Headlines
UK says Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 28, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 28, 2026
Quick Summary
On February 28, 2026, the UK condemned U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, affirming that Iran must never develop nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency COBRA meeting; the UK, not involved in the strikes, warned Iran against targeting British forces, bolstered its regional d
LONDON, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Britain said on Saturday that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and stood ready to defend its interests, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
A government source said Britain had not taken part in the strikes, and that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer would hold an emergency response meeting, a so-called COBRA meeting, on Saturday.
"Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution," a government spokesperson said in a statement.
"As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests," the spokesperson said.
Britain does not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict, the spokesperson added.
Britain's immediate priority was the safety of its nationals in the region, and it would provide consular assistance, according to the statement.
The government also issued a notice on Saturday advising against all travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories, after advising on Friday against non-essential travel in the regions.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •The UK strongly reiterated that Iran must never develop nuclear weapons, continuing its long-standing diplomatic stance alongside allies (gov.uk).
- •Britain clarified it did not participate in the U.S.–Israel strikes but is prepared to defend its interests, having recently reinforced its defensive capabilities in the Middle East (ft.com).
- •Prime Minister Starmer convened a COBRA emergency response meeting as the UK warned Iran not to target its military assets, and issued a travel advisory against non-essential travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories (ft.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about UK says Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons
1Why does the UK oppose Iran developing nuclear weapons?
The UK believes Iran must never develop nuclear weapons and supports ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent it, citing regional and international security.
2Did the UK participate in the recent strikes against Iran?
No, the UK did not participate in the US and Israeli strikes against Iran but expressed readiness to defend its interests.
3What actions has the UK government taken in response to the current situation?
The UK government is holding a COBRA emergency meeting and has updated travel advisories for Israel and the Palestinian territories.
4Is the UK increasing military presence in the Middle East?
The UK has a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which have recently been bolstered to protect its interests and allies.
5What is the UK's priority regarding its nationals in the affected region?
Britain's immediate priority is the safety of its nationals in the region, providing consular assistance as needed.
