Starmer refuses to join Middle East war, citing rift with Trump

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed that the United Kingdom will not join the ongoing war in the Middle East, underscoring a “clear difference” in position with US President Donald Trump.

Speaking to Sky News during a visit to Finland, where he attended a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force, Starmer made clear that London would not take part in the conflict.

“I have been clear I'm not going to join the war,” Starmer said, adding that there is a “clear difference” in opinion between him and the US president.

“My own view is that a lot of what is said and done has been to put pressure on me to change my mind, but I'm not going to do so,” he added.

His remarks come amid rising tensions between the transatlantic allies after Trump renewed criticism of the UK for initially refusing to grant US forces access to British bases during the first phase of US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The UK later permitted access for what it described as “defensive” purposes, after Iran launched missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. However, Starmer has since consistently emphasized that Britain will not participate directly in the war against Iran.

For nearly a month, the United States and Israel have conducted an extensive air campaign against Iran, which has resulted in more than 1,340 deaths, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel, as well as countries such as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets. These attacks have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation.

By Tamilla Hasanova