Starmer distances UK from Iran war as EU leaders rule out sending warships

PM refuses to be drawn into wider conflict as Germany and Italy defy Trump’s call to help reopen strait of Hormuz

Middle East crisis – live updates

Keir Starmer has insisted that the UK will not be drawn into the wider war in the Middle East as European leaders ruled out sending warships to the strait of Hormuz.

In his clearest signal yet of the UK’s divergence from Donald Trump’s attack on Iran, the prime minister said he would stand firm in the face of US pressure despite the decision being “difficult, there’s no hiding that”.

As concerns mounted at home over US demands for the British military to help keep shipping lanes open, he said: “While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war.”