UK Not Targeted by Iran, Says Starmer Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

London, March 2026 : British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that there is currently no indication that mainland Britain is being targeted by Iran, even as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to a school in southeast London, Starmer emphasised that security assessments are being conducted regularly to ensure public safety. “We carry out assessments all the time in order to keep us safe, and there’s no assessment that we’re being targeted in that way,” he said, according to media reports.

His remarks came in response to questions about whether Britain could face threats after reports emerged over the weekend that Iran had fired ballistic missiles at the US-British military base at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago.

While downplaying any immediate threat to the UK mainland, Starmer stressed the importance of safeguarding British interests and avoiding further escalation in the region. He highlighted that any efforts to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz would require careful planning and a viable approach.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the potential economic impact of the ongoing conflict, particularly on the cost of living. He said the government would explore all available options to mitigate economic pressures arising from disruptions in global energy and trade routes.

Meanwhile, public sentiment in the UK reflected growing concern over the conflict. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of London over the weekend, joining wider demonstrations across Europe against US and Israeli military actions targeting Iran. Marchers moved from Russell Square to Whitehall, holding banners and raising slogans condemning the strikes, as the crisis reverberated beyond the region.

Amid these developments, reports indicated an increased British military presence in nearby waters. The Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Anson, has reportedly been deployed to the Arabian Sea. Equipped with advanced Tomahawk land-attack missiles and heavyweight torpedoes, the submarine enhances the UK’s ability to respond militarily if the situation escalates further.

According to reports, the submarine could be authorised to carry out strikes if required, highlighting Britain’s preparedness despite its stated intention to avoid deeper involvement in the conflict.

Earlier, the UK had agreed to allow the United States to use British bases for operations aimed at neutralising missile threats in the region, while maintaining its position of not being drawn into a broader war.

As tensions persist, the UK government continues to balance security preparedness with diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)