Foreign Secretary reveals British national injured by Iranian missiles as Government launches emergency evacuation flights amid fears of all-out Middle East war
Sixty-three terrified British nationals were dramatically airlifted out of Israel today as the spectre of all-out war loomed over the Middle East – with Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirming that one Briton has already been injured in the escalating conflict.
The RAF scrambled an A-400M transport aircraft from Tel Aviv to Cyprus as tensions between Israel and Iran reached boiling point, with hundreds of missiles and drones crisscrossing the skies in what’s rapidly becoming the most dangerous regional crisis in decades.
British Casualty Confirmed
In a sombre update to MPs in the Commons, Lammy revealed the human cost of the conflict had already reached British shores. I can confirm today, this includes one British national, injured in Israel,” he told a packed chamber. “We’ve reached out to offer consular support.”
The Foreign Secretary didn’t elaborate on the extent of the injuries or how they occurred, but the announcement underscored the immediate danger facing the thousands of British nationals still in the region.
Emergency Airlift Operation
The evacuation flight touched down in Larnaca, Cyprus, just over an hour after departing Tel Aviv, where passengers were transferred to civilian charter aircraft for the final leg home to Britain this afternoon. But this is just the beginning – Lammy promised more rescue flights would follow “in the coming days, security allowing.
We will prioritise those with greatest need, and contact those allocated a seat directly,” he assured worried families back home.
The operation comes as commercial airlines increasingly avoid Israeli airspace, with many carriers suspending flights to Tel Aviv altogether amid the mushrooming conflict.
‘Take the Off-Ramp’
In what appeared to be a desperate bid to prevent the crisis spiralling further out of control, Lammy issued a stark warning to Tehran about the catastrophic consequences of continued escalation.
“My message for Tehran was clear, take the off-ramp, dial this thing down, and negotiate with the United States seriously and immediately,” he declared. “The alternative is an even more destructive and far-reaching conflict, which could have unpredictable consequences.”
His plea came amid growing fears that Iran could attempt to blockade the Strait of Hormuz – the crucial oil artery through which a fifth of the world’s petroleum flows. Such a move would send energy prices soaring and drag the global economy into turmoil.
The Hormuz Threat
Questions are swirling in Westminster about whether Iran would dare to follow through on threats to shut down the vital shipping channel. The strait, just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, is the only sea route for oil exports from Kuwait, Iraq, and most of Saudi Arabia’s production.
Any disruption would immediately spike petrol prices worldwide, with analysts warning crude could rocket to $130 per barrel – adding more than £1 to every litre at British pumps.
But experts remain sceptical Iran would take such a drastic step. Not only would it alienate China – Tehran’s biggest oil customer – but it would almost certainly trigger a devastating military response from the US Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain.
Exodus Continues
The State Department confirmed that approximately 70 American citizens were also evacuated on two separate flights from Tel Aviv to Athens on Saturday, as Western nations rush to extract their citizens from the war zone.
British nationals still trapped in Israel are being urgently advised to register their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Commercial flights continue to operate from Egypt and Jordan, with land borders to these countries remaining open – for now.
Nuclear Nightmare
The current crisis erupted after Israel launched surprise strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, targeting enrichment sites and killing senior military commanders. Iran retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles, with Israeli sources claiming more than 450 missiles and 1,000 drones have been fired at the Jewish state since hostilities began.
The US dramatically escalated its involvement on Sunday, with President Trump authorising strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites using B-2 stealth bombers. The Pentagon confirmed bunker-busting bombs were used in an attempt to destroy Iran’s underground enrichment facilities.
Regional Powder Keg
As the death toll mounts on both sides – with Iran claiming 78 killed and over 320 injured in Israeli attacks – fears are growing that the entire Middle East could be engulfed in flames.
Israel’s military spokesman claimed they had eliminated Iran’s top brass, including Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, though these claims remain unverified by independent sources.
Meanwhile, the human tragedy continues to unfold in Gaza, where overnight Israeli strikes reportedly killed 84 people and injured more than 120 others, according to local hospitals.
Race Against Time
For the 63 Britons who made it out today, relief will be tinged with worry for those left behind. The Foreign Office estimates thousands of British nationals remain in Israel, many dual citizens with family ties that make leaving difficult.
As RAF crews prepare for more evacuation runs, the clock is ticking. With each passing hour, the risk of a wider regional conflagration grows – one that could draw in not just Israel and Iran, but potentially the United States, Russia, and the Gulf states.
The question haunting Whitehall tonight: will they get everyone out in time?
