Keir Starmer’s insistence that UK bases will only be used for “defensive” strikes on Iranian military targets is under strain as Donald Trump threatens to bomb civilian infrastructure. The US president said on Monday he was “not at all” worried about committing war crimes, and warned that “a whole civilisation will die” if Iran ignores demands.
So far, Starmer’s position has allowed the UK to present itself as a responsible actor concerned for regional security, but not a direct participant in the conflict on the US side. However, this has incurred Trump’s displeasure and raised questions about whether it is legally plausible to neatly divide defensive and offensive operations.
International law experts are divided on the UK’s stance. Susan Breau, a professor of international law, said it would be “extremely complicated” for the UK to maintain the distinction given Trump’s changing battle plan. “His whole battle plan now is to attack civilian infrastructure,” she said. Victor Kattan, an assistant professor of public international law, argued the UK’s legal position could be defended if the government makes clear it is not participating in attacks on infrastructure.
Both experts agree the UK will be constantly reviewing its legal position. Breau said the government “needs to reconsider it”, while Kattan said it was a given that the UK would be “constantly reviewing” the stance.
