British Defence Secretary John Healey has stated that the United Kingdom will not participate in a large-scale war in the Middle East, despite a new wave of sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump.
Responding to the American leader’s accusations that Britain is insufficiently involved in operations against Iran, Healey clearly outlined London’s position: the priority is protecting national interests and preventing escalation of the conflict.
“We remain a close and steadfast ally of the United States, but the United Kingdom has no intention of being drawn into a new major war in the Middle East,” the Defence Secretary stated.
Healey emphasised that London will continue to support Gulf partners exclusively in a defensive capacity. The United Kingdom is currently reinforcing its military presence in the region: additional air defence and missile defence systems are being deployed in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and the Typhoon fighter mission in Qatar is being extended.
“Our message to Gulf partners is clear: Britain’s finest forces will help protect your skies and our shared security,” he added.
The British government stresses that the country continues close cooperation with the US in intelligence and logistics but is firmly opposed to regime change policies and large-scale offensive operations. London points to the lessons of past conflicts — in particular the 2003 Iraq campaign — and insists that any military involvement must strictly align with national interests and international law.