UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has chaired a meeting of the government’s emergency committee, known as COBRA, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, BBC News reports.

The United Kingdom did not take part in the strikes, the broadcaster emphasized.

A government spokesperson said the move was aimed at protecting British interests in the region.

“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.,” the spokesperson said.

COBRA is an emergency committee where ministers and officials meet to coordinate the government’s response to unfolding situations. “Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution,” the spokesperson said. “Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advised British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to shelter in place immediately following reports of missile fire. British nationals in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Oman were advised to remain vigilant and shelter if instructed to do so.