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The United Kingdom has distanced itself from direct involvement in military strikes on Iran while simultaneously deploying defensive forces across the Middle East, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a strong condemnation against the Iranian government amid rapidly escalating regional conflict.
In a nationally broadcast speech on Saturday, Starmer confirmed that Britain did not participate in the coordinated attacks carried out earlier by the United States and Israel but made it clear that London supports efforts aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
“Earlier this morning, the United States and Israel struck targets in Iran. Iran has since launched indiscriminate strikes across the region,” the Prime Minister said.
The escalation marks a dramatic expansion of hostilities in the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional war and prompting heightened security measures by Western governments.
Starmer acknowledged growing anxiety among British citizens, warning that the consequences of the crisis could extend far beyond the battlefield.
“I know the British people and communities across our country will be deeply concerned about what this means for security and stability, and for the fate of innocent people across the region, which, for so many of us, includes friends and family members,” he said.
Despite stressing Britain’s non-participation in the initial strikes, the Prime Minister delivered an assessment of Iran’s leadership, describing it as a persistent threat both regionally and domestically.
“Whilst the situation is evolving very quickly, I want to set out our response. The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes, but we have long been clear that the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent,” Starmer said.
“They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent, and sought to destabilise the region.”
He further alleged that Tehran poses an active security risk within Britain itself.
My statement on Iran. pic.twitter.com/Ki4VVTYO4N
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 28, 2026
“Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and to the Jewish Community,” he said.
“Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil. So, it is clear they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies, including the U.S.”
Starmer also condemned Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks across the Middle East, particularly those affecting countries not directly involved in the confrontation.
“I condemn Iran’s attacks today on partners across the region, many of which are not parties to this conflict. We extend our support and solidarity to them,” he said.
While emphasizing diplomacy, the Prime Minister confirmed that British military assets have already been mobilized in defensive operations.
“As part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently strengthened,” he stated.
“Our forces are active, and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies as Britain has done before in line with international law.”
He added that security precautions for British personnel had been intensified, and assistance efforts were underway for citizens in affected areas.
“We have stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level. We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region, and doing everything we can to support them.”
Starmer said he had engaged in urgent consultations with European and regional leaders, stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.
“I have been speaking with leaders today from the E3 and across the region. It is vital that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process. We want to seek peace and security and the protection of civilian lives.”
In a direct message to Tehran, he urged an immediate halt to hostilities.
“Iran should end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons, programmes, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people,” Starmer said.
“They deserve the right to determine their own future in line with our long-standing position. This is the root to de-escalation, and back to the negotiation table.”
The remarks signal Britain’s attempt to balance military readiness with diplomatic pressure as tensions threaten to spiral into a broader international confrontation.
