Starmer defends UK staying out of US-Israel Iran war, backs plan to reopen Hormuz

LONDON, BRITAIN: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his decision not to join the military offensive against Iran led by the United States and Israel, arguing that committing British troops to war without a clear strategy would have been irresponsible.

Speaking at a press conference at 10 Downing Street on Monday, March 16, the British prime minister said he was unwilling to send UK forces into a conflict “without a plan to get us out.”

Starmer declined to join the February 28 assault on Iran but authorized British forces in the Middle East to participate in defensive operations after Iranian retaliation targeted allied military assets in the region.

Criticism from Trump and domestic opponents

Starmer’s stance drew criticism from Donald Trump and political rivals in the UK, who accused the prime minister of showing hesitation at a critical moment in the conflict.

The prime minister appeared to be referring to Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party and a close political ally of Trump.

Farage initially argued that Britain’s “gloves needed to come off” in dealing with Iran, but later softened his position as the conflict intensified, saying the UK should avoid becoming involved in “another foreign war.”

Responding to critics, Starmer said the decision to deploy British troops is the most serious responsibility facing any prime minister.

“If we are to send our service men and women into harm’s way, the very least they deserve is to know they are doing so on a legal basis and with a proper, thought-through plan,” he said.

Keir Starmer says rushing into war without exit strategy is reckless 

Starmer argued that rushing into the war without a clear understanding of the conflict or a defined exit strategy would have been reckless.

“Some would have rushed the UK headlong into this war without the full picture of what they were sending our forces into, and without a plan to get us out,” he said. “That is not leading, it’s following.”

UK working with allies to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Despite staying out of the offensive campaign, Starmer said Britain is working with international partners on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil normally passes.

The waterway has been effectively blockaded following Iranian actions after the US-Israeli strikes.

Starmer did not provide details of the strategy but said the UK is coordinating with allies, including European partners, to develop a collective plan to restore freedom of navigation.

“Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the market,” he said. “That is not a simple task.” Reports indicate Iran has begun laying naval mines in the strait, complicating any attempt to restore shipping through the narrow waterway.

Although Starmer avoided directly referencing Trump during his remarks, the comments came a day after the US president warned that NATO could face “a very bad future” if allied nations failed to assist in efforts to reopen the strait.