Two child-made paper aeroplanes folded from the British and American flags rest side by side on a school desk, suggesting a shared journey whose consequences lie beyond the innocence of the gesture.

In April 2026, Action on Armed Violence recorded 5,231 deaths and injuries from 600 incidents of explosive violence around the world, as reported in English-language media. Civilians accounted for 95% (4,949) of the deaths and injuries recorded.

In March 2026, Action on Armed Violence recorded 7,207 deaths and injuries from 795 incidents of explosive violence around the world, as reported in English-language media. Civilians accounted for 89% (6,401) of the deaths and injuries recorded.

Here AOAV examines how Britain’s historic and contemporary military involvement, arms exports and strategic alliances across the Middle East have linked the UK, directly or indirectly, to conflicts and alleged human-rights violations across the region.

Phil Miller reports that UK personnel based in Bahrain provided logistical support to US forces following the killing of Qasem Soleimani, with their role only partially disclosed through an RAF honours listing and subsequent FOI revelations.

Britain’s involvement in Iran, from orchestrating the 1953 coup and arming the Shah to later disputes, embargoes and indirect entanglements in regional conflict, illustrates a long arc of intervention driven by strategic interests that has repeatedly intersected with repression, proliferation risks and geopolitical instability.

The International Network on Explosive Weapons warns that escalating hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States are causing widespread civilian harm across the Middle East, urging parties to stop using heavy explosive weapons in populated areas and to uphold international humanitarian law.

In February 2026, Action on Armed Violence recorded 2,740 deaths and injuries from 458 incidents of explosive violence around the world, as reported in English-language media. Civilians accounted for 92% (2,527) of the deaths and injuries recorded.

Britain has not fired a shot at Iran. But its bases, its jets and its diplomatic cover have made America’s campaign possible.

Newly released FOI documents reveal the Ministry of Defence mistakenly disclosed a 2024 reservist deployment to Iran due to a spreadsheet and drop-down data error, later correcting the record after scrutiny.

In June 2025, Action on Armed Violence recorded 6,821 deaths and injuries from 732 incidents of explosive violence around the world, as reported in English-language media. Civilians accounted for 95% (6,479) of the deaths and injuries recorded.

This AOAV guide outlines the key ballistic missile systems used by Iran, namely the Haj Qasem, Khaibar Shekan, Ghadr, and the Emad. It briefly sets out their technical specifications. We contend that their use against populated areas violates international humanitarian law.