The RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus was targeted by a drone attack on Monday night, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced during a speech in the UK Parliament.

Starmer emphasized that it is important to clarify that Britain’s bases in Cyprus are not used by U.S. bombers and that the attack is not linked to any decision by the United Kingdom.

Opening his speech, he said that the United Kingdom did not take part in the initial strikes against Iran, describing this decision as “deliberate.”

He went on to stress that the best course of action is a “negotiated agreement,” under which Iran would agree to abandon “any ambition” to develop nuclear weapons and to end its destabilizing activities in the region.

Starmer acknowledged that U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed disagreement with the United Kingdom’s decision not to become involved initially. “But it is my duty to judge what serves Britain’s national interests,” he continued, stressing that he stands by his choices.

The British prime minister also said that Iran has launched attacks across the region, firing “hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones at countries that have not attacked it.”

He noted that around 300,000 British citizens are in the region, including residents, families on holiday, and people in transit. In particular, Iran has struck airports and hotels where British citizens were staying, something Starmer described as “extremely concerning for the whole House and the country.”

At the same time, the British prime minister explained why he changed his position and allowed the United States to use British bases: the government insists on clarifying that permission is granted only for defensive actions, aimed at destroying Iranian weapons “at the source.”

Starmer argues that this is lawful under international rules, as it constitutes “collective self-defence.”

“We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and have learned from them”

Starmer said that in the past year alone Iran has supported more than 20 potentially deadly attacks on UK soil, adding that “every one of them was prevented.”

He said it is “clear that the Iranian regime must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.”

He also underlined that “we all remember the mistakes of Iraq and have learned from them,” adding that “the actions of the United Kingdom must always have a legal basis and a sustainable, well-thought-out plan.”