UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer firmly stated he will not join operations attacking Iran, believing negotiation is the way forward. However, he has authorized the US to use UK bases to strike missile targets and has deployed aircraft to intercept attacks.
On 2 Mar 2026 GMT+7, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would not participate in attacks on Iran. The UK was not involved in the initial strikes and will not join current operations. He emphasized that while the UK is not participating in attacks on Iran, it will continue defensive operations in the region. UK Royal Air Force jets have taken part in intercepting Iranian attacks as part of defensive measures. He added that everyone remembers the lessons from Iraq, and the UK has learned from those mistakes.
Nevertheless, the UK has allowed the US to use its bases to strike Iranian missile sites and launch platforms. Previously, the UK had refused US requests to use its territory for attacks on Iran. Starmer revealed this decision was driven by the increasing threat from Iranian attacks against multiple countries in the region.
He also stated that Iran is pursuing a scorched-earth strategy, attacking British and allied interests in the region. Therefore, the only way to end the threat is to destroy the missiles at their source. He reiterated the UK's duty to protect its citizens and allies.
Starmer’s statement comes as the US and Israel continue strikes across Iran for a third consecutive day, focusing on destroying Iranian missile bases and naval vessels following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Source: AP