The UK maintains a considerable military presence in the Middle East. Analysts say UK forces will protect Israel if it comes under Iranian attack following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
These bases perform a range of functions, including military operations, covert surveillance and communications monitoring, forces training, munitions storage, logistics, operational support and missile defence functions.
UK forces in the Middle East have also been used to conduct bombing raids, drone attacks and to project military power and political influence.
The UK government cites defence, the preservation of global and regional stability, ally building, UK leadership and tactical support as the reasons for this extensive overseas presence.
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