Starmer confirms military buildup in Middle East as Europe urges restraint

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the U.K. is moving military assets, including jets, to the Middle East in response to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Speaking ahead of the G7 summit, Starmer and other European leaders urged both sides to de‑escalate, warning of wider regional instability. Iran has threatened to strike Western military bases if they support Israel, while calls for diplomatic talks on Iran’s nuclear program have been renewed by Germany, France, and the U.K., Politico has reported. The growing conflict follows Israel’s strikes on Iran and its ongoing war in Gaza, drawing increasing concern from the international community.