Mar 2 • 14:16 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Starmer responds to Trump: Our rules are to protect allies and we will not attack Iran

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Britain will not engage in attacking Iran, focusing on defensive measures to protect allies in the region.

In a statement to the UK Parliament, Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the recent tensions between the UK and Iran, clarifying that Britain was not involved in the initial attack on Iran. He highlighted that the UK will continue its defensive operations in the region to safeguard its allies and national interests, especially following requests for support from Gulf partners facing Iranian aggression. Starmer described Iran's actions as reckless and expressed clear opposition to the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Starmer further noted the quickly evolving situation in the region, arguing that the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would not deter Iranian attacks but likely exacerbate them. He reiterated the UK's commitment to defend the region without participating in any offensive actions initiated by Israel or the United States. Additionally, he mentioned British military successes in intercepting Iranian drones targeting regional countries and confirmed the deployment of 300 British troops in Bahrain, where a recent attack occurred.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Starmer revealed that the United States sought permission to use British military bases, specifically Diego Garcia, indicating ongoing collaboration and strategic military partnerships between the two nations in addressing Iranian threats. This situation underscores the complexities and geopolitical implications of military alliances in the face of regional instability.

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