London, United Kingdom – March 2, 2026 – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday firmly defended the United Kingdom's decision not to participate in the joint US-Israeli military offensive against Iran, telling Members of Parliament in the House of Commons that the choice was deliberate and rooted in Britain's national interest and the pursuit of a negotiated resolution to the crisis.
Delivering an update on the escalating Middle East conflict, Starmer reiterated that the UK had no involvement in the initial strikes launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026. Those operations—codenamed Operation Epic Fury—targeted Iranian leadership compounds, nuclear-related facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure, air defenses, naval assets, and command structures, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials.
“We are not joining the US and Israeli offensive strikes. The basis for our decision is the collective self-defense of longstanding friends and allies and protecting British lives,” Starmer stated. He emphasized that the government believes the best path forward remains a “negotiated settlement” rather than further military escalation.
Addressing reported criticism from US President Donald Trump, who according to The Telegraph accused Starmer of taking “too long” to grant US access to British bases in the region, the prime minister responded: “It is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest. That is what I've done and I stand by it.” Trump was quoted as saying, “This is probably something that has never happened before between our countries… We are very disappointed with Keir.”
Starmer drew a clear distinction between the opening phase of the conflict and the evolving situation, acknowledging that Iran's retaliatory actions have now posed a direct threat. “It is clear that Iran's outrageous response has become a threat to our people, our interests and our allies, and it cannot be ignored,” he told the Commons.
The prime minister highlighted the vulnerability of the estimated 200,000 British citizens currently in the Middle East, describing the risks posed by Iranian missile and drone strikes as “deeply concerning.” He also referenced specific incidents affecting UK forces and facilities in the region.
Starmer noted that a military base in Bahrain hosting British personnel was struck by Iranian forces on Saturday, with around 300 UK troops positioned “within a few hundred yards of the strike.” He further confirmed that RAF Akrotiri in the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus—under British administration—was targeted by a drone strike overnight into Monday. No personnel were injured in the incident.
To clarify the UK's posture, Starmer stated unequivocally: “It is important for me to say that our bases in Cyprus are not being used by US bombers. I want to be clear. The strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was not in response to any decision that we have taken. In our assessment, the drone was launched prior to our announcement.”
The prime minister's statement reflects the Labour government's effort to balance longstanding alliance commitments—particularly with the United States and Israel—with a preference for diplomatic solutions and the protection of British personnel and nationals abroad. The UK has maintained close intelligence and military cooperation with its allies but has avoided direct offensive participation in the campaign against Iran.
The conflict, now in its fifth day, has seen Iran launch successive waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting US military installations across the Gulf—including bases in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—as well as Israeli territory. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed successful hits on key US facilities, with satellite imagery confirming damage at several sites, including the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
US President Donald Trump has described the operation as progressing “ahead of schedule,” projecting a duration of four to five weeks or longer to eliminate Iran's missile capabilities, naval forces, and nuclear ambitions. He has acknowledged US casualties, including four service members killed in regional attacks, and vowed continued resolve.
International reactions have varied widely. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed sorrow over civilian suffering in Iran and pledged intensified diplomacy for a ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the US-Israeli strikes as “unprovoked aggression” in calls with Arab leaders. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stated that the operation does not meet international law standards, while French President Emmanuel Macron announced an increase in France's nuclear warheads and a shift toward greater European deterrence cooperation.
In the House of Commons, opposition figures and some backbench MPs pressed Starmer on the UK's strategic positioning, with questions focusing on potential future involvement, support for allies, and measures to protect British interests. The prime minister maintained that the government's approach prioritizes de-escalation where possible while remaining vigilant against threats to UK security.
With civilian casualties mounting—reported at least 555 in Iran from US-Israeli strikes—and risks to expatriate communities and regional bases persisting, Starmer's statement underscores the delicate balancing act facing Western governments as the conflict risks broader spillover.
