Keir Starmer

We will not be drawn into the conflict.

That is not in our national interest.

And the most effective way we can support the cost of living in Britain is to push for de-escalation in the Middle East and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is such a vital route for energy.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he's working with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He told reporters it will not be a NATO mission and says the UK will not be drawn into the wider war.

Starmer has given the US only limited access to British military bases for what he calls defensive operations only.

Trump has reacted with personal insults against Starmer.

But at every stage, I've stood by my principles.

Most Britons oppose the war, and Starmer, a human rights lawyer by training, said his relations with Trump are still good.

He told reporters the U.K.

is evacuating Britons from the Gulf, supporting them in Lebanon, and introducing price caps for heating bills inside the U.K.

Lauren Frayer, NPR News, London.

Decisions about what's in Britain's best interests...

our decisions for the Prime Minister of Britain.

I want to be very clear.

We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have learned those lessons.

We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.

But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy.

So we are supporting the collective self-defense of our allies and our people in the region.

I want to be very clear.