Keir Starmer’s insistence that UK bases will only be used for “defensive” strikes on Iranian military targets is facing increasing pressure as Donald Trump threatens to bomb civilian infrastructure. The US president said on Monday he was “not at all” worried about committing war crimes, raising questions about the viability of the UK’s legal position.
So far, Starmer has presented the UK as a responsible actor not directly participating in the conflict, but this has drawn Trump’s displeasure and scepticism from legal experts. The government released a summary of its legal stance, citing collective self-defence of regional allies, but many international law experts consider the US-Israeli campaign illegal.
Susan Breau, professor of international law at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, questioned how the UK can maintain the distinction between defensive and offensive operations given Trump’s changing battle plan. She said allowing the US to use UK bases is problematic, especially if attacks target civilian infrastructure like bridges and power plants.
However, Victor Kattan, assistant professor at the University of Nottingham, argued the UK’s position could be defended if it restricts its support to shooting down rockets targeting Gulf allies. He said the UK should make clear it will not participate in attacks on Iranian infrastructure, a fine but tenable distinction.
Both experts agree the UK will be constantly reviewing its legal position. Breau said the government needs to reconsider it, while Kattan noted it is a given that the stance is under continuous scrutiny.
