UK Prime Minister Starmer Defends Decision on Iran Strikes Amid U.S. Criticism

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly defended his decision not to join the initial U.S.-led strikes against Iran, emphasizing that his actions were in the national interest and aimed at providing calm leadership. Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Starmer stated, “My focus is providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest... That means having the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles, no matter the pressure to do otherwise.”

Starmer acknowledged that the situation changed when Iran launched retaliatory strikes against countries around the Gulf. He announced increased military support, including deploying Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities to Cyprus and sending four additional Typhoon jets to Qatar. The HMS Dragon warship has also been deployed to assist in defending British bases and partners.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Starmer for delaying access to U.K. bases, particularly the joint U.K.-U.S. airbase on Diego Garcia, which he claimed would have made operations more convenient. “It’s taken three or four days for us to work out where we can land,” Trump said during a press briefing in the Oval Office.

Starmer has dismissed concerns about strained U.K.-U.S. relations, stating that American planes operating out of British bases are evidence of the special relationship between the two countries. “Hanging on to President Trump’s latest words is not the special relationship,” he told MPs during a session in the House of Commons.

The UK government continues efforts to repatriate vulnerable Brits stranded in the Middle East, with charter flights departing from Oman and other locations. Starmer emphasized that all efforts are focused on protecting British lives amid ongoing conflict.