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Amid the ongoing “Shaagat HaAri” war and dramatic developments in Iran, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Sfas Emes, Rav Shaul Alter, delivered remarks connecting current events to the approaching days of Purim, emphasizing that Jewish strength lies not in military calculations but in trust in Hashem and immersion in Torah.

Rav Alter drew a clear distinction between battlefield achievements and spiritual responsibility, cautioning against overconfidence following reported successes in Tehran. Referring to the many interceptions seen in the skies over Yerushalayim on Shabbos, he opened with a pointed observation: “There are many who look upward, but they are not looking at the right place. They just want to see whether it hit or didn’t hit. There is a completely different concept.”

Quoting the Megillah, he said: “It says in the Megillah, ‘And the king said to Esther the queen: In Shushan the capital the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men… what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces?’” Rav Alter explained that while military strategists analyze strength and weakness in conventional terms, the Jewish perspective is fundamentally different. “The king makes calculations of a general and an army — who is stronger and who is weaker… we Jews rely on the Ribbono Shel Olam. These are not calculations of flesh and blood at all.”

Addressing the visible miracles of recent nights, Rav Alter recalled the Gulf War, noting that it too took place in the month of Adar. “It was in the month of Adar, and the Rebbe (the Pnei Menachem zt”l) said then that ‘Adar da’ihu mazleih d’Yisrael,’ and Klal Yisroel is victorious. Indeed, then no Jewish soul was harmed.” He added with a smile and in a tone of secrecy, “Mordechai and Esther are there, so we also have an agent in Iraq and in Iran… Don’t just look at the airplanes.”

At the same time, the Rosh Yeshiva stressed the obligation of practical caution and responsible action. “We must be careful, because we are required to make hishtadlus. We are not worthy that it should be this way without effort, but we must make normal efforts and, above all, immerse ourselves in learning.”

He referenced Mordechai HaYehudi, who was engaged in teaching the laws of kemitzah to the children even in the midst of the decree against the Jews, and urged the public to focus on what truly endures. “That is the only thing that is true and correct and lasting. The main thing is to look upward — that is what we need to remember.”

{Matzav.com}

Footage shows the moment Israeli airstrikes struck Dahieh, southern suburbs of Beirut, earlier tonight.

In another phone call this evening, President Trump told ABC this about the death of Ayatollah Khamenei: “I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well I got him first.” That’s a reference to what US intelligence believes was a plot to kill Trump in 2024.

As the Middle East reels from the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader in the heart of Tehran, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a sharply worded condemnation of the operation, accusing the United States and Israel of carrying out what he called a “cynical murder” and warning of severe regional consequences.

In an official letter of condolence sent to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin denounced the assassination of Ali Khamenei as a blatant violation of international norms. He described it as a “cynical murder” committed in “violation of all norms of human morality and international law.”

For the Russian leader, the 86-year-old Iranian figure was far more than a political counterpart. Putin characterized him as an “outstanding statesman” who made a significant personal contribution to strengthening friendly ties and the strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran.

The Kremlin views the development as a serious strategic setback. Khamenei had been a key ally for Russia, particularly during Moscow’s war in Ukraine, and his death represents another blow in what analysts see as a string of geopolitical losses for Putin. In December 2024, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, another close Russian ally, fled to Moscow. Earlier this year, in January, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured in a U.S. operation. Now, Russia is watching its most important Middle Eastern partner destabilized.

Moscow had only recently deepened its alliance with Tehran. In 2025, Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement that included expanded military cooperation. Against that backdrop, Russian officials have expressed grave concern over the broader implications of the assassination.

Russian authorities described the strikes as a “dangerous adventure” that could trigger an unprecedented regional “catastrophe.” While Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has been holding urgent consultations with his Iranian counterparts, Putin has conveyed what Russian officials described as unwavering support for the Iranian people and government during what he called a critical and painful moment.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the military operation which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was so sweeping that it removed nearly all viable successors, creating a leadership vacuum in Tehran.

Speaking to ABC News, Trump referred to reported assassination attempts by Iranian intelligence and declared, “I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well, I got him first,” framing the strike as both preemptive and decisive.

When asked who he now envisions leading Iran, Trump said that those once considered possible replacements are no longer alive. “The attack was so successful it knocked out most of the candidates. It’s not going to be anybody that we were thinking of because they are all dead. Second or third place is dead,” he told ABC News.

In a separate interview with The New York Times, Trump had previously said there were “three very good choices” for Iran’s future leadership but declined to identify them. He discussed several potential paths for a transition of power in Tehran without committing to any single outcome.

One scenario he mentioned resembled what he described as his approach in Venezuela, where only former President Nicolas Maduro was removed during an American strike, while much of the governmental structure remained intact and later adopted a more pragmatic posture toward the United States.

Trump also indicated in that interview that the United States stands ready to continue its military campaign against Iran for “four to five weeks” if necessary, signaling that further action remains on the table following Khamenei’s elimination.

{Matzav.com}

Veteran Channel 12 Arab affairs analyst Ehud Yaari said Iran appears to be recalibrating its strategy and may be moving toward ending the current confrontation by accepting terms dictated by the United States.

In his assessment, Yaari suggested that a decisive moment may be approaching. “We are approaching the point where Israel and the US, or each one separately, must consider telling the Iranian public: ‘We control the sky above Tehran. Whoever goes out to the street and someone tries to attack them, we are defending from above,” Yaari stated.

He explained that recent statements from President Trump followed what he described as a noticeable shift in Tehran’s stance. “Trump’s remarks come after the Iranians reversed their policy. The new leadership, led by Ali Larijani and Abbas Araghchi, explains that they are no longer attempting to expand the war to a regional one, there is no threat to close the Straight of Hormuz, we will stop the attacks on the Arab states, after Saudi Arabia and UAE made clare that if the attacks continue they would join the fighting with their own air forces.”

Yaari further noted that this change includes a signal to Iran’s regional allies. According to him, “Larijani and Araghchi are effectively granting Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis an exemption from joining the war. That has not happened in the past. At the same time, they are signaling to the United States that they are interested in talks. After less than two days, we are at a crossroads, where the Iranians are beginning to falter.”

{Matzav.com}

The New York Times drew sharp criticism on social media following its headline and obituary coverage of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after news of his death.

The newspaper’s headline read, “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hard-Line Cleric Who Made Iran a Regional Power, Is Dead at 86.” In the obituary, the Times characterized Khamenei as “avuncular and magnanimous.”

The article further stated, “With his spectacles, Palestinian kaffiyeh, long robes and silver beard, Ayatollah Khamenei cast himself as a religious scholar as well as a writer and translator of works on Islam. He affected an avuncular and magnanimous aloofness, running the country from a perch above the jousting of daily politics,” the NYT’s obituary read.

The framing prompted an immediate wave of criticism from political figures and commentators online.

Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, responded publicly and shared what he described as an alternative version of the headline.

Other critics objected to the tone of the obituary, arguing that Khamenei presided over a regime responsible for thousands of deaths. The Times’ own report referenced the government’s role in ordering the killing of protesters who spoke out against the regime in January and again in 2022.

Fox News contributor Joe Concha reacted succinctly, writing, “I give up…”

Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen also weighed in, posting, “You can’t be serious.”

Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton responded with the phrase “mostly peaceful,” a remark widely seen as referencing CNN’s coverage of the 2020 Kenosha protests, when the network aired a chyron reading, “FIERY BUT MOSTLY PEACEFUL PROTESTS AFTER POLICE SHOOTING.”

News Nation’s Batya Ungar-Sargon added, “You don’t have the media enough.”

Jason Bedrick of the Heritage Foundation offered a blunt assessment, writing, “The NYT is garbage,” in response to the headline.

Amid the criticism, the New York Times’ communications team addressed the backlash in a post on X.

“The Times’s obituaries report and reflect lives in full, illuminating why, in our judgment, they were significant. We fairly and accurately include the newsworthy details of each life and death, and don’t treat them dishonestly to score points like you’re trying to do here,” the communications team wrote on X in response to the Libs of TikTok account’s criticism of the headline.

The Washington Post also encountered criticism for aspects of its obituary, which described Khamenei as “avuncular” and noted his “easy smile.”

“With his bushy white beard and easy smile, Ayatollah Khamenei cut a more avuncular figure in public than his perpetually scowling but much more revered mentor, and he was known to be fond of Persian poetry and classic Western novels, especially Victor Hugo’s ‘Les Misérables.’ But like the uncompromising Khomeini, he opposed moderates’ efforts to promote political and social reforms domestically and to secure rapprochement with the United States,” the Post’s obituary of the supreme leader said.

{Matzav.com}

Iraqi Shiite militant group Saraya Awliya al-Dam has claimed responsibility and released footage showing the drafting and launch of missiles that struck a U.S. base in Erbil, in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Air defense interceptors were visible overhead, followed by loud explosions in Kuwait.

The IDF launched airstrikes across Lebanon early Monday after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israeli territory, marking the first missile attack by the group since the November 2024 ceasefire.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed the operation in an official statement. “In response to Hezbollah’s projectile fire toward the State of Israel, the IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets,” the statement said.

The military accused Hezbollah of acting as a proxy for Tehran. “The Hezbollah terrorist organization is operating on behalf of the Iranian regime, opening fire against the State of Israel and its civilians. The IDF will operate against Hezbollah’s decision to join the campaign, and will not enable the organization to constitute a threat to the State of Israel and harm the civilians of northern Israel,” the statement continued.

חיזבאללה מצטרף למערכה – ויורה לעבר ישראל לראשונה מאז הפסקת האש: יירוט הרקטה מלבנון בוצע באמצעות מערכת הלייזר "אור איתן"@rubih67 pic.twitter.com/PmtAqNptpA

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) March 2, 2026

The IDF further warned that Lebanon would bear the consequences of Hezbollah’s actions. “The Hezbollah terrorist organization brings ruin to the State of Lebanon, and the IDF will forcefully respond to such actions. IDF troops have prepared for such a scenario as part of standard combat preparations as part of Operation ‘Roaring Lion’, and are prepared for an all-fronts scenario and for combating any threat against the State of Israel,” the statement concluded.

Following the rocket launches, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment with members of the General Staff. During the meeting, Zamir approved additional operational plans and ordered preparations for sustained offensive and defensive activity.

Speaking after the assessment, Zamir placed responsibility squarely on Hezbollah. “Hezbollah opened a campaign against Israel overnight, and is fully responsible for any escalation. IDF troops have prepared for such a scenario as part of standard combat preparations for Operation ‘Roaring Lion’. Any enemy that threatens our security will pay a heavy price – we will not allow any harm to come to the people of Israel and our northern border”.

Lebanese media outlets reported that the Israeli Air Force struck sites in Beirut, with explosions heard in the Dahieh district of the capital.

Earlier in the night, at approximately 1:00 a.m., warning sirens sounded without advance notice in Haifa and nearby areas, as well as in several communities along the northern border. The IDF later confirmed that the alerts were triggered by launches originating from Lebanon.

According to the military, three rockets were fired in the barrage. One was intercepted, while the other two landed in open terrain.

Magen David Adom said no injuries were reported as a result of the attack.

The interception marked the first operational use of the “Or Eitan” laser defense system.

Hezbollah claimed the rocket fire was carried out following the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and in response to Israeli strikes. The group said it had aimed at a military installation south of Haifa.

The attack represents the first instance of Hezbollah launching missiles toward Israel since the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon came into force in November 2024.

Israeli defense officials issued a warning in response to the escalation, stating that “Hezbollah carried out the launches from Lebanon – there will be an especially harsh response.”

Last week, a Hezbollah official told AFP that the organization would refrain from involvement if the United States conducted “limited” strikes on Iran.

However, the same official made clear that any action targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would cross a “red line.” Khamenei was eliminated in the US-Israeli strikes in Iran over the weekend.

Under the terms of the US-brokered ceasefire with Israel, Hezbollah had been expected to disarm. The group has instead denounced the Lebanese government’s plan to strip it of its weapons and has repeatedly vowed to retain its arsenal.

{Matzav.com}

In light of the current emergency situation and the ongoing war with Iran, the noted posek, Rav Amram Fried, has issued a detailed set of halachic rulings addressing what should be done if a siren sounds in the middle of the reading of Megillas Esther on Purim. The rulings were obtained by Matzav.com today and translated for this Matzav report here:

Speaking, Pausing, and Walking to a Protected Area

[1] One should not speak while walking to a protected space. However, if someone did speak, it does not invalidate the reading, and they may continue the Megillah from where they stopped.

[2] Once in the protected area, the Megillah reading should continue from the point where it was interrupted. The act of walking does not constitute a halachic interruption. Even if there was a lengthy delay — long enough to complete the entire Megillah — it is not considered a break.

[3] If the Megillah was not continued in the protected space and those present waited there silently, they should resume reading from where they left off upon returning to the shul. Even if the pause lasted a significant amount of time, it is not deemed an interruption in the reading.

Speaking Between the Brachos and the Beginning of the Reading

[4] If the siren sounded after the blessings were recited but before the reading began — and it was impossible to immediately begin reading even a few words — then an interruption is more severe. In such a case, if one spoke or became completely distracted, the brocha of “Al Mikra Megillah” must be recited again before beginning the reading. However, the brachos of “She’asa Nissim” and “Shehecheyanu” should not be repeated.

It is emphasized that speaking between the brocha and the start of the reading requires repeating the brocha whether the one who spoke was the reader or one of the listeners.

Hearing the Megillah During the Siren

[5] If someone heard the Megillah during the siren and heard every word from the reader, they have fulfilled their obligation. Even if they spoke during the reading, as long as they heard every word, they have fulfilled their obligation.

However, if even a single word was missed, it must be completed from a kosher Megillah or from a Chumash in front of the listener. The individual should continue reading until reaching the place where the reader currently is (see below that one must read or hear at least the majority of the Megillah from a kosher scroll).

When completing the missed portion independently, one must ensure that the words are audible to oneself but not loud enough for others to hear, so as not to confuse them.

Continuing With a Different Reader

[6] If only part of the minyan went to the protected space, they may continue the reading there with a different baal korei, provided that the new baal korei was present from the beginning of the reading in the shul and heard the brachos from the original baal korei.

Continuing Individually

[7] Individuals who returned home and cannot come back to hear the Megillah read publicly from a kosher Megillah may continue reading at home from a Chumash, on condition that they already heard the majority of the Megillah from the baal korei who read from a kosher scroll. The midpoint of the Megillah is Chapter 5, verse 8.

In such a case, the brocha of “Harav es Rivenu” after the reading should not be recited, as this brocha is made only when reading with a minyan and not individually. However, one who is lenient and does recite it individually is not to be rebuked.

Additional Laws and Reading Individually

[8] One who hears the Megillah via telephone or other electronic means — even if it is a live broadcast — does not fulfill the obligation.

[9] Care should be taken to read the Megillah with a minyan. If that is not possible, certain halachic differences apply, as follows:

The halachic authorities disagree whether one reading individually recites the brocha of “Harav es Rivenu” after the reading. The practical ruling is that it should not be recited, though one who does so should not be protested.

When reading with a minyan, the reader must stand both for the brachos and for the reading itself. One reading individually does not need to stand for the reading, only for the brachos.

An individual reader is also not required to spread out the entire Megillah and fold it page by page before beginning the reading.

{Matzav.com}

This year, more than ever before, with the current difficult matzav for acheinu b’nei yisroel in general and B’nei Torah in particular, there is just so much negativity worldwide. We now have a unique opportunity to portray a beautiful and positive message about our simchas Purim. The zechus of the special simcha emanating from torah […]

A special question-and-answer session with the mashpiah Rav Yaakov Meir Shechter, recorded approximately two and a half years ago, is once again circulating and delivering a sharp, unwavering message: “There is nothing to fear. We have the Ribbono Shel Olam. The safest place is in Eretz Yisroel.”

The words were originally spoken during the turbulent days when war erupted on Simchas Torah and fear gripped the country, with uncertainty about what the coming days would bring. At that time, Rav Shechter stood firmly and proclaimed a cry of emunah: there is nothing to fear. His message resonated widely, and many later pointed to his assurance that not a single one of his words fell to the ground, as the residents of Eretz HaKodesh were protected with Heavenly safeguarding.

Those remarks, which strengthened tens of thousands at the time, carry renewed relevance now, as anxieties once again intensify. As fears resurface, many are turning back to his words of pure faith in the Creator — that there is no reason for fear, Hashem is with us, and the primary response must be to increase the recitation of Tehillim.

In response to the many inquiries from Eretz Yisroel and from Jewish communities around the world seeking daas Torah from one of the elder tzaddikim of the generation during this difficult period, we revisit the questions posed to him by his close talmid and confidant, the mashpia Rav Yehuda Deutsch.

Below are his words in full:

People are very frightened. What should be said to them at a time like this?

“There is absolutely no reason to be afraid. We have the Ribbono Shel Olam. What happened was a decree from Heaven, which we do not understand at all. We are only in Hashem’s Hands. In Eretz Yisroel, this is the safest place.”

There are avreichim from abroad who live here in Eretz Yisroel and want to return to chutz la’aretz. Likewise, parents overseas whose children are learning here are asking whether they should return or remain. What should they do?

“Certainly, it is clear that one must remain in the Land. There is absolutely no reason to leave. Anyone who asks me, I instruct specifically to stay here. There is no fear here at all. If there is an issue where the wife is afraid, one must explain to her that fleeing the Land is not the solution — on the contrary, here there is protection. The solution is to say Tehillim. She should begin saying a great deal of Tehillim. In Tehillim are all the segulos, especially to purify the heart from fears. The root of fear comes from confusion of the mind, from a lack of emunah. Therefore, the solution is Tehillim. It strengthens faith, heals the mind, and purifies the heart.”

What hishtadlus should be undertaken at such a time?

“The only thing that must be done is to say Tehillim. Every free moment should be used for Tehillim. It illuminates emunah, removes fears, and draws down yeshuos and great shefa. Dovid Hamelech prepared, with ruach hakodesh, everything every Jew will need until the end of all generations. He saw each one of us and everything that would pass over him. Rabbeinu says that Tehillim is the root of ruach hakodesh. When one says Tehillim, he connects to that root of ruach hakodesh. But fear? There is absolutely no place for fear. Everything is truly nothing.”

How can one enter into simcha during such days?

“A segulah for joy is to learn the Zohar HaKadosh. This is the learning that will take us out of galus and bring the geulah closer. This is stated explicitly in the Raaya Mehemna. One cannot describe or measure the power of kedusha and segulah that exists in learning Zohar HaKadosh. One should not listen to the enticements of the yetzer hara that prevent people from learning Zohar with claims that they are not worthy or that they do not have a mikveh and the like. It is part of Torah study that every Jew is obligated in, just like Gemara. The great segulah of fixed daily learning — an unbreakable chiyuv each day — is tremendous, like the well-accepted custom of learning ‘Chok L’Yisroel’ throughout the generations. It is a great segulah for protection. There is no segulah like Torah.”

There is a feeling that there are decrees and that middas hadin is aroused. What should be done?

“There is no decree that cannot be sweetened. Everything — everything — can be sweetened through the power of saying Tehillim and through the middah of bitachon and emunah. And the main thing is not to be afraid. There is absolutely no reason to fear at all.”

What should a person think when hearing a siren?

“One hears a beautiful melody… Say the posuk of Dovid Hamelech: ‘Shomreini Keil.’ In Tehillim, chapter 16 — ‘Michtam L’Dovid, Shomreini Keil.’ What does ‘michtam’ mean? Precious gold, a precious diamond. Just as someone else rejoices and delights in a precious diamond or gold that he possesses, so Dovid Hamelech would delight and take pleasure each time he said and requested, ‘Shomreini Keil.’ The greatest delight is when one can speak to the Ribbono Shel Olam and feel protected by Him — ‘Shomreini Keil ki chasisi vach.’”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF is currently carrying out multiple airstrikes across Iran.

Footage from the aftermath of an impact in Bahrain.

An Iranian drone is seen flying over the skies of Dubai.

As Israel prepares for Ta’anis Esther and Purim 5786 under the shadow of war with Iran, the Chief Rabbi of Israel and President of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Rav Kalman Meir Ber, has released special instructions addressing how the days should be observed during this period of conflict.

In his statement, the Chief Rabbi emphasizes that although there is a clear obligation to increase joy, gratitude, and proper fulfillment of the mitzvos of Purim, full adherence to Home Front Command directives and all security regulations is mandatory, based on the Torah command of “Venishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem” — to carefully safeguard one’s life.

Among the key points outlined:

Megillah readings should be arranged close to a protected space, with prior preparation in case of a siren.

There should be increased tefillah for the safety and success of soldiers and security forces.

Communities are encouraged to expand their giving of matanos la’evyonim.

Greater unity should be fostered through mishloach manos.

The Purim seudah should be conducted with joy that is balanced and responsible.

{Matzav.com}

משלוח מנות איש לרעהו אלע מיינע מצוות שענק איך אוועק פאר אידןבמתנה גמורה וחלוטה!טאמער האב איך עולם הבא, זאלן זיי האבן מיין עולם הבאאיך שענק זיי דאס אויך אוועק!   מתוך דברות קודש שושן פורים תשל”טמאת הרה”ק מצאנז קלויזענבורג זי”ע   – קטע ווידיאו מצורף בסוף – צו הערן און זעהןקליקט דא   צו הערן דורכ’ן […]

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday that the United Kingdom did not take part in the strikes on Iran, but confirmed that British forces are actively engaged in defensive efforts to safeguard UK citizens and allied nations across the region.

In a recorded message, Starmer reiterated Britain’s position. “Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained that the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes on Iran. That remains the case,” he said.

He cautioned that tensions have escalated significantly over the past several days. “Over the last two days, Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them,” Starmer stated. “They’ve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. This is clearly a dangerous situation.”

The Prime Minister noted that a substantial number of British nationals are currently in the affected areas. According to him, there are “at least 200,000 British citizens in the region, residents, families on holiday and those in transit.” He urged them to “please register your presence and follow foreign office travel advice,” adding, “I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.”

Starmer also revealed that UK military personnel stationed in the region have been endangered. “Our armed forces, who are located across the region, are also being put at risk by Iran’s actions,” he said, disclosing that “yesterday, Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel.”

Turning to broader regional consequences, the Prime Minister warned that removing Iran’s leadership would not end the threat. “The death of the Supreme Leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. Their approach is becoming even more reckless and more dangerous to civilians,” he said.

He emphasized that Britain’s choice to avoid participating in offensive military action was deliberate. “Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate, not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and for the world is a negotiated settlement, one in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.”

At the same time, Starmer acknowledged that British targets are being struck despite the UK’s restraint. “But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. That is the situation we face today.”

He confirmed that Britain has increased its defensive posture in response to requests from regional partners. “Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them and it is my duty to protect British lives,” he said. “We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes.”

Explaining the military rationale, Starmer said, “the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source, in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles.”

He further disclosed that Washington sought access to British facilities for narrowly defined defensive missions. “the United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose.” Starmer said, “We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved.”

He described the move as grounded in mutual defense obligations. “The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of long-standing friends and allies and protecting British lives,” he said, adding that the action “is in accordance with international law and we are publishing a summary of our legal advice.”

Starmer made clear that Britain is drawing a firm line between defense and direct participation in strikes. “We are not joining these strikes but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region.” He added that the UK would “also bring experts from Ukraine together with our own experts to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.”

Referencing past conflicts, he stressed caution. “I want to be very clear, we all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons,” he said.

Reaffirming Britain’s stance, Starmer concluded: “We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now,” he said. “But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region because that is our duty to the British people.”

He closed by framing the measures as necessary to prevent further escalation. “It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further. This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives.”

{Matzav.com}