The United Kingdom has adopted a cautious diplomatic approach in response to US actions in Venezuela and military strikes against Iran, leading to expressions of dissatisfaction from US President Donald Trump and generating varied reactions domestically and internationally.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has maintained that UK decisions are guided by national interests and adherence to international law, while emphasizing the importance of the long-standing "special relationship" with the United States.
UK Response to US Actions in Venezuela
US President Donald Trump authorized covert operations in Venezuela targeting drug traffickers, which led to the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, whom President Trump identified in connection with "narco-terrorism." Prior to this, President Trump had confirmed CIA operations in Venezuela and implemented blockades of oil tankers.
Following Maduro's seizure, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a public statement acknowledging that the UK considered Maduro an illegitimate president and expressed no regret regarding the cessation of his regime. Concurrently, he reaffirmed the UK's commitment to international law.
The UK government has subsequently maintained a policy of limited public commentary on the US action, a stance reportedly aimed at avoiding diplomatic friction with the United States and influenced by ongoing discussions regarding a potential multi-billion-pound trade deal and cooperation on the situation in Ukraine.
Domestically, opposition parties, including the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, urged the government to condemn the US action. Emily Thornberry, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested that a lack of condemnation from Western nations could embolden countries like China and Russia. A spokesperson for Starmer stated that comparisons between the events and a full-scale invasion of a sovereign, democratic state were considered inappropriate. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, indicated that the US action constituted a violation of international law. Within the UK government, some senior officials in the Foreign Office privately expressed concerns about the precedent established by the seizure of a head of state.
Downing Street officials indicated that the UK would adopt a more robust stance if a European ally were to face a threat. Prime Minister Starmer previously expressed support for the Danish Prime Minister's position against US threats concerning Greenland, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper publicly affirming that Greenland's future is solely a matter for its inhabitants and Denmark.
Starmer communicated to colleagues that any decision to publicly challenge US actions would necessitate a careful evaluation of potential adverse effects on the UK's key economic and national security partnerships.
UK Stance on US-Israeli Strikes Against Iran
A disagreement arose between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump regarding military actions against Iran. Starmer initially declined to permit American planes from utilizing British bases for the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. He cited the need for a "viable, thought-through plan" for any British military action and expressed opposition to "regime change from the skies."
Following Iran's attacks on US allies in the region, Starmer later authorized the US to use UK bases in England and on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for what he described as limited, defensive strikes, specifically targeting Iran's ballistic missiles and their storage facilities, but not for other objectives. Even after a British base in Cyprus was reportedly hit by a drone that Cypriot officials linked to the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, Starmer affirmed that the United Kingdom would "not join offensive action."
He stated to the House of Commons that "any U.K. actions must always have a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan," and that his decisions are based on Britain’s national interest.
After Iran initiated retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations, Starmer announced on Thursday that the UK would deploy four additional fighter jets to Qatar and helicopters with anti-drone capabilities to Cyprus for defense purposes, stating, "Our number one priority is protecting our people."
US President Trump's Criticisms and UK-US Relations
US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Prime Minister Starmer multiple times regarding the UK's stance on the Iran strikes. He unfavorably compared Sir Keir to Winston Churchill, stating, "This is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with." President Trump also expressed frustration over delays in US military jets securing landing rights at Britain's Diego Garcia air base.
Trump stated, "I'm not happy with the UK," and questioned the UK's decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia, labeling it "uncooperative" and "stupid," despite a deal allowing Britain to retain control of the base under a 99-year lease. Trump indicated that he believes the long-standing "special relationship" between the US and UK is strained, stating it "is obviously not what it was." He also criticized Spain for being "hostile to NATO" and a "loser" for not supporting US actions.
During Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer addressed the discussions about the UK's relationship with the United States, stating that the presence of American planes operating from British bases and daily intelligence sharing constitute the "special relationship in action," emphasizing that adhering to "President Trump’s latest words is not."
Downing Street indicated that the UK government remains confident in its diplomatic path, citing factors such as the observation that Trump's public statements often change, leading other international leaders to await concrete actions. UK sources also asserted that the Prime Minister's decisions regarding Iran are primarily guided by British national interests and the protection of its citizens, rather than solely by a strategy to manage relations with the former US President. The UK's diplomatic engagement with the US aims to secure tangible benefits, such as avoiding certain US tariffs. The UK government has also established certain boundaries, having previously condemned Trump's criticisms of London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Prime Minister Starmer having publicly rebuked Trump's comments regarding British soldiers in Afghanistan in January.
Domestic and International Reactions to Iran Policy
Starmer's approach to the US strikes on Iran generated varied reactions within UK political circles and the public. Polling conducted by YouGov indicated that 49% of people in Britain opposed the US strikes on Iran, with 28% in support, and a later survey showing 60% opposition to the military action. There was also slight opposition to the use of British bases for launching attacks against Iran.
Some politicians to the right of Starmer's Labour Party criticized the prime minister for not joining the offensive. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch affirmed her party’s support for America’s actions against "state-sponsored terror," though her position later evolved to emphasize assisting in missile defense. Nigel Farage also initially expressed support but later shifted focus to domestic issues and cautioned against further foreign military involvement. Some senior Conservatives, including Andrew Mitchell, considered Starmer's initial refusal to support Trump a "very big mistake" for the UK's national interest.
Downing Street sources expressed confidence in Starmer's strategy, with internal polling reportedly showing support for his approach. Concerns were raised within the cabinet about the long-term impact on the transatlantic relationship, though others believed the relationship would recover. Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty downplayed concerns, stating, "Our relationship with the United States is strong... It has endured, it continues to endure, and it will endure into the future."
Among European leaders, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed approval of Trump’s decision to attack Iran and eliminate its supreme leader. In contrast, the UK, France, and Germany collectively stated their non-involvement in the initial strikes but indicated readiness to enable "necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the strikes as "unjustifiable" and "dangerous," and Spain reportedly declined permission for the US to use bases in Spanish territory for Iran-related missions.
Peter Ricketts, a former head of the UK Foreign Office, stated that under President Trump's administration, "the Americans have effectively given up on any effort to be consistent with international law."