Britain Refuses to Rule Out Participation of Its Aircraft in Airstrikes on Iran

SadaNews - Minister of Defense John Healey has refused to rule out the participation of British aircraft in airstrikes on Iran.

Healey's statements came in response to a question during his visit to Cyprus regarding whether he rules out participation in airstrikes on the country.

He stated during an interview with Sky News: "As conditions change in any conflict, you must be ready to adapt the action you take," according to the British News Agency (PA Media) on Friday.

He added: "I am doing this by introducing anti-drone helicopters overnight. I will do this in the next two weeks to bring in the destroyer equipped with defense systems of the type 45."

He continued: "I am doing this by enlisting senior planners to help coordinate the type of contributions that other countries are now beginning to provide... the German frigate in the region and the Greek ships that have also joined now."

When asked again whether he rules out the participation of British aircraft in offensive operations over Iran, he said: "Everything we have done has been defensive, legal, and coordinated with other allies."

He added: "This is one of the great strengths that Britain and its allies in NATO, and long-time partners like Qatar, Jordan, and Cyprus have in working with the British."

Healey had met his Cypriot counterpart earlier on Thursday to ease tensions regarding Britain's response to drone attacks on the island.