United Kingdom has ruled out participating in offensive strikes against Iran, emphasizing that it will continue defensive operations in the region.
Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, made the statement on Monday while addressing the escalating tension between the United States and Iran, a conflict that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Starmer described Iran’s response as “outrageous” and said it poses a threat to people, national interests, and allied nations. He noted that Iran has retaliated across the region, launching hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones at countries that did not attack them.
“We will not join offensive strikes against Iran. We will rather continue defensive action in the region.
“With 300,000 British citizens in the region, we’re taking action. Our Cyprus bases are not being used by U.S. bombers. The RAF Akrotiri strike wasn’t in response to any UK decision.
“Clearly, the Supreme Leader’s death won’t stop Iran’s strikes. Their approach is becoming more reckless and dangerous to civilians,” he said.