LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: British prime minister Keir Starmer delivers a statement after the U.S. And Israel Attack Iran at Downing Street on February 28, 2026 in London, England. The United States and Israel launched a joint strike on Iran earlier this morning, prompting Iran to retaliate with a wave of missiles toward Israel and regional U.S. military sites. (Photo by Jonathan Brady-WPA Pool/Getty Images) (Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images)
Sir Keir Starmer stated it « remains the case » that Britain is not participating in offensive operations against Iran in a statement issued on Sunday evening. The Prime Minister did nevertheless confirm that British aircraft have « successfully intercepted Iranian strikes » and that he has authorised the US to utilise British bases for defensive objectives.
In a video address the Prime Minister revealed that Britain’s Gulf allies had « asked us to do more to defend them », and accused Iran of endangering British lives throughout the region.
The statement arrives as US and Israeli military operations against Iran moved into their second day on Sunday. Hundreds of thousands of Britons are believed to be in the Middle East, with thousands stranded following strikes on Dubai, Oman and Qatar resulting in airspace closures.
Britain is understood to have previously declined American requests to use UK bases for operations against the nation. However, in a statement on Sunday night, the Prime Minister revealed he had approved the 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 ».
The US will utilise the bases for the « specific and limited defensive purpose » of striking missile launch sites or storage facilities in Iran, he added. Iran has pledged to respond with « devastating blows » and has launched missiles at numerous neighbouring nations as well as US military installations.
British prime minister Keir Starmer addressed the nation on Sunday (Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images)
The Prime Minister’s remarks follow closely on the heels of a joint declaration issued in conjunction with France and Germany. The statement suggests that countries may, for the first time, engage in strikes on Iranian soil.
« We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source, » it read. « We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter. »
On Sunday evening, Starmer stated: « Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained that the UK was not involved in the strikes on Iran. That remains the case.
« Over the last two days, Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region, at countries who did not attack them. They have hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. This is clearly a dangerous situation.
« We have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region – residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. I ask all our people in the region to please register your presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.
« I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.
« Our Armed Forces – who are located across the region are also being put at risk by Iran’s actions, » he said in a video statement posted on X.
« Yesterday Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel. 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. 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 the world is a negotiated settlement – one in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.
« But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless, and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. This is the situation we face today. »
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