British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has indicated that the UK could support Israel in defending against Iranian missile threats, though she emphasized that the recent deployment of

British military jets to the Middle East was primarily to safeguard UK forces and bases in the region.

In an interview with Sky News, Reeves described the deployment as a "precautionary move" aimed at protecting British interests, while also leaving the door open for assistance to allies. "We have, in the past, supported Israel when there have been missiles coming in," she said.

Reeves called for de-escalation in the ongoing conflict and noted that the UK is prepared to defend itself and, if needed, assist its partners. "We’re sending in assets to both protect ourselves and also potentially to support our allies," she added.

The UK previously played a defensive role in aiding Israel against Iranian missile and drone attacks. In April, British aircraft intercepted Iranian drones targeting Israel. A similar operation took place in October, when British fighter jets and a refueling tanker were mobilized in response to an Iranian missile threat, though they did not engage any targets. Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.