Kathmandu — Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has reiterated that the UK is not directly involved in the joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, but has authorized the use of British military bases for “specific and limited defensive purposes” to counter Iranian missile threats.
The announcement follows heightened tensions in the Gulf region after the February 28 joint missile operation, codenamed “Operation Roaring Lion – Operation Epic Fury,” carried out by the U.S. and Israel. The strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several of his family members, including his daughter, grandchildren, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law, according to U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian state media.
In a video message shared on social media platform X, Starmer stated, “The UK was not involved in the attack on Iran and will not participate in aggressive action.” He warned, however, that Iran has continued targeting countries where it has no active conflict, including areas with British citizens.
He noted that Iranian strikes have occurred near airports and hotels housing British nationals. “There are at least 200,000 British citizens in the Gulf, including residents, families on holiday, and transit travelers,” he said, urging everyone to register their presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.
Starmer also confirmed that British troops stationed in the Gulf have been placed at risk. “Yesterday, Iran struck a military base in Bahrain, where British personnel narrowly escaped harm,” he said.
Despite leadership changes in Iran, Starmer cautioned that the threat persists. “The death of the Supreme Leader does not compel Iran to halt these attacks. Their strategy is becoming increasingly reckless and dangerous for civilians,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that diplomatic dialogue remains the best path forward for regional and global peace, including persuading Iran to abandon ambitions for nuclear weapons.
At the same time, he stressed the UK’s responsibility to assist allied nations in collective self-defense. “The U.S. requested limited use of British bases to destroy missile storage and launch sites for defensive purposes, and we have agreed,” Starmer clarified. He added that British fighter jets are actively involved in coordinated defensive operations in the Gulf, successfully neutralizing several Iranian attacks.
Reflecting on lessons from the Iraq war, Starmer said, “We have learned from past mistakes. We were not part of the initial attacks and will not participate in offensive action. All decisions comply with international law, and the legal advice will be made public.”
The escalating conflict in the Gulf has raised serious concerns within the international community and further complicated regional security dynamics.
