British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that government assessments do not show mainland Britain is being targeted by Iran. He made the comment as he answered questions prompted by media reports that Iran had launched two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, a U.S.-U.K. military base in the Indian Ocean.
"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," Starmer told reporters.
Starmer framed his immediate priorities as protecting British interests and working to de-escalate tensions arising from the reported strikes. He stressed the importance of careful judgment before taking steps related to the Strait of Hormuz, saying any attempt to reopen the strait would demand "careful consideration and a viable plan."
In addition to security considerations, the Prime Minister said the government will examine all available options to address the cost of living impacts tied to the Iran conflict. He indicated these discussions will form part of an ongoing response to the situation.
The Prime Minister's remarks came in response to questions about whether Britain could be a target following weekend reports that Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Starmer reiterated that the government routinely conducts assessments to ensure national safety and that, at present, there is no intelligence assessment indicating a direct targeting of mainland Britain.
While emphasising the absence of an assessment that Britain is targeted, he nevertheless underscored the dual objectives of safeguarding national interests and seeking to reduce tensions. He also highlighted the procedural requirement for a robust plan before any consideration to alter access or operations related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Finally, Starmer said ministers will review measures aimed at mitigating cost of living pressures that have arisen in connection with the Iran conflict, noting the government will discuss every available option to respond to those economic effects.