Britain is unlikely to assist the US in an attack on Iran but a deployment of RAF Typhoons to Qatar last week signals a willingness to help regional allies if Tehran tries to widen the conflict in retaliation. A first strike on Iran is unlikely be in line with the UK’s interpretation of international law, but British forces could become involved if there is a need to help Qatar or other regional allies in self-defence. In April, UK fighters shot down an unspecified number of Iranian drones, but the RAF role in October was negligible. Typhoon jets would only expect to help in protecting Qatar or other Gulf states from drones and cruise missiles. Experts said their role was not likely to be in attacking Iran, but to defend against any possible retaliation against Jordan, Israel or Gulf states.