UK Maintains Legal Distance as US Conducts Iran Nuclear Site Strikes

Following President Donald Trump's confirmation of US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran's UN representative accused the UK, US, France, Israel, and the IAEA of bearing full responsibility for civilian deaths and destruction in Iran, criticizing Western countries for their silence and double standards. The UK government has stated that no British airbases or military assets were used in the US bombing operation, with the US reportedly not requesting access to UK bases to avoid forcing British ministers to confront the legality of the attacks. Former UK officials noted the US and UK have differing views on international law, and that the UK was given only brief notice prior to the strikes. While the UK has historically participated in US-led Middle East conflicts, it has acted more as a bystander in this instance, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly unaware of Trump's intentions before the operation. Legal experts highlight that, under international law, the UK could only legally assist the US if responding to an imminent threat to an ally, such as Israel, but no such situation had arisen. The situation remains tense with concerns over potential Iranian retaliation and disruption of global oil routes.