Prime Minister Keir Starmer is navigating a precarious diplomatic position after the United States launched strikes on Iran without UK endorsement. The UK declined to support the military action, which included the assassination of Iran's leader, but has also stopped short of condemning it, straining the so-called 'special relationship' between the two nations.
The UK's fence-sitting stance has been described as increasingly untenable. While London played no part in the initial strikes, it has now permitted the US to use British military bases for attacks aimed at destroying Iranian missiles targeting other Gulf states. Defence Secretary John Healey struggled to articulate a moral or legal opinion on the strikes when pressed, stating only that the UK 'will not mourn' the ayatollah whose regime has 'menaced' Western countries.
Starmer's strategy of aligning closely with President Donald Trump has been evident since their first meeting in New York 18 months ago. Despite disagreements, Starmer has avoided public criticism, even over issues such as the illegal capture of Venezuela's president. The prime minister has previously defended British troops in Afghanistan after Trump's remarks, but has otherwise shied away from outright opposition.
Political pressure is mounting for Starmer to distance himself from Trump. The Green Party has called the strikes illegal, while the Liberal Democrats urge the prime minister to stand up to 'bullying tactics'. Labour's loss of a huge majority in the Gorton and Denton byelection has been partly attributed to voter anger over Starmer's slow response to Israel's actions in Gaza. Some within his party and on the progressive left advocate for a shift closer to Europe and a more robust stance against the US president.
