Inquiry scopeThis inquiry will consider the role of UK Defence in the Gulf region. It will examine the UK’s defence interests and objectives, force posture, and defence partnerships. It will cover the implications of recent crises, including the 2026 conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, for the UK’s future defence presence. The Committee expects evidence to focus on UK defence interests, military operations, force posture and defence partnerships in the Gulf, including with Gulf partner states and other regional actors where these bear directly on UK defence interests.