Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted Britain is focused on diplomacy and will not join a US-led attack on Iran with Israel, saying the best solution is through negotiations.
Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, PM Starmer defended his decision not to join the offensive against Iran carried out by the US and Israel.
He said the UK's position remained focused on diplomacy rather than military escalation.
"That is why I have taken the decision that Britain will not join the initial attack on Iran by the US and Israel," he said, launching Anadolu (6/3).
Britain would "remain firm" on its values despite international pressure over military action against Iran, he added.
On the other hand, Britain has increased its military presence in the Gulf region. PM Starmer announced that four additional Typhoon fighter jets would be deployed to Qatar following a request from allies.
He said the move was part of efforts "to strengthen our defense operations in Qatar and across the region."
When asked whether Britain's stance on military activity was defensive rather than offensive, the British PM did not give a direct answer.
Instead, he said the government continues to work closely with allies and the US and has been doing so "for some time."
"The US uses military bases to launch attacks on Iran," he said. "That is the understanding and arrangement we have made," he said.
PM Starmer also stressed that his decision not to take part in the attack had been carefully considered.
"The decision was deliberate. It was for the national interest, and I remain firm on that decision," he said.
PM Starmer added that he would "remain firm" on British values and principles, "no matter the pressure to do otherwise."
PM Starmer also revealed that he had not spoken to US President Donald Trump since Saturday, but said "a special relationship is underway at the moment. We are working with America on the placement of our base."
"We work together in the region, the US and the UK work together to protect the US and the UK at the joint base where we are. And we share intelligence 24/7 as usual. That's a special relationship," he explained.
Earlier this week, President Trump publicly criticized PM Starmer for his response to the conflict involving Iran.
Speaking at a White House news conference, the US President said the British leader was "not Winston Churchill" and accused him of damaging international relations.
President Trump also criticized the British government's immigration and energy policies, describing them as "horrible," and urged Britain to remove what he called "Sharia courts" and expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
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