BICOM

The Guardian newspaper reported yesterday that the UK is stepping up its contingency plan to prepare for a potential military strike on Iran. The report says that the UK is concerned over Iran’s plans to develop nuclear capabilities and that the US may decide to move ahead quickly with its plan to strike an Iranian target.  According to the report, British officials indicated that if the US moves ahead with a plan it would seek assistance from the UK military.

 

In preparation plans the Guardian report said that the UK military are examining the best locations where it could deploy Royal Navy ships and submarines equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles in the next few months. The Ministry of Defence, according to the report, also believe that the US may seek permission from the UK to use Diego Garcia, a British Indian Ocean Territory, to help with an attack. British Defence Officials told the Guardian that, “the window opportunity is closing and that the UK needs to do some sensible forward planning.”

 

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Ehud Barak is currently in London on a state visit and meeting with British National Security Advisor Sir Peter Ricketts. Iran is believed to be at the top of the agenda for Barak’s meetings. In related news, the British military chief Sir David Richards visited Israel this week as guest of IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Benny Gantz.

For the full Guardian article click here