Starmer Drags UK Into Trump and Israel’s War on Iran

An RAF base in Cyprus has been hit by a drone strike, hours after Keir Starmer announced that the UK would let the US use two of its bases to attack Iran.

The strike at the Akrotiri base caused limited damage and no casualties, the Ministry of Defence said. 

In a recorded video message on Sunday evening, Starmer sought to frame the decision to involve the UK as an act of self defence that would be limited in scope. “We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons,” he said. 

He said the US had asked to use British bases to attack Iranian missile storage depots and launchers. 

“We have taken the decision to accept this request, to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region… killing innocent civilians… putting British lives at risk… and hitting countries that have not been involved.”

He added that British jets were involved in “defensive” operations and had “already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes”.

Schools in Cyprus have been closed and people would be evacuated where necessary, authorities said. Non-essential personnel have been asked to leave the base and residents in the area told to shelter in place. 

In an address to the nation early on Monday morning, president Nikos Christodoulides said: “We are located in a region of particular geopolitical instability, with many challenges and problems, currently undergoing an unprecedented crisis.

“We are doing what must be done, with the safety of our country and our citizens as our foremost concern.” 

In a statement summarising its legal argument for involving the UK in the conflict, the British government said: “The UK is acting in the collective self-defence of regional allies who have requested support.”

The Foreign Office plans to evacuate British citizens from Middle Eastern countries if the war continues to escalate. Starmer said on Sunday that there were around 200,000 Britons in countries being targeted by Iran.