UK says its fighter jets helped deter further escalation in Middle East

PHOTO CAPTION: A British Royal Air Force FGR4 Eurofighter Typhoon refuels above Kuwait, Nov. 5, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jerreht Harris via U.S. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain said two of its fighter jets and an air-to-air refuelling tanker played a part on Tuesday in attempts to prevent further escalation in the conflict in the Middle East, but that the jets did not engage any targets.

"Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker played their part in attempts in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, demonstrating the UK's unwavering commitment to Israel's security," Britain's Ministry of Defence said on X.

"Due to the nature of this attack, they did not engage any targets, but they played an important part in wider deterrence and efforts to prevent further escalation."

Iran on Tuesday fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. Israel vowed a "painful response" against its enemy.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, when asked if Britain was prepared to use its military to help Israel defend itself, said on Tuesday Israel had the right to self-defence.

(Reporting by Muvija M, writing by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James and Catarina Demony)