Sir Keir Starmer said the military aircraft, including Typhoons and air-to-air refuelers, were being sent "for contingency support" across the Middle East after Iran launched a fresh round of missile attacks on Israel on Saturday night.

He said the situation was fast-moving and there were ongoing discussions with allies, adding: "The constant message is de-escalate."

The UK last announced it had deployed jets to the region last year, when the government said British aircraft had been playing a role in preventing escalation.

It comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said three people had been killed and dozens injured after Iran launched its latest missile strike on Tehran, in northern Israel.