Starmer Refuses to ‘Yield’ to Trump Pressure Over Iran Conflict

National Press Corporation
United Kingdom—Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK will not be drawn into the war with Iran, insisting he will “not yield” to pressure from US President Donald Trump to join the conflict.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, Sir Keir said it was not in Britain’s national interest to take part in military operations alongside the United States and Israel.

“My position on Iran has been clear from the start — we’re not going to get dragged into this war,” he told MPs. “I’m not going to change my mind, I’m not going to yield. It is not in our national interest to join this war and we will not do so.”

His comments come amid growing tensions between London and Washington after President Trump publicly criticised the UK’s refusal to support offensive operations in the conflict, which began in late February.

In an interview with Sky News, Mr Trump questioned the strength of the long-standing “special relationship” between the two countries, saying: “When we asked them for help, they were not there… and they still aren’t there.”

He also suggested that a recent tariff agreement between the US and the UK — which reduced import taxes on goods such as cars, aluminium and steel — “can always be changed”, raising the prospect of economic pressure alongside political criticism.

Despite the remarks, Downing Street insisted that ties between the two countries remain strong. A spokesperson said the UK’s relationship with the US extends across trade, diplomacy, security and culture, and is “far bigger than any individual issue”.

The disagreement highlights a widening rift between the two allies over the Middle East conflict. Mr Trump has repeatedly urged the UK to take a more active military role, at one point criticising Sir Keir as “no Winston Churchill”.

Senior figures in the UK government have also expressed unease about the US approach. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was “frustrated and angry” that the war had been launched without a clear strategy or exit plan.

Ms Reeves, currently in Washington for the International Monetary Fund’s spring meetings, warned that the conflict could have significant economic consequences. The IMF has already downgraded the UK’s growth forecast for the year to 0.8%, citing rising energy prices and global instability.

As a net importer of energy, the UK is particularly vulnerable to price shocks linked to the conflict, economists say.

Despite the political tensions, both sides have sought to keep diplomatic channels open. Mr Trump said his relationship with King Charles remained unaffected and that he was looking forward to an upcoming state visit.

However, with the conflict ongoing and pressure mounting from Washington, Sir Keir’s stance signals a clear attempt to maintain UK strategic independence — even at the risk of straining relations with its closest ally.