https://arab.news/gu3mn
Since last Friday, the hostilities between Israel and Iran have intensified, with both sides locked in continuous attacks. In response to this growing instability, the UK moved quickly to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional Royal Air Force jets, including Typhoons and air-to-air refuelers. This precautionary measure is part of London’s efforts to safeguard its interests and protect its personnel, particularly after Iran threatened to target Western bases should the UK, US or France intervene in its operations against Israel.
The UK has long maintained a significant military footprint in the Middle East. Permanent bases include a naval support facility in Bahrain, the Duqm logistics base and Al-Musannah airbase in Oman and Al-Minhad airbase in the UAE, as well as RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus. These constitute strategic hubs that support operations across the region.
This presence has significant economic rationale as, since 2010, approximately 60 percent of UK arms exports have gone to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia being the largest buyer. Trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council states is currently valued at £57 billion ($76 billion) annually, with more than £5 billion of that attributed to defense exports.
