UK claimed that it was aware of the US strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—prior to their execution. However, London did not receive any such request to utilize its military bases, such as Diego Garcia or RAF Akrotiri, Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds informed Sky News.
In the meantime, UK PM Keir Starmer is in close consultation with the allies after the strikes. Keir Starmer also supported the US strike, saying Iran should never possess a nuclear weapon.
No Plea for UK Facility Use
Jonathan Reynolds attested that the US never requested to use British facilities. “We didn’t get a request to Diego Garcia or RAF Akrotiri,” he stated. However, Britain sent more military equipment into the area and stood ready to defend its citizens and infrastructure.
He went on, “We were notified, as you would expect, prior to the strikes occurring”. This warning was intended to enable London to trigger contingency plans, such as evacuation flights.
PM Keir Starmer is coordinating the international effort. He will talk to partners during the morning, Jonathan Reynolds added. PM Starmer once again spoke of the US strikes as designed to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as necessary in his words. But he underlined the call for diplomacy and appealed to Iran to come back to the negotiating table.
UK on High Alert
The government has increased security for its soldiers and citizens. Defence Secretary John Healey declared force protection at its strongest point. He also confirmed additional planes and support personnel deployed to the area.
Jonathan Reynolds stated that the UK is standing ready to evacuate from Israel early next week and is helping British nationals in neighboring nations.
Diplomatic Balance Amid Escalation
While London is committed to nuclear non-proliferation, it fell short of an overt military intervention. Rather, Britain prioritizes deterrence in the form of preparedness and diplomacy. As Iran threatened “severe consequences,” the Starmer administration wants to walk a tightrope between solidarity with Washington and restraint from Tehran.
After the airstrikes, international alarm reached its highest level. The UN, EU, and UK called for de-escalation and re-opened diplomatic options. In the region, the allies of Iran—Germany, France, and Gulf states—re-affirmed the support for the negotiation process. Pakistan denounced the airstrikes as rapid violations and called for restraint.
What This Means for the UK?
• Strategic neutrality: No direct involvement, but prior notification and preparedness to offer help.
• Protective posture: Top security and evacuation procedures in progress.
• Diplomatic thrust: Starmer demands full-fledged talks despite his endorsement of the US position.
On the whole, the UK eschews escalation but stands firmly as a world power in deterrence and diplomacy in the face of escalating tensions.
