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UK will not join offensive strikes on Iran, says PM Keir Starmer.
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Britain limits support to defensive military action under international law.
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Government pushes for diplomatic solution to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom will not take part in offensive military operations against Iran, stressing that his government rejects the idea of “regime change from the skies.”
Addressing lawmakers in the House of Commons, Starmer said Britain had drawn hard lessons from the Iraq war and would only support military measures grounded in international law and backed by a clearly defined strategy.
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He said that any UK involvement must be legally sound and strategically justified.
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The Prime Minister explained that British facilities and aircraft are being used strictly for defensive purposes to safeguard national interests and protect lives.
He revealed that the Royal Air Force intercepted a drone aimed at a coalition base in Iraq, while another drone targeted RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Starmer said the UK’s actions fall within the framework of collective self-defence with allies and comply with international law.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that damage at RAF Akrotiri was limited, though families stationed there have been temporarily relocated as a safety measure.
He further clarified that Britain has not authorised the United States to launch offensive strikes from Diego Garcia or any UK-controlled airbase.
Despite reported disagreement from US President Donald Trump, Starmer insisted that his foremost responsibility is protecting Britain’s national interest.
He warned that about 300,000 British nationals currently in the Gulf face increasing security threats, noting that Iranian strikes have hit airports and hotels accommodating UK citizens.
To mitigate risks, the UK has permitted US forces to neutralise Iranian missiles at storage or launch sites when necessary to prevent attacks on civilians and British personnel.
Rapid response teams are also being deployed to the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states to support stranded citizens amid widespread airspace closures.
Starmer reiterated that Britain’s ultimate goal remains a negotiated diplomatic settlement aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear programme and reducing regional instability.