British premier stands by decision not to join US-Israeli strikes on Iran

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK did not take part in US- and Israeli-led bombing raids on Iran and that the decision was deliberate. The UK government is separating operational non-participation in offensive strikes from continued alliance posture framed as protecting British lives and collective self-defense. The practical consequence is that the UK keeps its forces and bases in the region on heightened exposure to retaliation while attempting to preserve space for a negotiated settlement.

<p>Keir Starmer delivered a statement to MPs in the House of Commons addressing the conflict involving Iran and strikes carried out by the US and Israel. He said the UK was not involved in the initial strikes and that the government chose not to join offensive operations, citing a preference for a negotiated settlement and the need to protect British lives.</p><p>Starmer responded to reported criticism from US President Donald Trump, including a report that Trump said the UK took too long to grant US access to British bases. Starmer said he acted in Britain’s national interest. He said Iran’s response had become a threat to British people, interests, and allies, noting an estimated 200,000 British citizens in the Middle East and attacks affecting UK forces.</p><p>He cited a strike near British troops at a Bahrain base and a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. He said no one was injured, that UK bases in Cyprus were not being used by US bombers, and that the drone was launched prior to the UK announcement.</p>