UK Prepares Contingency Plans to Assist Citizens Leaving Gulf States Amid Rising Tensions

The UK government is drawing up contingency plans to assist British citizens in Gulf countries as regional tensions intensify following Iranian retaliation strikes, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed on Monday.

Officials are exploring a range of options, including potential evacuation measures, as missile and drone attacks continue across parts of the Middle East. Cooper said the government recognises the scale of the situation, with an estimated 300,000 British nationals currently in Gulf states, including residents, tourists and those transiting through major airports.

Since hostilities escalated over the weekend, more than 102,000 people in the region have registered their presence with the UK authorities. The Foreign Office has urged citizens to follow local safety guidance and shelter in place while officials assess the evolving security environment.

Cooper said rapid deployment teams have been sent to the region to coordinate support efforts and work closely with the travel industry. She stressed that the reopening of regional airspace remains a priority, as commercial flight suspensions have stranded thousands of passengers.

Air travel has faced severe disruption since major airports such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi suspended operations after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliation across the region. Airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates have cancelled flights between London and Dubai, compounding uncertainty for travellers.

Aviation data indicates that around 90,000 passengers a day normally transit through hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, highlighting the scale of potential disruption. Dubai alone is home to roughly 240,000 British nationals, making it one of the largest overseas British communities.

The Foreign Secretary also confirmed that an Iranian made drone struck the runway of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, a British sovereign base, causing limited damage but no casualties. The incident has added to concerns about the security of British personnel and assets in the region.

While the UK has not participated in the initial US and Israeli offensive strikes against Iran, ministers have acknowledged that British interests are increasingly exposed as the situation escalates. The government has emphasised that any actions taken will prioritise the safety of UK citizens.

Separately, concerns remain over a British couple detained in Iran on espionage charges. Craig and Lindsay Foreman are currently being held in Evin prison in Tehran. Family representatives said they remain in contact and that the couple were unharmed during recent bombardments, though relatives continue to worry about their safety amid the unstable conditions.

The Foreign Office continues to advise British nationals to monitor official travel guidance closely and to maintain communication with local authorities while contingency planning efforts remain underway.