LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom will not be drawn into the ongoing conflict involving Iran, stressing that the situation “is not our war”.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Starmer said Britain would act strictly in its national interest, despite external pressure.
“Whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I’m going to act in the British national interest in the decisions that I make,” he told reporters.
“This is not our war, and we will not be dragged into it,” he added, underlining that the government has no intention of taking part in the conflict directly.
Starmer said the UK would continue diplomatic engagement and support efforts aimed at stability, but ruled out military involvement.
He also highlighted plans to strengthen ties with the European Union, calling for closer economic and security cooperation, and said the post-Brexit agreement reached in 2020 had caused “deep damage” to the British economy.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump criticised European allies for not supporting Washington during the conflict, singling out countries including the United Kingdom and France.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged allies facing fuel disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz to secure their own supplies or purchase fuel from the United States.
He also criticised France for denying overflight access to aircraft transporting military supplies, adding to strains among Western allies.
The conflict, involving the United States and Israel against Iran, has disrupted global markets and affected energy supplies.
