'This is not our war, we aren't going to be dragged into it': Starmer on US vs NATO amid Iran war
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "'This is not our war, we aren't going to be dragged into it': Starmer on US vs NATO amid Iran war")
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference to update on the latest situation in the Middle East and how the government is supporting families at home at 10 Downing Street in London, on April 1, 2026. Photograph: (AFP)
UK PM Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK's NATO commitment while asserting national interest. He explicitly declined involvement in the Iran-US conflict, instead prioritising closer security and economic ties with Europe.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a press conference on Wednesday (April 1), said that NATO is "the single most effective military alliance that the world has ever seen" and that it has "kept us safe for many decades". He said that the UK is "fully committed" to NATO. His statement came in response to the ongoing clashes between NATO and the US in the backdrop of the Iran war. He added that "whatever they pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I'm going to act in the British national interest in all teh decisions that I make".
"...It's been absolutely clear. That this is not our war. And we are not going to be dragged into it. And I'm equally clear that when it comes to defence security, and our economic future, we have to have closer ties with Europe," the British PM told the reporters.
Also read: 'This is not our war, we aren't going to be dragged into it': Starmer on US vs NATO amid Iran war
The PM also said that the UK will host a meeting of about 35 countries this week to discuss how to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz - which has been crippled by the Iran war. He said that the meeting will “assess all viable diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and resume the movement of vital commodities”.
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"The conflict in the Middle East has now entered a second month. And while we're working at pace for de-escalation and peace, it is now clear that the impact of this war will affect the future of our country. So today, I want to reassure the British people that no matter how fierce this storm, we are well-placed to weather it, and that we have a long-term plan to emerge from it , a stronger, a more secure nation,” Starmer said.
