Khaberni - British media announced today, Saturday, that the government has sent 6 "F-35B" fighters to the Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri, Republic of Cyprus, amid rising tensions surrounding Iran amidst intense military and diplomatic activities in the region.
The "Times" newspaper reported that the fighters, which departed from the airbase in Marham, eastern England, yesterday Friday, represent an enhancement of security and defensive preparedness in anticipation of any potential escalation in the Middle East linked to the possibility of a United States attack on Iran.
A report clarified that these aircraft will operate alongside the British Typhoon fighters already stationed at the base, which are currently used in anti-ISIS missions in Iraq and Syria, while the new dispatch aims to support defensive readiness in case the security situation deteriorates sharply.
This move comes amidst increasing tension between Washington and Tehran, with the resumption of talks between the American and Iranian delegations in Oman during this week, in their first official meeting after months of disputes and escalation.
Although both sides described the talks as a good start, disagreements over the scale of the Iranian missile program and the framework of discussions still exist, amidst a significant American military escalation in the Gulf and mutual warnings of hostile acts, including an announcement from the United States about sending a strong naval fleet to the region.
These movements reflect concerns that any American attack on Iran could broaden the scope of conflict in the Middle East, prompting London to bolster its military presence to ensure the protection of its bases and interests in the region concurrently with any direct military action against Tehran.
