UK PM Defends Iran Stance as Trump Critics Rise

London — Keir Starmer defended his decision to keep Britain out of the United States and Israel's initial strikes against Iran, telling MPs it was his duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest. 'That is what I have done and I stand by it,' he said, adding that 'any U.K. actions must always have a lawful basis and a viable thought-through plan.' The Prime Minister's stance comes after Iran fired missiles over the weekend that put British interests and people 'at risk'.

In a shift, Starmer acknowledged he had agreed to a U.S. request to use British military bases for a 'specific and limited defensive purpose', a move he characterized as a cautious response rather than a broader participation in the conflict. He stressed that Britain's bases in Cyprus 'are not being used by U.S. bombers' in the current war, and noted that a drone strike on Akrotiri runway had not been connected to Britain's decision, as authorities believe the drone was launched prior to the announcement.

Starmer warned that Iran's approach is becoming 'more reckless and more dangerous', saying the country is pursuing a plan that targets military and economic targets with little regard for civilian casualties. He argued that the government will act only with a lawful basis, a viable plan, and in a way that avoids the mistakes of Iraq. He also pushed back on calls for 'regime change from the skies', saying the U.K. must learn lessons and maintain a measured, lawful approach while working with allied partners. 'That is what I have done and I stand by it,' he repeated, underscoring Britain's emphasis on national interest and prudence in a volatile regional crisis.

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