UK Drawn Into Iran War “Whether We Like It or Not,” Badenoch Says
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has stated the UK is being “dragged into” the Iran war “whether we like it or not” following missile launches targeting a joint UK-US base . Badenoch criticized Keir Starmer for not fully backing further US strikes and argued he can no longer “sit on the fence.”
Badenoch’s Statements on Times Radio
Speaking on Times Radio, Badenoch said, “He’s basically sat on the fence, hoped it would go away, and then when the news looks like it’s negative, he pretends that he actually made a decision.” She emphasized that the UK did not initiate the conflict but asserted, “If there is any war between the US and Iran, we should never be on the side of Iran. It’s a hostile country that tries to carry out terror plots on UK soil.”
Badenoch continued, “Today we’re hearing that they’ve been firing missiles on Diego Garcia. The sad thing is, whether we like it or not, we’re being dragged into it and what we demand is a prime minister who can consider ahead.”
Position on UK Involvement
Whereas Badenoch supports the actions of the US and Israel, she clarified she would not “have joined in the initial strikes” if she were prime minister, but would have expressed solidarity with the US, similar to Canada and Australia .
Diego Garcia Attack and US Base Access
Iran launched two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, a joint base located on the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. One missile reportedly failed to launch, while the other was intercepted by a US warship. Prior to the attack, the UK agreed to allow the US to utilize British military bases for strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump expressed his surprise at the UK’s initial response, stating, “It’s been a very late response from the UK … a surprise due to the fact that the relationship has been so good. They didn’t want us to utilize the [Chagos Islands] … I was a little surprised at the UK, they should have acted a lot faster” .
The UK had previously granted the US permission to conduct airstrikes on Iranian missile sites that posed a threat to allies in the region.
Ministry of Defence Response and Bahrain Discussions
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) condemned “Iran’s reckless attacks,” stating, “Iran’s reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies.” The MoD confirmed that RAF jets and other UK military assets are actively defending British personnel and interests in the region. The government has authorized the US to use British bases for “specific and limited defensive operations” .
Downing Street also reported that Prime Minister Starmer spoke with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to discuss the ongoing situation. A spokesperson stated that the Prime Minister outlined the UK’s support for Bahrain, including the deployment of experts to counter drone attacks. Both leaders condemned Iran’s attacks and the threat to the Strait of Hormuz, and the Prime Minister updated the Crown Prince on the US use of UK bases for collective self-defense .
Starmer also welcomed Bahrain’s inclusion in a joint statement led by the UK, condemning Iran’s attacks and calling for de-escalation.