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War In Middle East Spirals As Explosions Heard A Cross Region; British Prime Minister Speaks Amid War In Iran; Starmer: "Deeply Concerning" That U.K. Citizens And Armed Forces Are In Danger In Middle East; Starmer: Iran's Approach More Reckless, Dangerous; Starmer: U.K. Jets Are Part Of Coordinated Defense Ops; Starmer: Sending Rapid Deployment Teams To Middle East To Support U.K. Nationals In Region. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired March 02, 2026 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:00:42]
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN ANCHOR: And welcome to the second hour of the show from our Middle East programming headquarters. I'm Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi,
but the time is just after 7:00 in the evening.
And next hour, U.S. President Donald Trump will address the war in Iran, with this region, where I am in the grips of an all-out conflict, and it is
a conflict that feels like it is expanding by the hour. The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran setting off wave after wave of fiery attacks as Tehran
retaliated striking countries that host America's -- American bases.
Saudi Arabia's largest oil refinery set ablaze by falling debris from Iranian drones, which were intercepted in the air. Qatar also coming under
fire by Iranian drones in an attack on its energy facilities.
This as new footage of huge explosions emerge from Tehran. The U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman say American planes are, "Crushing Iranian targets from the
air."
The fog of war, though evident in Kuwait, where three U.S. fighter jets were accidentally shot down in an apparent friendly fire incident, all six
of the crew members ejected safely.
Overall, four American service members have now died. We heard from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier. He says the U.S. had no choice but to go to
war. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PETE HEGSETH, U.S. SECRETARY OF WAR: The former regime had every chance to make a peaceful and sensible deal, but Tehran was not negotiating. They
were stalling, buying time to reload their missile stockpiles and restart their nuclear ambitions, their goal hold us hostage, threatening to strike
our forces.
Well, President Trump doesn't play those games.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, both U.S. and Iran, indicating this conflict may be going on -- or ongoing for some time, the impact being felt worldwide. CNN
covering this from points across the globe. We've got reporters in Saudi Arabia, in Iraq, Israel and here in the UAE, in Washington and in London.
Nic Robertson is in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia this hour. Clarissa Ward is on the Iran Iraq border. Kylie Atwood is in Washington.
Let's start with you, Nic, in Riyadh, the strikes across this region have gone way beyond what was threatened that would -- the threats were on
military installations, U.S. bases hosted around this region, but the hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones have hit non-military
installations, energy, oil, the economy, hotels and it goes on. What are Saudi officials there telling you?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Iran is intentionally and in a calculated way, ignoring the warnings from the GCC countries that
Iran should desist from these sorts of attacks, ignoring statements that include that these countries have an option to respond to aggression.
Take the attack on the Saudi oil facility today seen as a significant escalation, two drones fired at this massive oil facility, and to give it
context, normally, you have many, perhaps at times, dozens of tankers lining up at sea waiting to get on to the multiple oil sort of feeding
pipelines to fill up the tankers. You have a massive facility built around there. It's a huge area capable of processing up to about half a million
barrels of oil a day. Two drones fired at that intercepted. Shrapnel fell, no casualties, but some equipment on the ground set on fire. The energy
ministry here saying it's a protective measure, some of the equipment was shut down.
Important, I think when you look at what the information ministry here has told Saudis today, that is, life carries on as normal. So, it's a clear
message to Saudis that, despite what Iran is doing, life is OK. Life is moving on.
[10:05:11]
But I think that the behind the scenes picture is very, very clear, Iran is intentionally ignoring the warnings and intentionally raising the tensions
because the calculation is that they want to drive up the price of oil, drive up the overall cost of the war, and therefore, over a period of time,
force concessions, or at least force an end from the other partners in this the United States, Israel, of course.
ANDERSON: Clarissa, let me bring you in. You are near the Iran Iraq border. What are you learning there? And what's a perspective in that part of the
world where you are at this point?
CLARISSA WARD, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: So, earlier today, Becky that border reopened for the first time since the U.S. and Israel
began their bombing campaign. It was only to allow Iranian drivers with Iranian trucks to get back into Iran and Iraqis, who were trapped in Iran
to get out back home to Iraq.
But while we were there, we actually saw a shahid drone fly directly over us from Iran into Iraq. Check out that moment, please.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WARD: Are you nervous about going back into Iran now?
We you can see that now, an Iranian drone literally just flew directly over our heads from Iran into Iraq.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WARD: So, Becky, after that drone flew overhead, they did close the border again for a period of time before reopening it. We then heard another drone
going over. We don't know exactly where those drones landed, but it speaks to the challenges that people here living in Kurdistan, Iraqi Kurdistan,
are facing last night, we heard multiple drones. There have been missiles. There have been rockets, and the people who live here are getting it from
both sides, really, because they are being attacked from Iran, but they are also being attacked by Iran backed militias inside Iraq.
So, a very complex picture. We did speak to one of those truck drivers who were waiting in line to return to Iran. This man told us that he was very
worried and scared about what was happening in his country, but that he needed to get back home to his family, Becky.
ANDERSON: Clarissa, it's good to have you here. Thank you.
I want to get to Kylie who's in Washington. Gulf countries, Kylie, have been longtime allies to the United States. They're calling these Iranian
attacks, the hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones that have been thrown at these countries, including this one here the UAE. They're calling
this a massive miscalculation on the part of Iran. They reserve the right to respond.
Significantly, Kylie, these Gulf countries are describing the attacks as illegal and disproportionate, and they're using the parameters of
international law to sort of build the narrative for a response. What is that response likely to look like at this point?
KYLIE ATWOOD, CNN U.S. SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Well, what's critical is that these countries have so swiftly come together with the United States
and stood against Iran in the face of Iran's response to the U.S. and Israeli strikes that occurred over the weekend.
As you have noted, those strikes by the Iranians have been vast in nature. They have not only gone after US military targets in the region, but they
have, in the words of these Gulf countries who are allies with the United States, putting out a statement with the U.S., the Saudis, the Qataris, the
Bahrainis, the Jordanians, Kuwaitis and Emiratis, calling these strikes indiscriminate, reckless and unjustified, and saying that they deserve
their right to respond, but also to protect themselves against these incoming threats.
What's important here, Becky, is that there had been quite a bit of reporting leading up to these U.S. and Israeli strikes about the region,
privately communicating to the Trump administration that they did not want a major military operation to be carried out against Iran. There were some
countries who were more privately in favor of these strikes, but on the whole, the majority of the countries did not want to see this turn into a
regional escalation.
[10:10:20]
But at this moment, because of the Iranian response, they are standing by the United States and saying that the Islamic Republic's actions represent
a dangerous escalation that violates the sovereignty of multiple states and threatens regional stability.
So, the United States is standing in a pretty firm position alongside its allies in the region right now. It's important to note that in the next
hour here, we're expecting to hear from President Trump.
This will be the first time that he is speaking to the American public, to reporters in a live situation, following these U.S. military strikes. We
heard earlier from the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff laying out the military objectives for this campaign against
Iran, to take out Iran's missile program, to take out Iran's Navy, and to make sure that they don't have a nuclear program.
But what we're going to hear from President Trump will be interesting, because he, in the early hours of this conflict, argued that the Iranian
people should rise up, that they should be able to, you know, take over control of their country right now. But what we heard from the Pentagon
earlier today was that this is not a regime change operation that the United States is engaged in. So, we'll watch and see what the President
says about that.
ANDERSON: To both of you. Thank you very much indeed. And just underscoring what she's just said, we are expecting to hear from the U.S. president at
11:00 a.m. Eastern, which is about 50 minutes from now.
To both of you, thank you very much indeed.
Well, one senior golf source describing to me as Iran having lost all good will from Islamic and Arab countries in what this source described to me as
a massive miscalculation. That's the response on these GCC countries.
I want to bring in Mohammad Ali Shabani, he's editor of Amwaj.media and a Middle East scholar joining us from London. You and I regularly talk. I
have to say frankly, I didn't ever expect to be talking to you about attacks from Iran on the region where I am in such scope and scale, but we
are.
I want, first, though, to play a sound of Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister talking about these attacks in the Gulf. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAJID TAKHT-RAVANCHI, IRANIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER: Before the aggression, we informed our neighbors that if the America or Israel engages
in animosity against Iran, definitely we will be in self defense mode, and we will target the American assets, the American military bases in the
region, wherever they are located, because they are legitimate targets, in accordance with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.
Therefore, whatever we are doing is to act in self defense against American targets and American assets in the region.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why is a hotel in Dubai a legitimate target?
TAKHT-RAVANCHI: You know, our policy remains the same, as I said, we attack military bases and military assets, if they remove from one base to
another, that is not our problem.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How about the Saudi oil fields just across the Gulf? Why is that a target?
TAKHT-RAVANCHI: We are not responsible for that, we have we have already been in touch with our Saudi brothers, and we have talked about this issue,
Iran is not -- is not responsible for the attack against the oil installations in Saudi Arabia. We have made it clear. We have officially
announced today that that was not one of the targets of the Iranian armed forces.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, Iran using the argument of self defense in what have been these massive response on the Gulf in turn, it has to be said, I mean, the
Gulf nations absolutely sticking squarely to the sort of framework of international law calling these attacks massively out of proportion, really
disproportionate.
And you heard Kylie at with their listing the terms of international law that the GCC are using at this point as they build their case on a
response. Of course, they reserve the right to respond to Iran. What do you make of Iran bringing in these Gulf nations into this?
[10:15:02]
MOHAMMAD ALI SHABANI, EDITOR, AMWAJ.MEDIA: Well, Becky, I think right now, Iran is in survival mode. It sees this conflict as existential. And I think
the purpose of regionalizing this conflict is to kind of spread the risk, to make sure that the cost of this conflict is not contained to Iran.
And the logic, I think, is quite clear. It's trying to put pressure on Arab allies of the United States, to press Trump to halt this war. We've seen
reports in recent days about various countries in the region having privately, supposedly encouraged President Trump to get involved militarily
against Iran. We know that U.S. monetary assets have been amassed in these countries, although they say that those assets are not being used to
directly attack Iran.
But the reality of the situation is that Iran at this point in time when it's being bombarded throughout by both Israel and the United States, he
will attack any US target it can reach. And it just so happens that the Gulf states, I think, are the most easy to reach for Iran, apart from Iraq.
ANDERSON: Obviously, the spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and adviser to the prime minister told me this couple of hours ago.
Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAJIED AL ANSARI, SPOKESPERSON, QATARI MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: Because they have the right to retaliate, and it is with our leadership right now.
But obviously this cannot go unanswered. A price has to be paid for this blatant attack on our people, on the safety of the people and residents
from 140 different nationalities living here in Qatar.
We have always championed peace in the region. We've always championed peaceful means in solving conflict the region, especially with Iran, where
we have in the past mediated between Iran and Western countries and the U.S. a number of times we were heavily supporting the Omani led
negotiations that were taking place until this escalation. But an attack like this cannot go unanswered and cannot be left without retaliation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Speaking to both a minister of state here in the UAE yesterday and the senior adviser to the president of the UAE, both in the past 48
hours, neither of those UAE spokespeople were closing the door on a diplomatic route.
But clearly, they see this Iranian retaliation as a massive miscalculation. As I said just before we came to you, one senior Gulf official suggesting
that Iran has lost the goodwill of Islamic and Arab nations, and if Gulf nations, who had been pushing the U.S. to pursue diplomacy on this and not
willing to sort of continue that, or press too much harder as they consider the response, the physical response at this point to these attacks, is
there any chance of a diplomatic off ramp at this point do you think?
ALI SHABANI: According to the Iranian sources I've spoken to, as in previous U.S. attacks on Iran over the past year, the Trump administration
has sent messages warning Iran not to expand the conflict and also encouraged Iran to return to the negotiating table.
Iran's response has been that twice now, over the past year, Iran has been engaged in negotiations with the United States, with the Trump
administration, and it's been bombed in the middle of those negotiations. So, they're questioning, what is there really to talk about?
And even if we speak clearly, it's been twice in a row now within a span of a year in which the United States is attacked in the middle of a
negotiation.
So, these Arab states were now caught in the middle, countries like Qatar, countries like Oman, they have facilitated dialog. And even though they are
under attack right now, I think they have a great interest in de- escalation, and they understand that this conflict is a lose, lose for them, and also for Iran and the United States. And I think they're very
much, I think anxious to see some kind of diplomacy.
The question, I think, is, if you look at this conflict, fundamentally, it is most likely an extension of a negotiation of political approach. The
emphasis is on getting concessions that the United States did not manage to get from Iran at negotiating table.
Hence, war was waged. Now, the two sides, the next step will be about trying to get leverage for what will be the end game. This war will have to
end at some point. And I think what we're seeing now is each side trying to position themselves in a way so that they can get more concessions from
each other when the time comes to speak.
We don't know when the time comes to speak will be this week with the next week. What the den of this fasting month of Ramadan, but it will come at
some point.
ANDERSON: Mohammad, always good to have you. Thank you very much indeed for joining us. 7:20 in the UAE.
Still ahead, a new front in the war as Israel responds to Hezbollah in Lebanon and launches a wave of strikes. Could a ground invasion follow?
That is just ahead. We'll get you live to Tel Aviv.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:22:02]
ANDERSON: 7:20 in the UAE, Israel says all options are on the table as it ramps up attack in Lebanon, including a potential ground operation.
Now this new front opened up after Hezbollah launched missiles and drones towards Northern Israel today to avenge the killing of the Iranian Supreme
Leader. Israel says the attacks didn't do any damage, but has responded with a wave of airstrikes as far north as Beirut, dozens have been killed,
according to the Lebanese health ministry.
CNN's Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh is live in Tel Aviv. What more are we learning about Israel's threats to the
Lebanese Government at this point?
NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I mean senior Israeli military officials saying ultimately, that they will
continue this campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon until the threat from them is gone. That's an inordinate task, but one potentially that's more
achievable than in late 2024 when we saw Israel dismantle so much of Hezbollah, leaving that Iranian backed proxy militia essentially in a very
precarious position, and that has been their condition for nearly a year now, leaving many surprised that at noon yesterday, they released a
statement saying they would be avenging the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and then subsequently the firing of those projectiles opening
them up to an Israeli onslaught that really the Israeli military had been quite clear it was keen to implement, looking for an opportunity, frankly,
and that is what they have indeed seized.
Now, the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, Hezbollah stronghold the recipient of multiple airstrikes in the early hours of today, that seems, according to
Lebanese state media, to have continued today as well.
The Lebanese government, this is a stark change, potentially, from the past, showing how weakened Hezbollah is. They had instructed the army and
security forces to try, essentially, to disarm and prevent Hezbollah having further actions down the line.
So, if indeed they're able to implement that, and Hezbollah are in a significantly weakened position now, that could mark a turning point,
potentially inside of Lebanon.
But at this particular point, we are seeing indications at this point that Israel is not preparing major ground offensive, that may change at some
point down the line, and are continuing instead to hit southern Lebanon with airstrikes and issue evacuation orders for that part of the country as
well, again, causing so many residents, some of who have only just turned - - returned back to their damaged homes in recent months, to flee yet again.
So, Lebanon at a moment again of enormous peril, Israel seizing this particular opportunity to vanquish a long-standing foe to the north that
it's already inordinately weakened. And I think many wondering why a deeply weakened Hezbollah like this would step in to this conflict in frankly, a
foolhardy way, where it seems thus far to have lacked the resources to strike back much so far against Israel, yet be facing a foe that is deeply
prepared openly today, saying how they have prepared targets here. We're ready for this particular operation, and now appear to be getting that
underway, Becky.
[10:25:30]
ANDERSON: Nick Paton Walsh, he's there in Tel Aviv and Israel. Good to have you there, Nick, thank you.
The United States's top general has paid tribute to four U.S. troops who died on Sunday in Kuwait, multiple sources told CNN these soldiers were
killed in a suspected Iranian drone strike.
Well, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine honored the four soldiers earlier today at news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Caine vowed the fallen troops would not be forgotten. Hegseth had this to say:
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HEGSETH: We fight to win, and we don't waste time or lives, as the president warned, an effort of this scope will include casualties. More is
hell and always will be. A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far and those injured, the absolute best of America. May we
prosecute the remainder of this operation in a manner that honors them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I want to bring in CNN's Kevin Liptak. He's live at the White House for us this hour, we heard from Hegseth at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time, we
expect to hear from the U.S. president about a half hour from now. Our colleague Jake Tapper just spoke with Donald Trump. What did he tell him?
KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yes, he had some significant news in this nine minute phone interview that he had with the president.
The president boasting about success in this mission so far, saying that the U.S. had, "Knocked the crap out of the Iranians."
But He also suggested that the biggest element of this operation has yet to happen. He said, "The big one is coming soon," indicating to Jake Tapper
that we have not yet seen the extent of what the U.S. is ready and willing to do in Iran, despite this bombardment that we saw over the weekend, that
more will be coming.
The other, I think, interesting thing, and this will be of interest to you, Becky, is that the president said the biggest surprise so far, if this
operation has been the way that Iran attacked many countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan,
all of these nations that have now been subject to Iranian fire.
The president said, "We were surprised." He went on to say, "We told them we've got this." He's referring to the Gulf states here. And then he says,
and now they want to fight. They're aggressively fighting. They were going to be a little involved, and now they insist on being involved. He says
that he knows the Arab leaders well. Of course, that's true. He speaks with them frequently, meets with them frequently.
He says, the Iranians, "Shot into a hotel. They shot into an apartment house. It just made them angry. They love us, but they were watching. There
was no reason for them to be involved."
And so, I think significant there that in all of the briefings that the president received before this began, about what the consequences might be,
what the Iranian retaliation and response might be. He's suggesting here that attacks on, you know, some of these very wealthy Gulf state nations
that have been oases of peace and stability over the last several years, that attacks on those countries weren't necessarily on his radar, that they
were a surprise to him.
He's also discussing here about what the next potential government in Iran might look like, what the succession in that country may be after the
Supreme Leader was killed, he says, and this is no surprise, he says, we don't know who the leadership is. We don't know who they'll pick. Maybe
they'll get lucky and get someone who knows what they're doing.
But suggesting in here that even the Iranians at this point do not know who is leading. He says, "It's a little like the unemployment line, just
getting at the vast uncertainties about what the leadership in Iran will look like going forward."
And then finally, the president talks about how the diplomacy broke down. Of course, we know that there were three rounds of indirect talks between
the U.S. and the Iranians about the nuclear program. The president saying that we couldn't make a deal with these people. He said, "They had all that
enriched stuff. They looked at redoing it there, but it was in such bad shape, the mountain had basically collapsed," talking about, of course,
that bombing run that the U.S. took out on those three Iranian nuclear sites back in June.
[10:30:03]
He says that they don't have to worry about agreements now that this mission has become underway.
And so, a lot from the president there. I think, most notably suggesting that the major -- the biggest aspect of this operation has yet to be seen.
(CROSSTALK)
ANDERSON: Yes. That is absolutely fascinating what he said about the Gulf.
I mean, they reserve all six of these nations. Reserve the right to respond now to what they see, and understandably so, as illegal, disproportionate
strikes on non-military installations.
They, though, haven't said how they will respond. We are waiting on that. So, it is certainly interesting Kevin, to get the line from the president,
saying that they want to get involved.
To date, the extent of what we have heard is that they will work in their own self-defense. They will invoke Article 54 language from the U.N. in
international law.
They will -- you know, they have the right to self-defense and the right to respond. So, let's see where that goes. Thank you.
Well, coming up, even as the conflict in this region grows more intense, the question looming over the rhetoric and retaliation is, who will lead
Iran?
I'll be talking to a major voice on Iranian policy after this short break. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back. I'm Becky Anderson. You are watching CONNECT THE WORLD from our Middle East programming headquarters, where the time is just
after half past 7:00.
We are awaiting a statement from the U.S. President Donald Trump. He is expected to address the rapidly unfolding situation in Iran in remarks at
the top of the next hour.
Lawmakers in the full Senate and House in the U.S. is expected to be briefed Tuesday. As of yet, the full U.S. Congress has not received a
briefing related to Iran.
Three U.S. fighter jets have crashed in Kuwait, in what the U.S. military says were apparently friendly fire incidents.
All six crew members ejected safely. You can see one American pilot in this video, geolocated by CNN. And the U.S. military says it is investigating
what happened?
Well, Israel says it will intensify air strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Lebanon's health ministry says dozens have been killed in the
strikes that began early on Monday. Israel took action after Hezbollah fired a number of missiles and drones towards Northern Israel, which it
says was to avenge the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
[10:35:02]
Well, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is speaking now with the war in Iran in its third day. Let's listen in.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KEIR STARMER, PRIME MINISTER, UNITED KINGDOM: -- of successive British government.
President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes. But it is my duty to judge what is in
Britain's National Interest.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
STARMER: That is what I have done, and I stand by it.
But Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Iran's outrageous response has become a threat to our people, our interests, and our allies, and it cannot be
ignored.
Iran has lashed out across the region. They have launched hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones at countries which did not attack them,
including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and Oman.
And overnight, Hezbollah, Iran's proxy in Lebanon launched attacks on Israel, seeking to escalate the war.
Mr. Speaker, there are an estimated 300,000 British citizens in the region. Residents, families, on holiday, and those in transit.
Iran has hit airports and hotels, where British citizens are staying. It is deeply concerning for the whole House and the whole country.
And Mr. Speaker, our armed forces are also being put at risk by Iran's actions. On Saturday, Iran hit a military base in Bahrain with missiles and
drones. There were 300 British personnel on the base, some within a few hundred yards of the strike.
Last night, a drone hit RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. There were no casualties in this strike. Mr. Speaker, it is important for me to say that our bases in
Cyprus are not being used by U.S. bombers. The security of our friends and partners in Cyprus is of critical importance.
And Mr. Speaker, I want to be clear, the strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was not in response to any decision that we have taken. In our assessment -
- in our assessment, the drone was launched prior to our announcement. Iran's aggression towards Britain and our interests is long standing, and
that's why we have always ensured that protections for British bases and personnel are at their highest level.
Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that the death of the supreme leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. In fact, their approach is becoming
even more reckless and more dangerous to civilians. They are working ruthlessly and deliberately for a plan to strike not only military targets,
but also economic targets in the region with no regard for civilian casualties.
That is the situation we face today and to which we must respond.
Mr. Speaker, I've been speaking to our Gulf partners over the weekend. They are outraged by Iran's act, particularly, as they played no part in any
strikes, and they have asked us to do more to defend them.
Moreover, it is my duty, the highest duty of my office, to protect British lives.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
STARMER: That is why we put British jets in the air, Typhoons, and F-35s, as part of coordinated defensive operations, which have already
successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. Including, Mr. Speaker, taking out on drone that was heading towards a coalition base in Iraq, housing
U.K. service personnel.
I want to pay tribute to our brilliant service men and women, putting themselves in harm's way to keep others safe.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
STARMER: And I know the whole house will join me in expressing our gratitude and our respect.
But Mr. Speaker, it is simply not possible to shoot down every Iranian missile and every drone after they have been launched. The only way to stop
the threat is to destroy the missiles at source, in their storage depots, or at the launches.
[10:40:04]
The U.S. requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose, because they have the capabilities to do so.
Yesterday evening, we took the decision to accept that new request, in order to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent
civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.
To be clear, the use of British bases is limited to the agreed defensive purposes. We are not joining the U.S. and Israeli offensive strikes.
The basis for our decision is the collective self-defense of longstanding friends and allies and protecting British lives. It is in accordance with
international law.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
STARMER: And we produced a summary of our legal advice, which clearly sets this out. We will keep the decision under review. Mr. Speaker, we are not
joining the strikes, but we will continue our defensive actions in the region. France and Germany are also prepared to enable U.S. action to
destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones from source.
I have been in close contact with President Macron and Chancellor Merz in recent days, as well as President Trump, and leaders across the region to
that end.
Mr. Speaker, be in no doubt, the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent. In January, they murdered thousands of their own people. The full horror of
which is still hidden from the world.
For decades, they have sought to destabilize the region and export terror around the world. Their proxies in Yemen have targeted British ships in the
Red Sea. They facilitated Russia's attacks in Ukraine. The regime's tentacles have even reached these shores, posing a direct threat to Iranian
dissidents and to the Jewish community.
Over the last year alone, Iran has backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on U.K. soil, each of which, Mr. Speaker, we have foiled. So, it's
clear the Iranian regime must never be allowed to get their hands on nuclear weapons. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our
allies, including the U.S. And ultimately, this will have to be achieved at the negotiating table.
Mr. Speaker, in this dangerous moment, our first thoughts are with our citizens in the region, friends, family members, and constituents. I
recognize the deep concern that the situation is causing for those involved and for communities across the country.
We are asking all British citizens in the region to register their presence, so, we can provide the best possible support, and to monitor the
home office travel advice, which is being regularly updated. Across much of the region, airspace remains closed, and local authorities are advising
individuals to shelter in place.
The situation on the ground may remain challenging for some time. So, we are sending rapid deployment teams to the region to support our British
nationals on the ground. And we are in close contact with the travel industry and governments in the region, including with our friends in the
UAE, given the concentration of British nationals in that country.
And we are looking at all options to support our people. We want to ensure that they can return home as swiftly and safely as possible.
The FCDO phone lines are open to provide consular support. And ministers are available to meet M.P.s to discuss any individual cases.
Mr. Speaker, we are also reaching out to communities across the United Kingdom, including Muslim and Jewish community organizations, and we are
making sure that sites across the country, including places of worship, have appropriate protective security in place.
Mr. Speaker, the situation in the region is developing rapidly. So, we will continue to update the House in coming days.
Mr. Speaker, I've spoken recently about the toll that global events are taking here at home. They come crashing into our lives with ever greater
frequency, hitting our economy, driving up prices on the supermarket shelves or at the pump, dividing communities, bringing anxiety and fear.
[10:45:07]
That is why how we operate on the world stage matters so much.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
STARMER: Mr. Speaker, we all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons. Any U.K. actions must always have a lawful basis.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
STARMER: And a viable thought through plan.
I say again, we were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, and we will not join offensive action now. But in the face of Iran's barrage of
missiles and drones, we will protect our people in the region and support the collective self-defense of our allies, because that is our duty to the
British people.
It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat, to prevent the situation spiraling further, and support a return to diplomacy. It is the best way to
protect British interests and British lives.
That is what this government is doing, and I commend this statement to the House.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
SIR LINDSAY HARVEY HOYLE, SPEAKER, HOUSE OF COMMONS: Leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch.
KEMI BADENOCH, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, UNITED KINGDOM: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
And can I thank the prime minister for advance sight of his statement and for the security briefing I received earlier.
This is a --
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: What was Keir Starmer, speaking about his decision as U.K. prime minister to launch coordinated defensive operations with U.K. Air Force
assets in this region of the Gulf and the wider Middle East, France, and Germany, offering similar support to Gulf allies, he said.
There are some 300,000 British citizens stranded across this region of the Gulf. And he is very clear about what the U.K. is doing and what it is not
doing. He said it is very specifically not joining the U.S. offensive strikes on Iran, but it is offering support to Gulf allies in what are
these defensive sort of postures, talking about their right to self- defense, as they consider and reserve the right to respond to this volley of hundreds, hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones that have been
sprayed across this region of the Gulf, the UAE, and beyond.
Well, worth noting, other European reaction, France has said it's ready to defend Gulf nations and Jordan. The French foreign minister said, and I
quote here. "To the friendly countries that have been deliberately targeted by the missiles and drones of the Revolutionary Guards and drawn into a war
they did not choose, France expresses its full support and solidarity. It stands ready."
While the Spanish prime minister is calling for deescalation and dialog, saying, "Today, more than ever, it is essential to remember that one can be
against a hateful regime and at the same time be against an unjustified, dangerous military intervention outside of international law."
I want to turn to Alex Vatanka now. He is senior fellow and the founding director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute in Washington,
D.C. He is with us now live.
I just want to -- given that we have just heard from the British prime minister, what's your reaction to him calling out the Iranian regime for
its attacks on neighboring countries that did not participate and did not ask for this -- for this war? They have been bystanders to all intents and
purposes.
ALEX VATANKA, SENIOR FELLOW, MIDDLE EAST INSTITUTE: Becky, it's great to be with you.
Look, my initial reaction is obviously at the minimum, what the prime minister was trying to do there was to reassure Gulf States, Gulf allies of
the United Kingdom, and saying that U.K. will be there with them. That's the minimum, obviously, in terms of that speech.
The maximum, I mean, I jumped at the word, viable plan. He -- the prime minister went out of his way, saying, the U.K. was not involved to begin
with. U.K. has no intention of going beyond the defensive measures. Then, he raised the idea of a viable plan. What does that mean? Does that mean,
if we hear in the next few hours from President Trump that he does have a viable plan, does that mean that the U.S. will have its European partners
join in this effort? That's the big question mark for me to watch out for.
ANDERSON: Well, that's fascinating. Well, let me turn to what we were intending to speak to you about, because we will hear, of course, from
President Trump in the next what, 10-15 minutes or so, and perhaps, we will get that -- we will get that question answered.
You were born in Tehran. You specialize in Iranian domestic and regional policies. You recently focused on the next generation of Iranian leaders.
[10:50:01]
So, how has that generation been reshaped by the events of the last 72 hours? And what is the plan going forward for Iranian officials, as far as
you can tell?
VATANKA: So, Becky, as far as I can tell, right now, the plan is to stay in this war. In fact, as I was saying before, if the Americans can bring the
Europeans into this war, I suspect many in Tehran kind of like that idea, because they have always wanted to regionalize and then internationalize
this war. They want to increase the price for everybody.
So, I think their mindset right now is not so much about what to do after Ali Khamenei's death, is to stay in this war to the extent that they can.
And I suspect they have delegated power to the lower ranks inside the various IRGC Revolutionary Guards, other members of the regime that are in
charge of the, you know, those offensive missile drone attacks.
So, I suspect, you know, some of the reports suggesting that, you know, parts of the regime, as President Trump suggested yesterday, willing to
talk. I'm hesitant that's the case. I don't think they would want to have cease fire right now. But obviously, if they survived the war, that's the
big question.
And Becky, you know this well, Ali Khamenei was there since 1989. He had all the power in the world. It's really difficult to fill those big shoes,
and I don't know if the regime has the capacity right now to have a orderly transition. But for now, they have an interim council that might do, but if
things settle down a bit, they have to figure out you're going to do next.
ANDERSON: Yes. Well, what we do know is there is a very deep bench, of course. What that bench looks like, and who will run Iran going forward?
Whether that will be a, you know, a hardline regime, a more pragmatic approach, perhaps, a recalibration, a sense of reassurance to the U.S. and
the West, to the rest. Israel remains to be seen.
It's good to have you, sir. Thank you very much indeed for joining us. We'll have you back.
We have run out of time today. You are watching CONNECT THE WORLD. There is a little more news ahead. So, do stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, we have been reporting this Monday, March, the 2nd that the attacks from Iran have been widespread across the Gulf.
All members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the GCC. That's United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman have faced strikes
over the last three days. It has shattered any sense of security these nations have had in the region, and the bloc is understandably outraged and
angry.
They have held an extraordinary meeting on Sunday, slamming Iran's strikes is, "flagrant and unjustified attack." And they are vowing to take, "all
necessary measures" to protect their security and stability.
Well, over the past few days, I've spoken with officials from both the UAE, where I am here, and Qatar, to get their reaction to this escalation. Have
a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REEM BINT EBRAHIM AL HASHIMY, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION MINISTER, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: It is very important to recognize that it takes two to
tango, and at this stage, you are seeing a barrage of attacks against, not just the UAE, but other countries within the Gulf: Jordan, Iraq, et cetera.
And that is a massive escalatory measure that is just not indicative of an Iran that wants to be in the region with its fellow neighborhood.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[10:55:06]
ANDERSON: Well, the UAE international cooperation minister is speaking to me there, and she is not alone. I also spoke -- let me just get you back to
London, because I do -- I just want to listen in to Keir Starmer responding to the opposition leader about his decision to support the Gulf allies and
wider Middle Eastern countries in a defensive posture with the Air Force. Let's listen in.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STARMER: -- U.K. pilots into the sky in the region, and they have been working there ever since. They deserve to know that their actions are
lawful and there is a viable thought through plan. And I will not countenance committing our military personnel to action which does not have
a lawful basis.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
STARMER: That is -- that is not a fair thing to do to our serving personnel. And no U.K. prime minister has ever committed our personnel to
action unless it has got a proper lawful basis.
HOYLE: With this, right committee Dame Emily Thornberry.
DAME EMILY THORNBERRY, CHAIR, FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, UNITED KINGDOM: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Although, the attack on Iran by the U.S. and Israel was ill-advised, ill- judged, and illegal, it is absolutely no excuse for the Iranians to recklessly bombard its Gulf neighbors. I would like to ask the prime
minister, is he in a position to give us more details on what we are doing with our Ukrainian friends to support --
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: All right. Well, as we leave the U.K. chamber, we are just a couple of minutes away from what is a scheduled appearance by the U.S.
president, during which he will address his decision to go to war with Iran. A coordinated action, of course, started Saturday morning with
Israel.
More on that, after this short break, you've been listening to CONNECT THE WORLD and watching me and Becky Anderson from our Middle East programming
headquarters. What I wanted to say was from the team working with me all day here, it is a very good evening.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
