Farage Calls for Britain to Avoid War on Iran After Mar-a-Lago Snub

Reform UK leader urges non-involvement, citing military limits, amid public opposition to conflict

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party, has performed a sudden U-turn on his previous calls for Britain to support the United States in a potential war against Iran. Farage's new stance comes just days after he was snubbed by former US President Donald Trump during a visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where Farage had hoped to lobby against the UK's Chagos Islands agreement with Mauritius.

Why it matters

Farage's shift in position highlights how global events and domestic political dynamics can shape opposition strategies, especially as the public appears to oppose offensive actions against Iran amid concerns over the UK's military capabilities and the economic impact of the conflict.

The details

Farage had previously criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer's hesitance to support the US in a potential war on Iran, calling it "frankly pathetic" and insisting Britain must "do all we can to support the US operation". However, his tone changed dramatically in the days after his unproductive visit to Mar-a-Lago, where he was snubbed by Trump and unable to discuss the Chagos Islands agreement. Farage now argues that the UK lacks the naval and overall capacity to engage in another foreign war, pointing to the inability to protect the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus from nearby Iranian missiles.

  • On February 28, Farage posted on Twitter: "The Prime Minister needs to change his mind on the use of our military bases and back the Americans in this vital fight against Iran!"
  • On March 1, Farage questioned the government's response to missiles near Cyprus.
  • By March 10, Farage was calling for non-involvement in any war with Iran.

The players

Nigel Farage

The leader of the Reform UK party, who has performed a sudden U-turn on his previous calls for Britain to support the US in a potential war against Iran.

Keir Starmer

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, whom Farage had previously criticized for his hesitance to support the US in a potential war on Iran.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who snubbed Farage during his visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where Farage had hoped to lobby against the UK's Chagos Islands agreement with Mauritius.

Richard Tice

The deputy leader of the Reform UK party, who had previously said the party would help "in any way they saw appropriate" if requested to support the US in a war against Iran.

Andrea Jenkyns

A member of parliament for the Reform UK party, who had kept "boots on the ground" open as a possibility in supporting the US in a war against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“The Prime Minister needs to change his mind on the use of our military bases and back the Americans in this vital fight against Iran!”

— Nigel Farage (Twitter)

“I, as leader, am saying to you, if we can't even defend Cyprus, let's not get ourselves involved in another foreign war.”

— Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader (ibtimes.co.uk)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This U-turn by Farage highlights how global events and domestic political dynamics can shape opposition strategies, especially as the public appears to oppose offensive actions against Iran amid concerns over the UK's military capabilities and the economic impact of the conflict.