beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys was forced to cancel his show in Qatar after Trump’s bombing of Iran sparked chaos, with the UK warning British nationals in the Middle East to shelter
Richard Keys has been taken off air with beIN Sports after the UK government urged Britons in the Middle East to ‘seek immediate shelter’ following US strikes on Iran.
The presenter, who has been based in Qatar for 13 years, was unable to broadcast as the region plunged into turmoil, with beIN’s programming instead originating from London.
The former Sky Sports host announced he would not be presenting a 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,” reports the Mirror.
Keys’ remarks came after a warning from the UK’s Foreign Office to those across several Middle Eastern nations. Following the joint assault on Iran by Israel and the US, Iran has launched attacks on Israel and Qatar alongside other regional targets.
“Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place,” they 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 in the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait. Israeli officials have also confirmed that Iran launched missiles towards their nation following the strikes.
Iran’s security council has promised a “crushing” retaliation to the military operation. They stated the “enemy” mistakenly believed Iran would “surrender to their petty demands through such cowardly actions.”
Despite ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, U.S. President Donald Trump opted to bomb Iran. Although Iran made concessions, Trump expressed on Friday that he was not “thrilled” with how the talks were progressing.
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The 79 year old is determined to dismantle Iran’s military power. 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 stated its priority was “the safety of UK nationals” in the Middle East.
“A Government spokesperson said: “Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution.”
They added: “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.”