Starmer defies Trump pressure, rules out UK role in Iran war
London — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday he would not “yield” to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to join the war in Iran, despite threats to reconsider a bilateral trade arrangement.
“We’re not going to get dragged into this war. It is not our war,” Starmer told parliament, adding that participation would not serve Britain’s national interest.Trump, speaking in a phone interview with Sky News, said he could alter an agreement limiting the impact of U.S. tariffs on Britain, signaling potential economic consequences for London’s stance.
He also criticized the UK’s level of support during U.S. military operations.Tensions have risen between the allies after Britain declined to allow its bases to be used for initial U.S. strikes on Iran last month.
London later approved a request for the use of two bases for what officials described as a “specific and limited defensive purpose.”Starmer emphasized the resilience of the bilateral relationship, referencing the planned state visit of King Charles III to the United States and stating that ties between the two countries extend beyond individual leaders.
Trump said disagreements would not affect the royal visit but reiterated criticism of Britain’s position. “When we needed them, they were not there,” he said.The dispute reflects a broader hardening in tone from Starmer’s government toward Washington.
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves criticized the U.S. decision to launch military action against Iran as lacking a clear exit strategy, while Health Minister Wes Streeting described Trump’s rhetoric as “incendiary” and “provocative.”
Reeves was scheduled to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington on Wednesday on the sidelines of International Monetary Fund meetings to discuss the economic implications of the conflict.
