Starmer warns Middle East 'on brink' of conflict as UK backs Israel after Iran missile attack

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated Britain’s support for Israel following Iran’s missile attack, which saw around 200 projectiles launched at Israeli targets.

In a televised address from Downing Street on Tuesday, Starmer condemned the attack, warning that the Middle East is "on the brink" of a larger conflict.

The missile assault occurred while Starmer was speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He strongly criticized Iran's actions, which he said aimed at harming civilians.

"I utterly condemn this attempt by the Iranian regime to harm innocent Israelis, to escalate this incredibly dangerous situation, and push the region ever closer to the brink," Starmer said.

He reaffirmed the UK's position, stating, "We stand with Israel and we recognize her right to self-defense in the face of this aggression."

Starmer also called on Iran to halt its military operations, stating, “Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long.” He expressed concern over the risk of miscalculation in the volatile region, urging all parties to act with caution to avoid further destabilization.

Iran claimed the missile attack was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces in Lebanon the previous week.

Starmer emphasized the need for de-escalation and highlighted the dangers posed by the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

In response, UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that British forces assisted in preventing further escalation, though the specific nature of their involvement was not disclosed.

Healey praised the professionalism of British personnel, adding, "The UK stands fully behind Israel’s right to defend its country and its people against threats."

British forces are believed to have coordinated with the United States military, which helped Israel repel the missile barrage.

While the Ministry of Defence did not provide full details of the UK’s support, RAF Typhoon jets, based in Cyprus, had been deployed in April during previous incidents involving Iranian attacks.

Earlier in 2024, during a separate period of heightened conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces, Starmer, alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, called for an urgent ceasefire.

The two leaders jointly urged all sides to halt hostilities and emphasized the importance of de-escalation to prevent further civilian casualties.

During that time, Starmer’s calls focused on the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work toward a long-term political solution.

He advocated for renewed efforts to revive peace talks, stressing the importance of the two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace. "A ceasefire is necessary to create space for meaningful diplomacy," Starmer said at the time, echoing Albanese’s similar plea for peace.

In the current crisis, Starmer’s government remains committed to diplomacy, urging restraint while standing firmly behind Israel’s right to self-defense.

Following the missile attack, he has called for continued cooperation with international leaders to defuse the tensions and prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.

The UK is also working closely with its allies to support Israeli defense while emphasizing the importance of seeking a broader resolution to the conflict.

Starmer also reiterated warnings for Britons in Lebanon to leave immediately due to fears of escalating retaliatory actions from Israel, particularly after the Hezbollah leader’s death.