Richard Keys talks on beIN Sports (Image: beIN Sports)
Richard Keys has been taken off air at beIN Sports after the UK government urged British nationals in the Middle East to ‘take immediate shelter’ following the US bombing of Iran. The presenter, who has been based in Qatar for 13 years, was unable to broadcast as turmoil gripped the region, with beIN’s coverage switching to London instead.
The former Sky Sports anchor confirmed he would not be hosting his programme on Saturday. He posted on X: “Thank you all for your messages. It was a bit lively earlier. I don’t have space to express my feelings about that idiot Trump. No show today. You’ll be in the capable hands of our colleagues in London. Thoughts and prayers for everyone in our region. Ramadan Kareem.”
Keys’ remarks came in the wake of a warning issued by the UK government’s Foreign Office to British nationals residing across several Middle Eastern countries. Following the joint Israeli and American assault on Iran, Tehran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel, Qatar and other targets throughout the region.
“Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place,” the Foreign Office stated. “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
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Explosions have been reported across the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait. Israeli officials also confirmed that Iran had launched missiles towards the country in the wake of the strikes.
Iran’s security council pledged a “crushing” response to the military operation, declaring that the “enemy” had mistakenly believed Iran would “surrender to their petty demands through such cowardly actions.”
US President Donald Trump took the decision to launch strikes against Iran, despite ongoing negotiations regarding the nation’s nuclear programme. Whilst Iran had offered concessions, Trump stated on Friday that he was not “thrilled” with the progress of the talks.
Images of the aftermath following US and Israeli strikes on Tehran (Image: Getty Images)
The 79-year-old has vowed to dismantle Iran’s military capabilities entirely. He declared: “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their Navy.
“We’re going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilise the region or the world, and attack our forces and no longer use their IEDs or roadside bombs, as they are sometimes called to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans.
“And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It is a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon.”
The UK Government declared its foremost concern was “the safety of UK nationals” across the Middle East. A Government spokesperson stated: “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 statement continued: “As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests. We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.”
Meanwhile, several major airlines have suspended routes to the region. WizzAir, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic have all cancelled services to the region on Saturday.
WizzAir director Rachel Wray confirmed that all flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman would be halted.
She said: “Wizz Air confirms that, following the recent escalation of the security situation in Iran, the airline is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman with immediate effect up until and including March 7.”
Qatar Airways announced that flights to and from Doha had been grounded owing to the closure of Qatari airspace. British Airways confirmed it had withdrawn flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3.