London, 5 March: The conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has entered its sixth day in the Middle East. In response, government rescue flights and British Airways commercial flights from Muscat have begun bringing stranded British citizens back to the UK.

With the number of flights and commercial air traffic in the region reduced, Muscat has become a key departure point. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government has announced two additional government-chartered flights, one of which will leave Oman on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, two more British Airways flights will carry passengers from Muscat to London Heathrow. Around 138,000 British nationals are currently in the Middle East.

Sir Keir stated that the UK’s special relationship with the United States will continue. Despite criticism from President Trump, the UK will maintain security and military coordination with the US. In response to Iran’s retaliatory actions, the UK has granted limited permission for US forces to use British bases, although RAF jets have not directly participated in strikes against Iran.

To ensure security in the region, HMS Dragon is being sent to Cyprus, though the ship is not expected to arrive until next week. Additionally, Wildcat helicopters have been deployed to counter drones. France has also sent its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle along with escorting frigates.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported an explosion on a tanker near Kuwait, though the crew is safe. Separately, a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The conflict has increased uncertainty in Middle Eastern oil and gas supplies. The UK has also deployed military experts with experience from the Ukraine war to provide advice and monitoring in the region.