John Healey says it is a “dangerous moment for the entire region” as tensions escalate in the Middle East with Iran and Israel exchanging strikes. Speaking at RUSI, the defence secretary says the government has “grave concerns” over Iran’s nuclear programme and outlines defence measures the government is taking regarding the conflict. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
00:00At the outset now, perhaps I can take the opportunity just to say a few words about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East,
00:09because this is a dangerous moment for the entire region.
00:15And we as a government have been consistent, clear and strong.
00:21We've always supported Israel's right to security.
00:25We've had grave concerns about Iran's nuclear program, and I repeat the calls on all sides to show restraint this afternoon,
00:37because a diplomatic resolution rather than military action really is the only route to lasting stability in the region.
00:45And in terms of our UK operational response, the military assets, including the additional typhoon jets announced by the Prime Minister, have begun arriving.
00:59The first wave have already arrived, and the rest will follow in coming days.
01:04And I've also ensured that force protection is now at its highest level.
01:11So this operational response is to protect our personnel, it's to reassure our partners, and it's to reinforce the urgent need for de-escalation.
