UK Gives Green Light for US Strikes from its Bases
The United Kingdom has agreed to allow the United States to use its military bases for launching strikes on Iran. The decision signals a deepening Anglo-American alignment and further internationalizes the conflict, but analysts warn it could expose British assets to retaliation.
The use of Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire and the joint UK-US base on the island of Diego Garcia for military operations is not without precedent. Both bases were utilized for long-range U.S. bombing missions during the 1991 Gulf War, Operation Allied Force in 1999, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. RAF Fairford is the only US Air Force bomber forward operating location in Europe, frequently hosting strategic aircraft like the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer, and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The base is also home to a detachment of U-2 "Dragon Lady" high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The remote island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean provides a crucial strategic platform. Its large airfield can accommodate heavy bombers and surveillance aircraft, while its deep-water port can host aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. The base was a key launchpad for air operations during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While the 1951 NATO Status of Forces Agreement provides the legal framework for the US presence, it does not grant automatic approval for military action. Under long-standing agreements, the UK government must give permission on a case-by-case basis before US forces can use the bases for offensive operations. The decision to grant access has prompted concerns about retaliation, with the UK's terror threat level being reviewed. A UK base in Cyprus was recently hit by a suspected Iranian drone strike, and officials have noted that Iran has sponsored at least 15 attempted terror attacks in the UK since early 2022.
