Starmer distances UK from Iran war as EU leaders rule out sending warships

Keir Starmer said the UK would not be drawn into the wider war in the Middle East as European leaders ruled out sending warships to the strait of Hormuz. He acknowledged the choice was "difficult, there's no hiding that" but added: "While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war." Germany and Italy said they had no plans to send ships, and Australia, France and Japan have taken a similar position, underlining Washington's isolation.

President Trump publicly rebuked Starmer and criticised Britain for not providing minesweepers, saying, "I was very surprised with the United Kingdom, because two weeks ago, I said, why don't you send some ships over?" Starmer told a Downing Street press conference he was "looking through the options" after a phone call with Trump and ministers are drawing up plans to send aerial minesweeping drones to help clear the strait.

United Kingdom, Middle East

keir starmer, united kingdom, iran, middle east, hormuz strait, warships, minesweepers, aerial drones, donald trump, european leaders