Britain has stepped up preparations for the possible deployment of a major naval asset to the Middle East as tensions continue to rise following U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, according to a report by Sky News.

The report said the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has been placed on a higher state of alert, reducing the time required for the ship to deploy from 10 days to just five.

Stationed in Portsmouth and equipped to operate F-35 fighter jets, the carrier could be dispatched more quickly if British leaders decide to strengthen the country’s military presence in the region. Sailors assigned to the vessel have reportedly also been notified that a deployment may be forthcoming.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said Britain has already been reinforcing its forces in the Middle East since the beginning of the year. The buildup has included the deployment of Typhoon and F-35 aircraft, air defense systems, and roughly 400 additional personnel to Cyprus.

British military aircraft have also been participating in efforts to intercept drones since the latest escalation began.

In a statement posted on social media Saturday, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that American forces have begun conducting what it described as “specific defensive operations” from British bases designed to block potential Iranian missile launches.

The ministry added that Royal Air Force Typhoon and F-35 jets continue to fly missions over Jordan, Qatar, Cyprus, and other parts of the region to safeguard British interests and support allied nations. Additional monitoring capabilities, including a Merlin helicopter, are also being deployed.

Separately, Sky News reported that a U.S. Lockheed C-5 military cargo plane landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire earlier today. The arrival marked the fifth U.S. military aircraft to land at the base in recent days, indicating an increase in American logistical activity in the U.K.

The developments come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces growing questions about Britain’s involvement in the conflict. Starmer has previously stated that the U.K. is not participating in offensive strikes against Iran and has emphasized that British operations are focused on defensive missions and supporting allies.

“Any U.K. actions must always have a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan,” Starmer said in the House of Commons on Monday.

President Donald Trump was quick to express his dismay at Britain’s perceived lack of commitment.

“It’s very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was,” Trump said this week regarding the frail relationship between the two nations.

Some critics have pointed to what they view as contradictions between those statements and the government’s acknowledgment that American forces are operating from British territory, as well as Britain’s increased military deployments in the region.

Opponents argue that allowing U.S. military activity from U.K. bases could draw Britain further into the conflict.

British officials maintain that the steps taken so far are defensive in nature and aimed at protecting British personnel, allies, and regional stability. Still, the decision to shorten the deployment readiness of HMS Prince of Wales highlights that London is leaving open the possibility of a larger military role should the crisis deepen.

{Matzav.com}