British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday that the United Kingdom did not take part in the strikes on Iran, but confirmed that British forces are actively engaged in defensive efforts to safeguard UK citizens and allied nations across the region.

In a recorded message, Starmer reiterated Britain’s position. “Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained that the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes on Iran. That remains the case,” he said.

He cautioned that tensions have escalated significantly over the past several days. “Over the last two days, Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them,” Starmer stated. “They’ve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. This is clearly a dangerous situation.”

The Prime Minister noted that a substantial number of British nationals are currently in the affected areas. According to him, there are “at least 200,000 British citizens in the region, residents, families on holiday and those in transit.” He urged them to “please register your presence and follow foreign office travel advice,” adding, “I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.”

Starmer also revealed that UK military personnel stationed in the region have been endangered. “Our armed forces, who are located across the region, are also being put at risk by Iran’s actions,” he said, disclosing that “yesterday, Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel.”

Turning to broader regional consequences, the Prime Minister warned that removing Iran’s leadership would not end the threat. “The death of the Supreme Leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. Their approach is becoming even more reckless and more dangerous to civilians,” he said.

He emphasized that Britain’s choice to avoid participating in offensive military action was deliberate. “Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate, not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and for the world is a negotiated settlement, one in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.”

At the same time, Starmer acknowledged that British targets are being struck despite the UK’s restraint. “But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. That is the situation we face today.”

He confirmed that Britain has increased its defensive posture in response to requests from regional partners. “Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them and it is my duty to protect British lives,” he said. “We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes.”

Explaining the military rationale, Starmer said, “the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source, in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles.”

He further disclosed that Washington sought access to British facilities for narrowly defined defensive missions. “the United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose.” Starmer said, “We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved.”

He described the move as grounded in mutual defense obligations. “The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of long-standing friends and allies and protecting British lives,” he said, adding that the action “is in accordance with international law and we are publishing a summary of our legal advice.”

Starmer made clear that Britain is drawing a firm line between defense and direct participation in strikes. “We are not joining these strikes but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region.” He added that the UK would “also bring experts from Ukraine together with our own experts to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.”

Referencing past conflicts, he stressed caution. “I want to be very clear, we all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons,” he said.

Reaffirming Britain’s stance, Starmer concluded: “We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now,” he said. “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 closed by framing the measures as necessary to prevent further escalation. “It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further. This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives.”

{Matzav.com}