In a significant show of support, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to launch targeted airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
The American-led operation struck key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, which Trump later described as “very successful.”
Reacting swiftly to the developments, Starmer issued a statement underscoring the UK’s alignment with U.S. action.
“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat. The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The Prime Minister’s remarks come just ahead of his scheduled appearance at a major NATO summit in The Hague, where world leaders, including officials from the Trump administration, are set to discuss the unfolding crisis and broader strategic concerns.
According to Downing Street, Starmer reached out to leaders in Jordan and Oman in the wake of the strikes to coordinate a collective response. He also chaired an emergency Cobra committee meeting in London to review the UK’s posture in light of the rapidly evolving situation.
While the United States did not notify allies before executing the airstrikes using B-2 stealth bombers, the UK was briefed shortly before the attacks were confirmed.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated in an interview that the UK had been given advance notice and was already “in active conversations to get people out” of volatile areas, including Israel and Iran. “That will be hours not days,” he assured, adding, “British citizens in the region are the government’s first priority.”
Regarding the potential risk of Iranian-sponsored terrorism within the UK, Reynolds acknowledged the concern. “Not a week goes by when we don’t have an Iranian cyber attack on the UK,” underscoring that the threat is “not hypothetical.” He also indicated that the UK may move to proscribe and sanction Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), further tightening pressure on the regime.
Reynolds confirmed that Britain would be working closely with allies to prevent Tehran from disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments.
UK Parties Unite Amid U.S. Strike on Iran
Political consensus across the UK’s major parties has emerged in response to the strikes. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has expressed firm support for the U.S. decision.
“By targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, the US has taken decisive action against a regime that fuels global terror and directly threatens the UK. Iranian operatives have plotted murders and attacks on British soil. We should stand firmly with the US and Israel.”
Kemi Badenoch
Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps also offered an even stronger endorsement.
“I don’t often agree with Trump, but destroying Iran’s nuclear sites was absolutely the right call. The IRGC wants Israel wiped off the map. Tehran arms Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis & militias. Iran fuels Middle East chaos. Starmer’s calls for ‘restraint’ were dangerously naive.”
Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps
The leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, also aligned with Washington’s move, adding his voice to the chorus of British political figures backing the airstrikes.
As diplomatic channels strain under the weight of heightened tensions, UK ministers are working to coordinate a secure evacuation of nationals from the region and bolster national security against any retaliatory threats. Meanwhile, all eyes turn to the upcoming NATO summit, where the international community must now decide how to steer the next phase of the crisis.
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