British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the country has "learned the lessons of Iraq" and will not participate in offensive strikes on Iran.

"We all remember the mistakes in Iraq and have learned from them. Any UK action must have a legal basis and a considered, viable plan," The Telegraph quotes the British prime minister as saying.

"I repeat, we did not participate in the initial strikes on Iran and will not be joining offensive action now. But in the face of Iran's missile and drone attacks, we will protect our citizens in the region and support the collective defense of our allies, because that is our duty to the British people," Starmer added.

The prime minister noted that more than 20 potentially lethal Iran-sponsored attacks on British soil had been foiled over the past year.

He emphasized that one of the key objectives of the UK and its allies is to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into Iran's hands. "In the last year alone, Iran has backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil, every one of which was stopped. Clearly, the Iranian regime cannot be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. This remains the primary objective of the UK and our allies, including the US, and ultimately this goal must be achieved at the negotiating table."

Starmer confirmed that the UK will not join the offensive strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, though decisions on future use of bases will remain "under review."

"The US requested permission to use British bases for a specific and limited defensive purpose, as they have the necessary capabilities," the prime minister said.

"Last night we decided to grant this new request to prevent Iran from launching missiles at the region, which could have killed civilians, endangered British lives, and struck countries not party to the conflict. The use of British bases is limited to agreed defensive purposes. We are not joining the offensive strikes by the US and Israel."

The prime minister also noted that Iran "is working relentlessly and with deliberate intent," striking military and economic targets across the Middle East.

According to Starmer, the death of Iran's Supreme Leader last weekend "has not stopped Iran from launching these strikes." "In fact, their approach is becoming even more reckless and dangerous for civilians — they are working relentlessly and with deliberate intent, planning strikes not only on military but also on economic targets in the region, with no regard for civilian casualties. This is the situation we face today and must respond to."