Extra British troops and more UK air defence systems will be deployed to the Middle East for defensive action against Iranian attacks, bringing the total number of UK personnel involved in the defence of the Gulf and Cyprus to around 1,000, BBC reported. 

On a trip to the Gulf nations, Defence Secretary John Healey said extra air defence teams and systems would be deployed to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait while the use of Typhoon jets in Qatar will be extended.

"My message to Gulf partners is: Britain's best will help you defend your skies," he said.