CWA # 2093
The US-Iran War
Why is the UK reluctant to engage?

Public pressure against the US-Iran War, economic apprehensions and the European position play a role in UK’s approach towards the US-Iran War.

Kirsten Wilfred Coelho
10 May 2026
Photo Source:

Keir Starmer, the UK’s Prime Minister, has perhaps had one of the trickiest positions during the ongoing US-Iran War. His role has already evoked discontent among citizens and upset US-UK relations, as evidenced by President Trump’s statements. He had commented that “this (UK-US ties) was the most solid relationship of all...” while Starmer stressed the need for acting with a “cool head” when speaking in the House of Commons. Talks about returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius had already been under scrutiny from Trump, and now the ties are under greater strain.

The UK possesses more than dedicated military bases in the Middle East (inclusive of Cyprus), with roughly 1000 personnel spread across the region. Avoiding involvement even when in control of key bases such as Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus is a strongly motivated decision. Several of these bases are in extreme proximity to the conflict, such as the UK Naval Support base in Bahrain, which has been a hub for several Gulf missions in the past. 

What has the UK’s role been up to this point?

The UK is concerned about the Strait of Hormuz shutdown. While the UK does not draw any significant oil from the region, the primary concern has been the effect on global prices, which London would also have to face indirectly. The safety and security of shipping traffic in such an important economic hub would naturally be in the UK's interests, and securing its trade is a core concern.

The UK administration has only allowed American forces to usef its bases for “defensive strikes.” This would basically amount to strikes on missile launch infrastructure across Iran. The UK has been a key defence provider to Middle East countries such as Qatar by regularly intercepting Shahed drones using fighter planes available in the region. 

Iran’s attack on the RAF Akrotiri has triggered a stern reaction from the UK. Akrotiri is located in Cyprus, and sources say that the attack was launched from Hezbollah-controlled parts of Lebanon, a group that has been openly supportive of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Launch of ballistic missiles and the failed targeting of Diego Garcia have also been key factors in the UK’s rationale behind focusing attacks on military establishments in Iran. Further, the presence of British expatriates in different parts of the Arab Gulf makes the UK a direct stakeholder.

Why is the UK reluctant?

First, the public pressure against the War. Many continue to view Trump’s actions as aggression rather than a way to fend off an imminent threat. The rapid and violent engagement despite the ongoing talks that were mediated by Oman raises questions about Trump’s rationale. Further, the raid in Venezuela, as well as talks about Greenland annexation, did not sit well with the British and Starmer quite evidently eased up on ties with the US. This was further signalled by the decision not to join the Board of Peace. Tariffs and other economic matters are additional reasons. 

Second, the British attempts to tame domestic inflation over the past few years have affected the UK’s decisions. A primary goal before the war had been to bring in needed reforms, and there had been clear signs of inflation rates stabilising. However, the spike in oil prices and the burden on global trade, owing to the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is now serving as a regressive factor to the UK’s progress. 

Third, the lack of European involvement is also a key factor in this decision. The E3 - France, Germany and the UK- was a direct stakeholder in past nuclear talks. However, the Trump administration has limited its involvement. This has negatively impacted the emotions among European heads of government and thus fuels their disagreement. 

About the author

Kirsten Wilfred Coelho is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. 


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