UK has granted the US access to military bases for operations targeting missile sites in Iran
Britain has granted approval for the United States to utilize its bases to target Iranian missile sites following recent attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Britain has granted approval for the United States to utilize its military bases for conducting strikes on Iranian missile sites that are targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a notable change in its position regarding the intensifying conflict.
On Friday, the British government confirmed that ministers had approved the action after convening to evaluate the circumstances, particularly Iran’s activities in the crucial waterway.
“A Downing Street statement indicated that the agreement allowing the U.S. to utilize UK bases for the collective self-defense of the region encompasses U.S. defensive operations aimed at degrading the missile sites and capabilities employed to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The decision arises in the context of increased tensions following reports of Iran launching strikes on British allies throughout the Middle East, leading Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reevaluate his previous hesitance regarding military cooperation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed disapproval of the move, cautioning about potential repercussions. In a post on X, he stated that Starmer was “putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran,” further noting that “Iran will exercise its right to self-defense.”
Starmer had earlier maintained that Britain would not become involved in a broader conflict and initially turned down a US request to utilize British bases, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that any military action was lawful.
Subsequently, the prime minister modified his stance, permitting access to RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, a collaborative US-UK base located in the Indian Ocean.
US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Britain’s earlier hesitation, stating that there were “some countries that greatly disappointed me” and specifically mentioning the UK, which he described as having once been regarded as “the Rolls-Royce of allies.”
Even with the approval, the UK government stressed the need for restraint. The statement from Downing Street called for an immediate de-escalation and a prompt resolution to the conflict.
Public opinion in Britain is split, as a YouGov poll indicates that 59% of respondents are against the US-Israeli attacks, highlighting a significant level of doubt regarding further involvement in the conflict.
