The United Kingdom has approved the United States’ use of its military bases to conduct strikes on Iranian missile sites, following escalating attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement released on Friday, the British government confirmed that ministers granted the approval after reviewing Iran’s recent actions in the strategic waterway, which has seen increased hostilities affecting global maritime trade.
According to Downing Street, the agreement allows US forces to utilise UK bases as part of “collective self-defence” operations in the region, specifically targeting missile infrastructure allegedly used to launch attacks on vessels.
“They confirmed that the agreement for the U.S. to use UK bases… includes defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said.
The decision marks a notable policy shift by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had earlier resisted US requests for access, stressing the need for legal clarity and caution against deepening involvement in the conflict. However, following reports of Iranian strikes on allied interests in the Middle East, the UK government reassessed its position.
Access has now reportedly been granted to key ռազմական installations, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, a joint UK-US base in the Indian Ocean.
Iran reacted strongly to the development, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warning that the move could have serious consequences. In a post on social media platform X, he accused Britain of enabling aggression and cautioned that Iran would exercise its right to self-defence.
The decision also follows criticism from US President Donald Trump, who had expressed disappointment over Britain’s earlier reluctance, describing the UK as a historically dependable ally.
Despite the approval, the British government emphasised the need for restraint, calling for immediate de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Meanwhile, public sentiment in the UK appears divided. A recent YouGov poll indicates that a majority of Britons oppose US-Israeli military actions in the region, highlighting concerns over the country’s potential involvement in a broader conflict.
