UK will not join air strikes on Iran – Starmer
Khubayb Adefaka
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom will not participate in offensive air strikes against Iran, stating that the government does not support “regime change from the skies.”
Addressing lawmakers in the House of Commons, Starmer said the UK had drawn clear lessons from the Iraq war and would only take action that is grounded in law and supported by a well-defined strategy.
“We all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons. Any UK actions must always have a lawful basis, and a viable thought-through plan,” he said.
The Prime Minister defended the government’s decision to permit the use of British planes and bases strictly for defensive purposes, arguing that the move was necessary to safeguard British interests and lives.
According to Starmer, an Iranian drone heading toward a coalition base in Iraq was intercepted by the Royal Air Force (RAF). He also disclosed that another drone targeted RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
“The basis for our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies and protecting British lives. It is in accordance with international law,” he said.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that damage at RAF Akrotiri was minimal. However, families residing on the base are being relocated to temporary accommodation as a precaution.
Starmer emphasized that the UK did not grant the United States permission to use Diego Garcia or any other British airbases to carry out offensive strikes.
He reiterated that Britain’s priority remains pursuing a negotiated settlement with Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions and destabilising activities in the region.
Referring to his discussions with Donald Trump, Starmer acknowledged differences over the UK’s refusal to join the initial strikes.
“President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, 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,” he said.
The Prime Minister also warned that British nationals in the Gulf region could face heightened risks, noting that approximately 300,000 British citizens are currently in the area.
Iran has hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. It is deeply concerning for the whole house and the whole country,” Starmer said.
To reduce risks, the UK has allowed US forces to target Iranian missiles at storage or launch sites to prevent attacks on civilians and British lives.
Rapid deployment teams are being sent to the UAE and other Gulf countries to assist citizens stranded by closed airspace.
