When asked by Sky News whether he would offer military support if required, Sir Keir said: “We have been moving assets to the region to make sure that we’re in a position to protect our own interests, our personnel and our assets, and of course those of our allies.”
The PM was then pressed whether the UK would support the US if it was attacked by Iran as outlined under NATO’s Article 5 collective defence.
“I’m not going to speculate about what may happen, because all of my focus is on de-escalation,” he told Sky News.
“But I do want to reassure the public that we have taken all necessary measures to protect UK interests, UK personnel, and to work with our allies to protect their interests as well. That’s what you would expect.”
Attorney General Lord Hermer is reported to have raised legal concerns about any British involvement in the conflict beyond defending its allies, warning involvement in a US attack on Iran could be illegal.
The UK has several military assets in the Middle East, including the major RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus.
It is understood that force protection measures at British bases in the region were raised following the US attack on Iran on Sunday.
Defence Secretary John Healy said security is at its “highest level”.
Extra Typhoon fighter jets have already been sent to the Middle East.
Sir Keir spoke to Mr Trump on Sunday night, with Downing Street saying the leaders agreed Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
“The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and reiterated the grave risk posed by Iran’s nuclear programme to international security,” Downing Street said.
“They discussed the actions taken by the United States last night to reduce the threat and agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
“They discussed the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and to make progress on a lasting settlement.
“They agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days.”
Iran has denied it was producing nuclear weapons, maintaining its nuclear programme was peaceful.
Mr Trump has suggested there should be a “regime change” in Iran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, he wrote: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”
