have learned those lessons. We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran… and we will not join offensive action now.” However, he claimed the UK is “supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region.”
The decision came after a joint statement on Sunday night with France and Germany, which declared they were ready to defend their interests in the region following “indiscriminate and disproportionate” missile attacks by Iran. The three leaders stated: “We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially fire missiles and drones at their source. We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this.”
None of the three countries participated in Saturday’s Israeli-US strikes which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The so-called “E3” leaders pointedly noted in their earlier statement how they “did not participate” in the US-led “Operation Epic Fury.”
Starmer claimed the authorization was the result of “collective self-defence” of allies and protecting British lives from Iran’s bombardment across the Middle East. He stated: “It is my duty to protect British lives” from Iranian strikes whilst insisting the move was in accordance with international law.
The government stated it would publish a summary of its legal advice regarding the authorization. Defence Secretary John Healey repeatedly dodged questions on whether Britain supports Trump’s decision to launch military strikes against Iran, refusing six times in a TV interview to say if the UK backed the US and Israeli action or if the Government considered it legal.
British F-35B fighter jets have been taking part in defensive operations from Qatar and Cyprus despite the UK not participating in strikes against Iran. The MOD confirmed: “Our Armed Forces are playing a vital role to protect our people, our interests and our Allies.”
The authorization creates a distinction between offensive and defensive strikes, with Starmer claiming hitting missile launch sites or storage depots falls within defensive parameters when conducted in response to Iranian attacks on allies. The publication of legal advice will clarify the government’s interpretation of international law regarding this authorization.
