LONDON, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Britain has said it "stands ready" to protect its interests in the Middle East and does not wish to see any further escalation into a wider regional conflict, according to a government statement Saturday.
"As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests," a government spokesperson said, following "major combat operations" against Iran launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday.
The government added that 24/7 consular assistance is available to British nationals in the region.
According to BBC, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency COBRA security meeting on Saturday morning.
The British government said Friday that its staff in Iran had been "temporarily withdrawn" and its embassy continues to "operate remotely."
In updated travel advice, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advised against all travel to Iran. ■