UK Attorney General Warns Joining US-Led Iran War Could Be Illegal

The UK Attorney General, Lord Richard Hermer, has issued legal advice cautioning that any UK involvement in a US-led attack on Iran beyond defensive actions, such as protecting allies, would be illegal under international law. This legal stance complicates Prime Minister Keir Starmer's position as he considers whether to support US military action or allow use of British bases like Diego Garcia, amid pressure to back Washington and Israel while avoiding another illegal war. The UK government has not yet taken an active role in the conflict, and there are calls from political leaders like Ed Davey to publish the Attorney General's advice for transparency. The UK is focused on diplomacy and de-escalation, with officials such as Foreign Secretary David Lammy engaging with US counterparts to discuss the situation. Israel's bombing campaign against Iran, justified by Israel as self-defense against an imminent nuclear threat, is contested under international law, further complicating UK involvement. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has not confirmed whether he will order strikes on Iran, heightening uncertainty around the potential expansion of the conflict.