The UK Ministry of Defence has issued a fresh statement on British military activity in the Middle East, confirming that the United States is now using UK bases for what it calls “specific defensive operations” intended to stop Iran firing missiles across the region.

The MoD said those operations are “putting British lives at risk” — a clear acknowledgment that UK facilities and personnel could be drawn further into the conflict’s spillover, even if London is not joining offensive strikes.

While Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly said the UK will not take part in offensive action inside Iran, the MoD said RAF Typhoon and F-35 jets are continuing missions across Jordan, Qatar and Cyprus, as well as the wider region, framed as activities carried out “in defence of British interests and allies.”

The ministry also said a Merlin helicopter is being sent to the region to provide additional airborne surveillance and to bolster defensive capabilities.

The update follows reports that HMS Prince of Wales has been placed on advanced readiness to sail from Portsmouth, signalling that the UK may be preparing for a larger maritime posture if the conflict widens further.