London, Yiannis Haniotakis

The processes within the British government are feverish as fears that the United States may launch a military blow against Iran. The involvement scenarios are being considered, with Prime Minister Kir Starmer convening an emergency committee meeting on Wednesday Cobraimmediately after his return from the G7 summit.

At the heart of the discussions was found how the country would respond to a possible US demand for military support.

Foreign Minister David Lamy goes to Washington to meet with his US counterpart, Marko Rubio, reinforcing the speculation that the use of the United Kingdom – USA will be put on the table on the Diego Garcia island in the Indian ocean.

This base often hosts US B-2 Spirit bombers, the only ones that can carry the “bunker buster” bombs that are considered to be able to hit Fordo’s underground nuclear complex in Iran. Any military use of the base requires London’s consent.

Earlier this year, the United Kingdom granted the administrative ownership of the Chagos islands in Mauritius, in an agreement under which the United Kingdom will pay £ 101 million a year for the next 99 years to secure its presence at Diego Garcia.

It is also open to request the use of the British base in Cyprus to refuel US aircraft.

However, Attorney General Lord Hermer has expressed legal reservations, stressing that any involvement in the United Kingdom should be defensive.

The government is considering a lot scenarios: From complete abstinence, to a limited support or even full participation in a possible military operation. The most likely option seems to be a limited involvement, in the hope that Trump may be persuaded not to move on, as long as there is another “window of opportunity”, as the Times in London notes.

Meanwhile, British Armed Forces are on a state of increased alert, as there are concerns about possible attacks on British forces in the region. Fourteen Typhoon fighters have already parked in Cyprus to protect the country’s staff. Although Typhoon is already operating above Iraq and Syria in the framework of the Shader operation against the Islamic State, they can be used to protect the British forces or even targeted blows.

It is noted that the British citizens in Israel have been informed to follow the “local advice” and to remain in the country, after the Foreign Ministry evacuated members of the Embassy’s staff, saying it was temporary and a “preventive measure”, with the staff remaining at the Embassy.

“This is a rapidly evolving situation. We are constantly examining all our tips and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to prepare for a variety of developments, as one would expect, “a government spokesman said.