By Rhoda Godwin
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out direct UK participation in US strikes against Iranian targets, insisting that any British military action must be grounded in international law and national interest.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Starmer said while Britain supports efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, it would not take part in offensive operations. “President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes,” Starmer told MPs. “But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest. That is what I’ve done, and I stand by it.”
His remarks followed criticism from US President Donald Trump in an interview with The Daily Telegraph, where he suggested Starmer had delayed granting permission for American forces to operate from British facilities, including those in the Chagos Islands. Trump claimed the prime minister “took far too long” and appeared concerned about the legality of the move.
Starmer has repeatedly referenced lessons from the 2003 Iraq war, emphasising the need for a lawful basis and a clearly defined strategy before committing UK forces. “We all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons,” he said. “Any UK action must always have a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan.”
Although ruling out direct combat involvement, the prime minister confirmed that Britain has permitted US forces to use UK bases to strike Iranian missile launch sites and storage facilities. He described the move as a defensive measure, arguing that it is “simply not possible to shoot down every Iranian missile and every drone after they’ve been launched.” Instead, US operations have focused on disabling launch infrastructure — described by officials as targeting the “archer” rather than intercepting missiles mid-flight.
The developments come amid escalating tensions across the Middle East. Iran has reportedly launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on targets in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. A drone strike also hit RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on Sunday, damaging part of a runway. UK defence officials stressed that Britain is not at war with Iran.
The crisis has raised concerns about the safety of British nationals in the region. Around 300,000 UK citizens are believed to be in affected countries, with more than 102,000 registered with the Foreign Office. Starmer urged Britons to register their presence and follow updated travel advice, warning that airspace closures and heightened security risks could persist. Rapid deployment teams have been dispatched to assist citizens, and contingency plans, including possible evacuations, are under consideration.
The situation has sparked political debate at home. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of “dither and delay” and questioned its reluctance to more clearly endorse US action. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticised the US operation as “an illegal war” and called for wealthy tax exiles in the Gulf to contribute more to UK defence spending.
Despite mounting pressure, Starmer maintained that his government’s approach balances alliance solidarity with legal restraint. While describing the Iranian regime as “utterly abhorrent” and citing its support for proxy attacks and alleged threats on UK soil, he insisted that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons would ultimately require diplomacy.
By distancing Britain from direct strikes while allowing US access to UK bases, Starmer is attempting to steer a cautious course — one shaped by the legacy of Iraq and the demands of an increasingly volatile Middle East.
