By Amofokhai Williams
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has doubled down on his decision not to involve British forces in the opening wave of US and Israeli strikes against Iran, describing it as a deliberate choice rooted in the UK’s national interest and long-standing preference for diplomacy over escalation.
The conflict, now in its sixth day, erupted on February 28 when joint US and Israeli forces launched pre-emptive attacks on Iranian targets, including leadership sites, nuclear facilities, and missile installations.
The strikes reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top commanders, prompting fierce Iranian retaliation across the region, including missile barrages on Israel, US bases, and civilian areas in Gulf states.
In a press conference and subsequent statements to Parliament this week, Starmer emphasized calm leadership amid public anxiety.
“I know that people are worried sick about their family and friends caught up in this, the impact on our lives and economy, and the potential for even greater escalation,” he said, following a COBRA emergency meeting.
He explicitly defended declining a US request to use British bases for the initial offensive operations.
“My focus is on providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest,” Starmer stated.
“That means having the strength to stand firm by our values and principles no matter the pressure to do otherwise.”
The prime minister framed the refusal as consistent with Britain’s belief that the optimal resolution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains a “negotiated settlement.”
“That’s why I took the decision that the UK would not join the initial strike,” he added. “That decision was deliberate. It was in the national interest. And I stand by it.”
Starmer’s position drew sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who expressed disappointment in interviews, accusing the UK of taking “too long” to approve base access and suggesting Starmer was “not helpful” and “no Winston Churchill.”
Starmer responded indirectly in Parliament, noting he had a “duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest” and rejecting notions of “regime change from the skies.”
However, the situation evolved rapidly after Iran’s counter-strikes threatened British nationals, allies, and regional stability.
Starmer authorized limited use of UK bases for US forces on Sunday, restricted to “defensive purposes” such as targeting storage depots and intercepting threats—explicitly not joining offensive operations.
“Our priority is protecting our people,” he stressed, while reiterating that Britain is “not at war” and not participating in the US-Israeli offensive campaign.
On the ground, the war continues unabated: Israel has shifted to targeting underground Iranian missile bunkers in a second phase, while Iran launches fresh waves of drones and missiles, hitting sites in Israel, the Gulf, Iraq, and beyond.
Reports indicate civilian casualties in Iran exceed 1,000, with internet disruptions and damage to infrastructure in Tehran.
