The Guardian reports:

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.”

Despite threats from the US president that Nato faces “a very bad future” if members fail to help reopen the vital waterway, European leaders underlined Washington’s isolation as Germany and Italy said they had no plans to send ships. Australia, France and Japan have taken a similar position.

This drew a further rebuke from Trump, who singled out Starmer’s failure to provide minesweepers to the Middle East, saying it was terrible and that he was not happy with his close ally. [Continue reading…]