UK strengthens military footprint in Middle East, Mediterranean amid regional tensions

The UK has ramped up its military presence in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, focusing on bolstering support for Israel amid escalating regional tensions.

This move comes as Iran and its allies prepare for potential retaliation following the recent assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In response to the ongoing conflict, the UK has significantly increased its air force operations in the region, maintaining a vigilant stance since the Gaza attacks that began on October 7 of the previous year. This escalation in military support reflects the UK's commitment to protecting Israel and addressing the broader regional instability.

Following the targeted killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut, the UK's attention is now focused on Iran's potential response.

In support of Israel, Britain has enhanced its military presence, including the deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales, one of the UK's aircraft carriers, which is being readied for deployment to the Middle East.

The UK’s military operations in the region are supported by a significant presence of around 4,000 troops stationed in various locations, including the Mediterranean and the Middle East. This number has been bolstered since last October, with British forces engaged in fighting Houthi rebels and supporting Israel against Iranian-backed attacks.

On Cyprus, the UK’s most visible presence is concentrated in the southern part of the island, where the British military operates from 17 sites, including firing ranges and surveillance stations. RAF Akrotiri, a key operational base, plays a central role in air operations and has been instrumental in supporting Israel's Gaza operations. Despite ongoing criticism, the UK has continued to enhance its military logistics and support efforts from Cyprus.

In addition to its activities in Cyprus, the UK operates from facilities in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, including the Al Udeid Air Base, which is the largest U.S. base in the region and hosts CENTCOM. These deployments support operations across Iraq, Syria, and Libya, as well as regional air monitoring.

In Saudi Arabia and Oman, the UK maintains a strategic presence to support operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. While the exact number of troops in Oman is not officially confirmed, the UK is reported to have around 1,000 personnel there, with a smaller presence in Kuwait and Jordan.

Despite these military commitments, the UK faces criticism over its arms sales to Israel, especially amid ongoing attacks on Gaza. Human rights groups have condemned the UK's failure to halt arms exports to Israel, accusing it of complicity in alleged war crimes. The UK has approved over 100 export licenses for arms and military equipment to Israel, with 345 licenses reported as of May.

As the situation continues to evolve, the UK remains focused on supporting its allies and addressing the complex dynamics of the Middle Eastern conflict.