US a ‘steadfast ally’ and we support right to hit Iran-backed militias, says UK

The UK has called the US a “steadfast” ally following the overnight airstrikes on Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria.

“The UK and US are steadfast allies. We wouldn’t comment on their operations, but we support their right to respond to attacks,” the UK Government said in a statement.

It continued: “We have long condemned Iran’s destabilising activity throughout the region, including its political, financial and military support to a number of militant groups.”

Airstrikes launched by Washington on Friday evening hit over 85 targets linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and militias which it backs.

The US says the strikes were in response to a drone attack which killed three American soldiers last weekend in northeastern Jordan.

Iran backs the Houthi rebel group behind attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which they say they are doing in demand of a ceasefire in Gaza, and against whom the UK and US launched coordinated strikes last month.

This story is being updated.