As the Israel-Iran conflict rages on, we’re asking: should the UK join the fighting? With tensions rising and Western involvement looming, is military action the right move – or should we continue pushing for diplomacy?
As Keir Starmer continues to call for de-escalation between Israel and Iran – we’re asking if you think the UK should join the fighting.
The seventh day of conflict came 24hrs after Iran’s supreme leader rejected U.S calls for surrender – and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause “irreparable damage to them.” There’s little sign so far that either side is willing to back down, and with that comes mounting concern the conflict will draw Western powers into it – but would you want our country getting involved? Take our poll below.
The Prime Minister has refused to rule out defending Israel against Iranian attacks, despite a warning from Tehran that this could lead to British bases in the region being targeted. However, a No. 10 spokesperson said the UK would not support efforts aimed at regime change in Iran, with Keir Starmer urging that Iran’s nuclear program be addressed through negotiations rather than military action. Meanwhile, last night Donald Trump continued to consider whether to deploy American forces to assist Israel in targeting Iran’s military facilities.
This comes after days of Israeli airstrikes on Iran, followed by Tehran’s missile attacks on Israeli towns and cities in response. Speaking to broadcasters this morning, the Prime Minister said: “Obviously all of us, the UK included, are very concerned about the nuclear programme that Iran is developing, long been concerned about that.
“We also completely recognise Israel’s right to self defence. But the principle is that we need to de-escalate this. There’s a real risk of escalation here that will impact the region, possibly beyond the region, into Gaza and obviously It’s already having an impact on the economy.” Should the UK get involved in the Iran-Israel conflict? Take our poll below and if you can’t see it, click here
Mr Starmer went on: “I’ve been absolutely clear about this – yes the nuclear issue has to be dealt with, but it’s better dealt with through negotiations than by way of conflict.”
When Donald Trump took office in 2018, he withdrew the US from the nuclear deal with Iran, which had restricted Iran’s nuclear activities since its signing in 2015. While Britain has consistently called for de-escalation, it has deployed two refueling tankers and 14 Typhoon jets to Cyprus to safeguard British personnel and interests in the Middle East.
The Foreign Office has evacuated family members of British Embassy staff from Israel but has not advised UK nationals to leave the country. Asked if Mr Starmer would prefer Mr Trump to go down the route of diplomacy rather than military action, a No 10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that his priority is de-escalation. Clearly de-escalation is the priority, and we would not want to see anything that ramps up the situation. That is our priority. We have been clear on that for a number of days now. De-escalation remains this Government’s priority.”
What do you think? Should the UK get involved in the Iran-Israel conflict? Take our poll above and expand on your feelings in the comments below.