Keir Starmer Speaks to Donald Trump After UK Joins Defensive Operation

Keir Starmer Speaks to Donald Trump After UK Joins Defensive Operation

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to Donald Trump after the United States and Israel launched strikes on multiple Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran.

The prime minister said British aircraft were “in the sky” as part of a defensive operation aimed at protecting UK personnel, assets and allies in the region. The UK did not take part in the US-Israeli strikes themselves, Downing Street confirmed.

Starmer said protections for British bases and personnel had been raised to their highest level.

UK, France and Germany Urge De-Escalation

In a joint statement with Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, the prime minister called on Iran to “refrain from indiscriminate military strikes” and to seek a negotiated solution.

“Iran can end this now,” Starmer said, urging Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme and halt repression at home. “The Iranian people deserve the right to determine their own future.”

Iran Retaliates Across the Region

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has promised a “crushing” response. Explosions and air raid sirens were reported in Doha, with Qatar’s defence ministry saying it intercepted Iranian missiles. Bahraini state media said a support facility linked to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet had been targeted.

In the United Arab Emirates, an incident near the Palm Jumeirah area of Dubai left four people injured and caused minor damage at Dubai International Airport, forcing flight suspensions.

Starmer condemned what he described as Iran’s “indiscriminate” retaliation, noting that several targeted countries were not direct parties to the conflict.

Travel Warnings and Cobra Meeting

The Foreign Office has warned against all travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories and advised Britons in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE to shelter in place. Nationals in Saudi Arabia have been told to remain indoors, while those in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and neighbouring states have been urged to stay vigilant.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said she had spoken with Emirati counterparts to express solidarity.

A Cobra emergency meeting, chaired by Starmer, was convened on Saturday to coordinate the UK response. A government spokesperson said the immediate priority was the safety of British nationals and avoiding wider regional escalation.

UK Political Reaction

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she stood with the US and Israel. Nigel Farage said he hoped for the “right outcome” for the Iranian people.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey warned the UK “can’t be dragged into another protracted Middle Eastern war,” while Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski described the strikes as “illegal” and called for Britain to reconsider its relationship with Washington and Israel.

As the conflict intensifies, the UK government insists it is focused on defence, de-escalation and protecting its citizens amid a rapidly deteriorating regional crisis.

SOURCE