Starmer chairs Cobra meeting over US-Israeli strikes on Iran
BBC World
February 28, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra meeting to address the escalating tensions following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. The strikes, which occurred after nuclear negotiations failed to limit Iran's nuclear programme, led to explosions in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran. Iran retaliated with missile attacks, targeting US facilities across the region. While the UK did not participate in the strikes, it has expressed concern over potential regional escalation and is prioritizing the safety of British nationals in affected areas, urging them to shelter in place or remain vigilant.
The situation has caused significant disruption to air travel, with major airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, and Emirates canceling or redirecting flights due to safety concerns. For instance, British Airways suspended services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday and canceled its flight to Amman, Jordan, on Saturday. Similarly, Qatar Airways temporarily halted flights to Doha as Qatari airspace was closed following reports of missile attacks. These disruptions highlight the broader impact of the conflict on global travel and international relations.
The strikes have also drawn mixed reactions from world leaders. US President Donald Trump described the operations as the start of "major combat operations" and called for Iranian forces to lay down their arms. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme National Security Council vowed a "crushing" response to the attacks. In the UK, political leaders expressed solidarity with the US and Israel, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stating her support for their actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, however, prayed for a positive outcome for the Persian people as
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/28/2026