BRITS stuck in the Middle East could be plucked from beaches in a “Dunkirk-style” evacuation.
Royal Marines have earmarked potential locations should Iran launch a major attack on Israel.
A plan to rescue Brits from the Middle East has been unveiled – after MSC Aries was seized by Iranian special forces in the Strait of HormuzAP
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps ‘stands ready’ to help stranded BritsRex Features
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said he “stands ready” to help stranded Brits.
It comes as Iranian special forces raised tensions by hijacking an Israeli container ship today.
The Marines’ Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron has studied the Lebanese coast for suitable spots for a boat-led rescue, it is said.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary boats in the area providing humanitarian aid could be roped in.
Sources said an evacuation would begin only after the Foreign Office had urged civilians to take commercial flights out of Israel and government charter flights had ceased.
Boats or airlifts could then transport any remaining UK nationals away from danger as part of Operation Meteoric.
Several airlines yesterday announced they were halting flights over Iran and Israel amid safety fears.
The Foreign Office has already advised Brits to flee Lebanon following a drones blitz on the north of Israel by Hamas and Iran ally Hezbollah.
Guidance on Israel is being monitored with officials ready to declare a “do not travel” alert if the situation escalates.
Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Shipping Company confirmed its vessel, MSC Aries, had been seized in the Strait of Hormuz.
The 1,200ft ship, sailing under the Portuguese flag and with a 25-strong Filipino crew, was stormed by armed Iranian special forces from a helicopter.
It is thought to have been targeted as MSC is part-owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
Israel Defence Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said Iran would “bear the consequences” if it takes more action.
He said: “Iran funds, trains and arms terror proxies across the Middle East and beyond.
“Its terror network does not just threaten the people of Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, the regime in Iran fuels the war in Ukraine and beyond.”
Israel is still braced for Iran to respond to an attack on its Syrian embassy that killed 13.
MSC Aries pictured at the port of Los AngelesAlamy
A possible rescue area to help Brits stranded in the Middle East is highlighted on the map
TENS of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched in London yesterday to call for a ceasefire and urge the UK Government to stop all arms sales to Israel.
‘Full alert’ for attack
ISRAELI forces are on “full alert” for an Iranian attack, top brass warned.
Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes are airborne.
He told a TV briefing: “Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation.
“We’ve increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond.”
Fears are growing Iran will retaliate after an air strike killed top commanders two weeks ago.