Farage under fire for U-turn on UK role in Iran war

Nigel Farage is facing criticism for what opponents call a U-turn on Britain's role in Donald Trump's war with Iran after comments suggesting the UK should stay out of the conflict.

On Tuesday, Farage said: 'There are differing opinions as to whether we should physically join the attacks. I, as leader, am saying to you, if we can’t even defend Cyprus, let’s not get ourselves involved in another foreign war.' This stands in contrast to his earlier public stance after the start of the war when he said he was in favour of 'regime change' in Iran and told a press conference in Westminster: 'We should do all we can to support the operation.'

Reform’s deputy leader has taken a hawkish line, splitting his time between a Lincolnshire constituency and Dubai, where his partner lives. He has said, 'We would be helping the Americans and the Israelis in any way they saw appropriate because this is a strategic, permanent threat to all of our safety and interest. If requests were made, we would have been saying: 'Yes, we are pleased to help.'

Analysts note the row exposes fault lines within Reform over foreign policy and the reach of a more isolationist 'Britain First' stance, echoing splits in Trump’s own conservative base in the US.

Beyond foreign policy, the debate has spilled into domestic energy politics, with Farage delivering an energy-themed stunt at a Derbyshire petrol station and prompting questions about fuel costs and policy. The party has signaled it would reverse a fuel-duty increase and trim net-zero initiatives to save billions a year.

Polls show mixed support among Reform voters: a YouGov poll found 24% want the UK to actively join the attack on Iran, while 63% back either a retaliatory or defensive position. With energy and foreign policy entwined in the party's message, observers say the party's leadership will continue to wrestle with presenting a coherent stance as the controversy drags on.

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