The United Kingdom has authorised the United States to use its military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
The decision was reached after a meeting of British ministers on Friday, where the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the disruption of key shipping routes were discussed.
According to a Downing Street statement, the approval allows U.S. forces to operate from UK bases as part of what it described as “collective self-defence,” including actions aimed at degrading Iran’s missile capabilities used in attacks on maritime vessels.
The authorisation includes the use of key facilities such as RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, both of which are strategically important for U.S. operations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had initially resisted the request, insisting he needed assurances that any military action would be lawful. However, his stance shifted following Iranian strikes on British allies in the Middle East.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, criticised the move, warning that it could endanger British lives and vowing that Iran would exercise its right to self-defence.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed frustration with allies, including the UK, accusing them of not doing enough to support American efforts in the conflict.
The British government, however, reiterated its call for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.
Public opinion in the UK appears divided, with polls indicating a majority of citizens are opposed to U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran, reflecting growing concern over the risk of a wider regional conflict.
