PM Keir Starmer Says UK Not Involved in U.S.–Israel Strikes on Iran, Urges De-escalation Amid Rising Tensions.
London:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday confirmed that the United Kingdom played no role in the U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran earlier in the day, as he outlined Britain’s response to rapidly escalating tensions across the Middle East.
In a national statement, the Prime Minister said the situation was evolving “very quickly” and acknowledged deep concern among British citizens, particularly those with family ties in the region. He stressed that while the UK was not involved in the offensive action, it had taken steps to bolster defensive measures to protect British personnel and allies.
UK Denies Involvement in Strikes
“Earlier this morning, the United States and Israel struck targets in Iran,” PM Starmer said, adding that Iran had since launched “indiscriminate strikes across the region.” He made clear that Britain had no operational role in the attacks.
However, the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s longstanding position that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. “That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies — including the United States,” he said.
Condemnation of Iranian Retaliation
PM Starmer condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes on regional partners, some of whom he noted were not direct parties to the conflict. He extended Britain’s “support and solidarity” to affected countries and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to regional security.
He also accused the Iranian regime of destabilising activities beyond its borders, including posing what he described as a direct threat within Britain. According to the Prime Minister, Iranian-linked actors have backed more than 20 potentially lethal plots on UK soil over the past year, targeting dissidents and members of the Jewish community.
British Forces on Defensive Operations
As part of its commitments to Middle Eastern allies, the UK has activated a range of defensive capabilities in the region. Mr. Starmer confirmed that British aircraft were currently engaged in coordinated defensive patrols aimed at protecting UK bases, personnel, and allied interests.
“We’ve stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level,” he said, adding that the government was also in direct contact with UK nationals in the region to provide assistance and guidance.
Diplomatic Outreach and Call for Calm
The Prime Minister said he had spoken with leaders from the E3 — the UK, France, and Germany — as well as other regional counterparts to coordinate responses and prevent further escalation.
“It is vital now that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process,” PM Starmer said. “We want to see peace and security, and the protection of civilian life.”
He called on Iran to refrain from additional strikes, abandon its weapons programmes, and end what he termed violence and repression against its own people.
“That is the route to de-escalation and back to the negotiating table,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened regional instability following the U.S.–Israeli strikes and Iran’s subsequent retaliation, raising fears of a broader conflict with global implications.
