Starmer Distances UK from US-Israeli Offensive on Iran, Faces Political Backlash

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has told Members of Parliament that the UK government “does not believe in regime change from the skies,” signaling clear differences with US President Donald Trump following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Speaking in Parliament for the first time since the attacks, Starmer defended his initial refusal to allow American forces to use British military bases during the first wave of strikes.

While acknowledging President Trump’s disagreement, Starmer said his responsibility was to act in Britain’s national interest.

However, he explained that circumstances shifted after Iran launched what he described as an “outrageous” retaliation, which posed a direct threat to British citizens, national interests, and allies in the region. Following Iran’s response, the government approved the use of UK bases strictly for defensive operations targeting Iranian missile infrastructure.

Starmer revealed that Iran’s counterattacks — including missiles and drones launched across the Middle East — endangered British nationals. He also referenced a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, noting that the base had not been used by US bombers during the initial offensive.

The conflict escalated after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Saturday that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and several Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, as well as vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US had sought access to the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for the offensive strikes, but Starmer declined. He told MPs his decision was influenced by historical lessons, particularly the Iraq War, emphasizing the importance of legal justification and a clear, achievable objective.

He clarified that while the UK approved the use of bases for defensive actions, it would not participate in US and Israeli offensive strikes.

“This government does not believe in regime change from the skies,” Starmer reiterated, stressing that any British involvement must have a lawful basis and a clearly defined objective.

The prime minister’s stance drew criticism across the political spectrum.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of hesitation and urged full support for the United States, noting that allies such as Australia and Canada had immediately backed Washington’s actions.

Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice argued that Iran had long posed a threat to Britain and claimed the US strikes had benefited the West. He accused Starmer of weakening the UK’s international standing.

Meanwhile, criticism also came from the political left. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey warned that failing to challenge President Trump’s actions could make Britain less secure, referencing past conflicts initiated without clear exit strategies. Green Party foreign affairs spokeswoman Ellie Chowns described the strikes as “deeply irresponsible and illegal,” calling for a parliamentary vote on any UK involvement.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney also expressed concern, warning that allowing US access to British bases could increase risks.

Starmer maintained that the UK is not at war and is not participating in offensive military action.

As tensions remain high, British officials have urged nationals in the Middle East — including tourists and business travelers — to register their presence with the government. More than 100,000 people have reportedly done so. While no evacuation is currently planned, contingency preparations are underway should commercial flights across Gulf nations remain suspended.