The RAF shot down "a number" of Iranian attack drones in defence of Israel last night, Rishi Sunak has confirmed.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK sent "additional planes" to the region as part of missions already under way against Isis in Syria and Iraq.
The jets were given permission to shoot down any Iranian missiles or drones as part of the missions, meaning where they were operating near Syrian and Iraqi airspace, rather than over Israel.
The jets were filling in for US planes that would otherwise have been taking part in the Iraq/Syria mission, so that American aircrafts were freed up to focus on the Israeli mission.
Sunak described Iran's attack as "dangerous and unnecessary escalation which I've condemned in strongest terms"
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Sunak said the UK participated in an “international coordinated effort” to intercept the missiles and drones fired.
He went on to describe Iran's attack as "dangerous and unnecessary escalation which I've condemned in strongest terms".
He added that the "fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate" had the attack been successful.
The PM thanked the co-ordinated effort in thwarting the Iranian attack, saying: "Thanks to an international co-ordinated effort, which the UK participated in, almost all of these missiles were intercepted, saving lives not just in Israel but in neighbouring countries like Jordan as well."
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Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles towards Israel
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He then urged those involved to have clear heads, adding that the UK will be working alongside its allies to de-escalate the situation.
Sunak also confirmed that he will be speaking to G7 leaders later this afternoon.
This comes after Italy, which currently holds the rotating G7 presidency, called for a virtual meeting to discuss the attack.
It is feared that Israel will retaliate, with Iran threatening larger attacks if Israel were to retaliate.
Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Israeli people and said "we will win"
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Iran sees last night's attack as justified following the bombing of its consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier this month, for which they blame the Israelis.
Iran's Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, stated that among the targets inside Israel was the Israeli Notam Airforce base, where Israeli F35s flew two weeks ago, resulting in the deaths of seven Iranian commanders in the consulate in Damascus.
He asserted that Iran has achieved its objective and has no intention to continue operations.
Iran has since summoned the ambassadors of the UK, France and Germany to question them over what Tehran describes as their "irresponsible" stance in regards to the strikes.
