UK Grants US Base Access for Iran Strikes
In a major strategic shift, the United Kingdom will now permit the United States to use British military bases for potential operations against Iran. The move deepens the alignment between Washington and London and signals a reactivation of Western military alliances in response to the escalating Middle East conflict.
The decision specifically allows the US to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and a joint UK-US base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. RAF Fairford is the US Air Force's only European airfield for heavy bombers and is capable of handling B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, while Diego Garcia provides a key logistical hub about 2,500 miles from the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the access was granted for the "specific and limited defensive purpose" of targeting Iranian missile launch sites and storage depots. The government's legal position is that the UK is acting in "collective self-defence of regional allies who have requested support." This move marks a reversal of the UK's previous position. Starmer had earlier blocked a request from US President Donald Trump to use the bases for an attack on Iran, reportedly on the grounds that it would breach international law. The policy change came after Iran launched sustained attacks in the region, with one missile strike in Bahrain narrowly missing British personnel. The UK government has stated there are at least 200,000 British citizens in Gulf countries targeted by Iran. While the UK is permitting the use of its bases, the Prime Minister has said British forces will not join the US in striking targets within Iran. However, British jets have been active in coordinated defensive operations, successfully intercepting Iranian drones in the region. Hours after the UK's announcement, a suspected drone struck the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus. The attack caused no casualties and minor damage, with some non-essential personnel being temporarily relocated as a precaution.
