Report By : trueobserver

US-Israel War With Iran: Why Various Gulf Countries Are Angry With the UK and Keir Starmer

As the US-Israel military campaign against Iran escalates into a broader Middle East conflict, several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have expressed frustration not just with Tehran and Washington, but also with the **United Kingdom’s response under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While Gulf states have largely aligned with U.S. and Israeli actions, some allies are annoyed by what they view as ambiguous or inconsistent support from London—particularly in the early stages of the war and in how Starmer handled requests for military cooperation.

Slow Response on Military Bases and Defence Support

One key issue is the UK’s initial reluctance to fully back U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Reports indicate that Starmer’s government did not immediately grant permission for the United States to use British military bases — such as RAF Fairford in England and the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean — for offensive operations against Iran. This delay drew sharp criticism from Washington and frustration among Gulf allies who expected strong Western unity.

President Donald Trump publicly criticised Starmer’s hesitation, describing him as “not Winston Churchill” and saying the U.S. was disappointed by London’s initial stance. Such remarks contributed to perceptions that the UK was not fully committed. Gulf governments, which rely heavily on Western support for security and deterrence, found this stance troubling.

Although the UK later allowed U.S. aircraft to use British bases for limited defensive operations against Iranian missile sites, several Gulf states were still displeased that the UK did not immediately stand shoulder-to-shoulder militarily with the U.S. and Israel from the outset.

Concern Over UK Citizens and Security Strategy

Another wrinkle is the UK’s dual focus on protecting its citizens and managing risk. With hundreds of thousands of British nationals in Gulf states — including expatriates and travellers — London has emphasised safety and evacuations over offensive participation. While this approach is understandable domestically, some Gulf partners interpreted it as a reluctance to commit militarily in a region where they feel threatened by Iran’s responses.

Starmer’s government argued it was prioritising lawful action and national interest, and that UK forces were involved in defensive operations such as intercepting Iranian strikes. But this did not fully assuage regional criticism that Britain’s support was not as robust or timely as Gulf leaders hoped.

Diplomatic Expectations vs. Strategic Caution

Part of the frustration stems from differing strategic priorities:

Gulf states want unequivocal backing for defensive and offensive measures that protect their sovereignty and deter Iranian aggression.
The UK, mindful of legal constraints, domestic opposition and broader diplomatic repercussions, has been more cautious in giving direct offensive support.

This gap has annoyed some Gulf countries because they expected a clearer, more forceful show of solidarity from London — especially given long-standing defence ties with the U.S. and European allies.

Impact on Alliances and Future Cooperation

The dispute over military engagement has strained perceptions of the US-UK ‘special relationship’. Trump’s comments about Starmer’s pace of support highlighted how differences in timing and tactical decisions can become political ammunition. Meanwhile, Gulf criticism of London underscores ongoing shifts in alliance dynamics, where regional states are increasingly vocal about their expectations and the consequences of Western hesitation.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why are Gulf countries unhappy with the UK?
Some Gulf states believe the UK did not immediately give full military support or timely permission for U.S. operations against Iran, contrasting with their expectations of firm allied backing.

Did Starmer eventually support military action?
Yes — the UK later approved the use of British bases for limited defensive roles, but this was seen as too cautious by some partners.

How has Trump reacted to the UK’s stance?
Trump has publicly criticised Starmer, saying he was disappointed in the UK’s initial reluctance, straining diplomatic ties.

Is the UK at war with Iran?
The UK states it is not directly at war, focusing instead on defensive measures and citizen protection, though its bases assist allied operations.