The United Kingdom has deployed its Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the UK Ministry of Defence said. The move, at Qatar’s invitation and under the UK-Qatar Defence Assurance Agreement, is described as defensive and aimed at strengthening regional security amid rising concerns over possible conflict linked to Iran.
The deployment of the joint UK-Qatari No. 12 Squadron accompanies a broader Western military buildup in the Gulf, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group heading to the Middle East as part of a US force posture meant to deter escalation.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the partnership supports stability in the region.
