Starmer Defends Iran Stance as Trump Criticises UK Decision

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his government’s approach to the escalating Iran crisis, rejecting criticism from US President Donald Trump and insisting that every decision taken by the United Kingdom has been guided by international law and the national interest.

Addressing Parliament in London, Starmer said he stood firmly by his choice not to involve Britain in the initial US and Israeli offensive strikes against Iran. However, he confirmed that the UK has permitted limited use of British military bases for defensive operations after Iranian missile and drone attacks placed British citizens at risk across the region.

Starmer told MPs that Britain would not take part in offensive action but would act decisively to protect its people and its allies. He said Iranian strikes had targeted airports and hotels in Gulf states where Britons were staying, describing the attacks as reckless and increasingly dangerous to civilians.

President Donald Trump publicly disagreed with Britain’s initial refusal to join the strikes and suggested that London had delayed too long before granting access to strategic bases. In an interview, Trump indicated that Starmer appeared overly concerned about legal considerations and said the disagreement was unusual for two long standing allies.

Responding directly, Starmer said it was his responsibility to determine what serves Britain’s interests. He emphasised that the government would not repeat past mistakes and referenced the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a lesson in ensuring that military action must have a lawful basis and a clear plan.

The Prime Minister said Britain has around 300,000 citizens in the wider Middle East region and that recent Iranian attacks demonstrate that the threat remains active. He noted that an Iranian made drone recently struck RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, causing limited damage but highlighting the risk to British forces and assets.

While facing criticism from some opposition parties at home, including claims that he had shifted his position too quickly, Starmer maintained that the distinction between offensive and defensive action remains clear. He reiterated that the UK does not support regime change through air strikes and continues to favour a negotiated solution aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The disagreement with Washington has also touched on the future of Diego Garcia, the strategically important air base in the Indian Ocean. Britain recently agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing long term access to the base. Trump expressed disappointment over the arrangement, though Downing Street insisted that bilateral relations remain strong.

A government spokesperson said the United Kingdom and the United States remain staunch allies and continue to cooperate closely on security matters. Officials in London have stressed that the defensive use of British bases is consistent with international law and designed solely to protect lives.