Donald Trump’s decision to bomb Iran has led to the Middle East being “plunged into chaos”, Keir Starmer has declared.

In an apparent attempt to draw a distinction between himself and the US president, Starmer said his focus “providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest”.

The prime minister’s comments will be seen as another salvo in the ongoing war of words between the pair.

Addressing the nation from Downing Street, the PM said he appreciated that people “are worried sick about their family and friends who are caught up in this, about the impact on our lives and our economy, and about the potential for even greater escalation”.

He went on: “They can hardly believe that, yet again, we are seeing missiles and drones falling and civilians in the firing line across the region.

“So I want to reassure the British public about the action that we are taking while the region has been plunged into chaos.

“My focus is providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest.

“That means deploying our military and diplomatic strength to protect our people, and it means having the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles, no matter the pressure to do otherwise.”

Starmer also revealed that he has not spoken to Trump since the president said the PM was “not Winston Churchill” as he criticised his approach to the war.

The UK initially turned down America’s request to use British bases to launch its strikes on Iran.

However, the PM U-turned within 24 hours after Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at other countries in the region, putting around 300,000 British lives at risk.

Starmer said he would allow the US to use the British bases, but only in defensive operations targeting weapons storage facilities and missile launch sites.

Amid mounting criticism of the UK’s response to the war, the PM announced that the UK is sending four additional Typhoon jets “to strengthen our defensive operations in Qatar and across the region”.

Those are in addition to Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities due to arrive in Cyprus tomorrow.

The warship HMS Dragon is also being deployed to the region, although it will not set sail until next week.