British forces are conducting defensive operations in the Middle East, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Saturday, following strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran. The Prime Minister stated that British planes were “in the sky” as part of a coordinated regional effort to protect British interests, allies, and personnel.
Starmer’s statement, delivered from 10 Downing Street, came after a day of escalating tensions triggered by the US-Israeli strikes. Whereas the United Kingdom did not participate directly in the strikes, Starmer condemned Iran’s subsequent retaliatory attacks on partners across the region, characterizing them as “indiscriminate.”
“The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes,” Starmer said. “But we have long been clear – the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent. They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent, and sought to destabilise the region.” He further emphasized the threat posed by the Iranian regime, citing over 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil in the past year, specifically targeting dissidents and the Jewish community.
The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, calling it a “primary aim” shared with allies, including the United States. He also confirmed that security measures for British bases and personnel had been elevated to their highest level.
The developments followed the collapse of negotiations aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear program. According to sources, the US and Israel launched strikes against Iranian facilities, including those related to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Iran responded with attacks on regional partners, prompting the UK’s defensive deployment.
A joint statement released Saturday by Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed their “commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life.” The statement acknowledged that France, Germany, and the UK – the E3 – were in close contact with international partners, including the US and Israel, but did not offer any specific condemnation of the initial strikes.
The E3 leaders called on Iran to refrain from further military strikes and urged a return to negotiations, stating that “the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.” The joint statement echoed concerns raised by Starmer regarding Iran’s destabilizing activities and its internal repression.
Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump following his public statement, reiterating the UK’s support for regional defensive operations. The conversation underscored the close coordination between the two countries in response to the escalating crisis.
The Prime Minister’s office has not yet announced any further planned actions beyond the current defensive measures, and the situation remains fluid. No timeline has been given for a potential resumption of negotiations with Iran.
