Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered his Starmer Iran statement on 28 February 2026 after US and Israeli forces struck targets inside Iran. He addressed the nation as tensions escalated rapidly across the Middle East.
Earlier that morning, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian sites. Soon after, Iran responded with what Sir Keir described as indiscriminate attacks across the region. As a result, concerns over security and stability intensified.
In his Starmer Iran statement, the prime minister stressed that the United Kingdom played no role in the initial strikes. However, he repeated his long-standing criticism of the Iranian regime. He described it as abhorrent and accused it of crushing dissent and destabilising neighbouring countries.
Furthermore, Sir Keir warned that Iran poses a direct threat inside the UK. He said the regime backed more than 20 potentially lethal plots on British soil in the past year. Therefore, he insisted that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon. He added that this goal remains central to UK policy and to cooperation with allies, including the United States.
At the same time, he condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes on regional partners. He noted that several targeted countries were not directly involved in the conflict. Consequently, he offered Britain’s support and solidarity to those affected.
The prime minister also confirmed that British forces remain active in the region. As part of coordinated defensive efforts, British aircraft are currently in the sky. He explained that these operations aim to protect UK nationals, safeguard national interests, and defend allies. Moreover, he said the government strengthened protective measures at British bases and for personnel to the highest level.
Alongside military precautions, the government has contacted UK nationals across the region. Officials continue to provide assistance and guidance as the situation develops.
During the day, Sir Keir spoke with leaders from the E3 group and partners across the Middle East. In his Starmer Iran statement, he emphasised the urgent need to prevent further escalation. He urged all sides to return to diplomacy.
“We want to see peace and security, and the protection of civilian life,” he said. He added that Iran can end the crisis by halting strikes, abandoning its weapons programmes, and ceasing repression against its own people.
Ultimately, Sir Keir argued that negotiation offers the only credible path back to stability. He called for de-escalation and a renewed diplomatic process to avoid a wider regional conflict.
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