UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defends decision not to join US strikes on Iran

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his government's decision not to join US and Israeli military strikes against Iran. He stated the UK would not support 'regime change from the skies' and that he had a duty to act in Britain's national interest.

Donald Trump criticized Starmer's position, saying he was 'very disappointed' and that the UK leader was 'no Winston Churchill.' Trump also suggested the 'special relationship' between the countries was diminished. Starmer later granted the US limited use of UK military bases for the operation, which he said was to protect allies.

Starmer spoke with Trump by phone about the disagreement. The UK foreign secretary defended Starmer, saying he was learning lessons from the Iraq war. Some UK political figures, like Kemi Badenoch, called for more offensive action against Iran.