US EditionTrump’s Iran Bombing Tests the Limits of British Influence
- On June 25, 2025, Britain confirmed it did not participate in US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities nor allow use of UK airbases.
- The strikes followed concerns over Iran’s accelerated uranium enrichment and regional destabilization through proxies, prompting calls for action.
- UK officials, including Foreign Secretary Lammy, emphasized diplomacy and denied involvement, while opposition figures condemned the strikes as breaching international law.
- A YouGov poll showed 48% of Britons opposed the US strikes, while Starmer acknowledged the threat Iran posed and urged de-escalation through negotiations.
- The events highlighted UK political divisions, underscored tensions in UK-US relations, and reinforced the priority of seeking a lasting diplomatic settlement.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Starmer insists 'we have a good relationship' with Trump after leaked intelligence reports over Iran strikes
Keir Starmer has insisted the relationship between the US and the UK remains "very close" - despite a leaked intelligence report suggesting US strikes didn't completely wipe out Iran's nuclear programme.
The Independent
The Independent (US)What’s the real reason Starmer won’t say if Trump was right or wrong to bomb Iran?
The prime minister urged de-escalation and the US president ignored him, leaving the British government unable to say whether it is for or against the military action. It’s another blow to Starmer’s standing on the world stage, says John Rentoul
Where is Keir Starmer’s moral courage?
Moral courage is a quality seemingly so incredible in Westminster as feathers on an eel. Even so, when the United Kingdom’s close ally, someone we constantly and quite desperately refer to as having a ‘special relationship’ with, goes into bat against Iran – supporting Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East – and instead of proclaiming support, the UK does almost everything to disavow their actions: something has gone wrong. From Foreign …
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