Britain will "step up" defensive support for Gulf states after Iran attacked energy sites across the region in a "serious escalation" of the war, the Defence Secretary has said.John Healey told the Press Association that Tehran's attacks overnight threatened to further destabilise the region as he reiterated the Government's call for de-escalation.

Britain will "step up" defensive support for Gulf states after Iran attacked energy sites across the region in a "serious escalation" of the war, the Defence Secretary has said.John Healey told the Press Association that Tehran's attacks overnight threatened to further destabilise the region as he reiterated the Government's call for de-escalation.