UK government faces pressure to explain position as Trump’s Iran bombing campaign sparks global fears and political confusion

As global tension simmers over the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, all eyes are now turning to how the UK’s leadership is responding.

But for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the spotlight is less about strength and more about uncertainty—especially when the conversation drifts to his stance on Donald Trump’s aggressive military decisions.

The Phone Call with Trump—But No Mention of Peace

Starmer spoke with Trump the night after the strikes, yet the official readout from Downing Street was surprisingly void of any talk of de-escalation—a core theme Starmer had pushed publicly.

Instead, the statement focused on a shared belief that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must return to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, Trump took to his Truth Social account to drop a bombshell of a different kind—hinting boldly at regime change, wrapping it in his signature slogan: “Make Iran Great Again.”

Downing Street Denies Starmer Was Left Looking Weak

When questioned whether Starmer had been undermined or embarrassed by the developments, No10 firmly rejected that impression.

His spokesperson defended the PM’s approach, pointing out that Starmer maintains a “strong relationship” with Trump—though they admitted the situation is evolving rapidly.

Still, what’s been missing is a clear statement of support—or opposition—for the U.S. strikes.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy skirted around the issue when pressed, neither condemning nor endorsing the bombing.

Iran Threatens, Allies Brace for Fallout

The fallout from the attacks isn’t just political. Iran has threatened to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a move that could spike oil prices globally.

Western allies, including the UK, are now bracing for possible retaliation from Tehran.

Russia has warned that Trump may have “opened Pandora’s Box” in the region.

Meanwhile, questions swirl over whether Trump will even show up at the NATO summit kicking off in Brussels.

Trump’s Rhetoric Heats Up Again

Trump didn’t hold back online. In the early hours, he posted satellite images claiming Iran’s nuclear sites had been “obliterated.”

He followed that up with a rhetorical question: if Iran’s regime can’t make the country “great again,” why not replace it?

David Lammy tried to temper the tone, telling interviewers that the White House sees the strikes as “targeted action” aimed at setting back Iran’s nuclear development—possibly by years.

UK Government Keeps Its Distance from the Bombings

Pressed further on the legality and legitimacy of the strikes, Lammy reiterated that the UK was not involved, and that it’s ultimately the U.S.’s call.

Meanwhile, Downing Street released a more subdued summary of the U.S.-UK phone conversation, emphasizing the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the need for diplomacy.

Starmer Calls for De-escalation, But Avoids NATO Questions

Speaking from Chequers, Starmer warned of the risk of escalation but avoided answering whether the UK would invoke NATO’s mutual defense clause if U.S. troops are targeted.

What he did say was that “necessary measures” are being taken to protect UK interests.

Additional RAF Typhoon jets have already been deployed to the region, and Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the UK’s “force protection” status is now at its highest.

Diplomatic Phone Frenzy: Starmer Speaks to Middle East Leaders

It’s been a whirlwind of diplomacy for Starmer, who has been on the phone with leaders from Oman, Jordan, Canada, and Europe.

Alongside Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he issued a joint statement urging Iran to avoid taking further steps that could ignite the region.

Lammy also had his own series of calls—with Iran, Israel, the U.S., and other key players—urging calm and a return to negotiations.

Foreign Office Denies Regret over U.S. Strikes

Despite reports from Iranian media claiming Lammy expressed “regret” about the U.S. attacks, the UK’s Foreign Office dismissed that story as flat-out “inaccurate.”

Lammy stressed that diplomacy is the only viable path and called on Tehran not to make the situation worse by retaliating militarily or closing vital shipping lanes.

Questions Linger: Where Does the UK Stand?

In his media rounds, Defence Minister Luke Pollard made it clear that the UK had no hand in the strikes, and that diplomacy remains their focus.

“Our efforts have been about keeping peace and drawing Iran back to negotiations,” he said.

But opposition voices, like Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge, openly supported the U.S. strikes and called out the Prime Minister’s vague response.

“We don’t really know where he stands,” Cartlidge said.

“He’s acknowledging what happened—but does he back it?”

What Happens Now?

With Iran vowing “heavy consequences,” U.S. bases on high alert, and the UK tiptoeing around its position, the world watches anxiously for what comes next.

Will Starmer double down on diplomacy?

Will Iran retaliate?

Will Trump’s bold play backfire—or reshape the power dynamics of the region?

One thing is clear: the road ahead is riddled with high stakes and high tension—and the UK’s balancing act may soon be tested like never before.