UK to Assist US Bombing of Iran to 'Protect British Lives' Says PM Starmer
In a significant development in the escalating Middle East conflict, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will permit the United States to utilize British military bases for defensive operations targeting Iranian missile and drone capabilities. The decision, framed as essential to protect British citizens and regional allies, comes amid a joint statement with France and Germany pledging to help "destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source."
Defensive Action Only, PM Insists
Speaking in a statement on Sunday evening, Starmer emphasized that the UK is "not joining offensive action" against Iran, but will support defensive measures. "We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons," he stated, referencing the controversial 2003 invasion. The Prime Minister clarified that while Britain is not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, it will allow US forces to use British bases for what he described as "specific and limited defensive purposes."
"It's my duty to protect British lives," Starmer declared, explaining that partners in the Gulf have requested increased support. He noted that British jets are already engaged in coordinated defensive operations, successfully intercepting Iranian strikes. However, he argued that the only way to eliminate the threat is to destroy missiles at their source—in storage depots or launchers.
Joint Statement with European Allies
The UK's position aligns with a joint declaration from Britain, France, and Germany, which suggests potential involvement in attacks on Iranian soil for the first time. The statement reads: "We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source." It further confirms collaboration with the US and regional allies on this matter.
Starmer elaborated that the decision is based on collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, as well as protecting British lives. He also announced plans to bring experts from Ukraine together with UK counter-drone expertise to assist Gulf partners in shooting down Iranian drones.
Background of Escalating Conflict
The crisis erupted after US and Israeli military strikes against Iran on Saturday, February 28, which triggered rapid retaliation across the region. Iran has launched missile attacks targeting US bases and cities throughout the Gulf, including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. This follows the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader in a joint operation named Epic Fury by Israel and the US.
As a result, a major humanitarian crisis is unfolding, with airspace closures stranding thousands of British nationals. More than 96,000 Brits in the UAE and other Gulf hotspots have registered for government assistance, with numbers expected to soar into the hundreds of thousands. Most are holidaymakers or transit passengers, and officials are currently advising them to stay put.
Unprecedented Evacuation Plans
Plans are being drawn up for a large-scale evacuation through Saudi Arabia if flights remain grounded. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is in talks with major airlines, facing what is described as its biggest-ever operation to track and assist British nationals abroad. Political editor Steven Swinford reported on X (formerly Twitter) that the scale of the FCDO operation is unprecedented, with an estimated 250,000 UK citizens in or visiting the region.
Starmer concluded his statement by reiterating the defensive nature of the UK's involvement: "We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, and we will not join offensive action now. But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy, so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region, because that is our duty to the British people." He asserted that this approach is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent further escalation, framing it as the British government protecting British interests and lives.
