Britain has approved the United States’ use of its military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant shift in its stance on the escalating conflict.
The British government confirmed on Friday that ministers had authorised the move following a meeting to assess the situation, including Iran’s actions in the strategic waterway.
“They confirmed that the agreement for the U.S. to use UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region includes U.S. defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz,” a Downing Street statement said.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions after Iran reportedly launched strikes on British allies across the Middle East, prompting a reassessment of earlier reluctance by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to approve such military cooperation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticised the move, warning of consequences. In a post on X, he said Starmer was “putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran,” adding “Iran will exercise its right to self-defense.”
Starmer had previously insisted that Britain would not be drawn into a wider war and initially rejected a US request to use British bases, citing the need to ensure any military action was lawful.
However, the prime minister later adjusted his position, allowing access to RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, a joint US UK base in the Indian Ocean.
US President Donald Trump had publicly criticised Britain’s earlier hesitation, saying there were “some countries that greatly disappointed me” and singling out the UK, which he said had once been considered “the Rolls-Royce of allies”.
Despite the approval, the UK government reiterated calls for restraint. The Downing Street statement urged “urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war”.
Public opinion in Britain remains divided, with a YouGov poll showing 59% of respondents oppose the US Israeli attacks, reflecting widespread scepticism about deeper involvement in the conflict
