UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is resolutely defending his choice to abstain from the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran—a decision that has drawn criticism.

“My priority is to deliver steady, rational leadership that serves the national interest… This requires the fortitude to adhere to our values and principles, regardless of external pressures,” Starmer stated at a Thursday press conference. “The decision was taken in the national interest, and I fully support it.”

Nevertheless, Starmer conceded that the extensive retaliatory attacks by Iran following the U.S.-Israeli operation that began early Saturday have significantly altered the circumstances.

“The situation shifted when Iran began assaulting nations in the Gulf and the broader region,” he explained, noting that Britain’s objective is to safeguard its “citizens and allies.”

“Our fighter jets were airborne over Jordan, Qatar, and other allied nations last night, conducting aerial refueling to extend their operational range. We are continuously replenishing our aircraft and missile supplies and are addressing calls for additional support from our regional partners,” he added.

The Prime Minister had earlier directed the deployment of the HMS Dragon warship to help defend British installations and allies, especially the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus.

In his most recent statement, Starmer confirmed that Wildcat Helicopters equipped to counter drones are scheduled to reach Cyprus by Friday.

U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey is presently in Cyprus conducting a comprehensive review of all strategic options.

Starmer also declared that four more Typhoon jets will reinforce the British squadron stationed in Qatar to bolster existing defensive operations.

Concurrently, the U.K. government is persisting in its efforts to repatriate “vulnerable British nationals” currently stranded in the Middle East. The initial charter flight from Oman left on Thursday afternoon.

“This hostilities may persist for an extended period,” Starmer noted, stressing that every action is focused on ensuring the safety of British citizens.

However, echoing numerous other European leaders, Starmer called for a reduction in tensions.

“The UK’s consistent stance is that a diplomatic resolution with Iran, which involves them abandoning their nuclear goals, represents the optimal path for the region and the globe,” he stated.

Although Starmer initially refused U.S. requests to use U.K. bases for strikes against Iran, he changed his position on Sunday night, describing the reversal as the “most effective method to neutralize the immediate danger and stop the crisis from worsening.”

However, Trump has repeatedly criticized Starmer for the holdup, contending that it resulted in a costly loss of time for the U.S.

“He damages alliances. We are taken aback. This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” Trump remarked about Starmer during a Tuesday press briefing in the Oval Office.

The President’s primary complaint is that he was initially barred from launching strikes from the Chagos Islands, the location of the joint U.K.-U.S. airbase Diego Garcia. The U.K. now leases the base after transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius the previous year—a decision Trump had earlier called an “act of great stupidity.”

“It required three or four days for us to determine an alternative landing site. It would have been far more efficient to operate from there, instead of undertaking significantly longer flight times,” Trump said.

In a discussion with a British news organization, Trump expressed that it is “very sad to see that the [U.K.-U.S.] relationship is clearly not what it used to be.”

This is a portrayal that Starmer has been eager to counter.

Responding to questions about whether his decisions had damaged U.K.-U.S. relations, Starmer informed the House of Commons on Wednesday: “American aircraft operating from British bases—that is the special relationship functioning in practice… focusing on President Trump’s most recent comments is not.”