According to UK media reports, Britain is planning to place dozens of fighter planes in a military base currently used by the United States and France near Abu Dhabi in the event warfare erupts with Iran.

The Independent reported last week that Britain was positioning warplanes in the Gulf as a confrontation with Iran over its nuclear program becomes increasingly likely, adding the UK clarifies it is not taking part in any assault against Iran but it has decided to boost its military presence in the region.

Defense Secretary Philip Hammond is quoted as saying last week that the EU must be prepared to “take a bigger role in relation to North Africa and the Middle East”.

The move is viewed as a confidence building measure by US commanders, and The Independent adds Britain wants warplanes in the region in the event Iran plans to block the Strait of Hormuz, which is a traffic lane for 40% of the world’s oil supply.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement: “The UK regularly deploys Typhoon to UAE as part of our routine exercise program and to demonstrate our military commitment to UAE and the security of the wider region. We have a mutual interest with our GCC [Gulf] partners in ensuring peace and stability in the region, and exercises such as this allow us to practice working together.”

Britain has urged Israel to exercise restraint numerous times regarding Iran, fearing an Israeli offensive may spark regional conflict and instability.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)