UK Approves Use of British Bases for US Defensive Strikes on Iranian Missiles

The United Kingdom has approved a United States request to use British military bases for limited defensive strikes targeting Iranian missile storage sites and launchers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Sunday.

Speaking in a video statement, Starmer said the decision was taken specifically to prevent further missile attacks across the region, particularly after Iran launched retaliatory strikes that affected locations where British nationals were present. He stressed that the permission granted to Washington was for a defined defensive purpose and not part of a broader offensive campaign.

Starmer clarified that Britain did not participate in the recent joint United States and Israel air strikes on Iran that reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He emphasized that the UK’s earlier decision to stay out of those strikes was deliberate and guided by the belief that long term stability in the region should come through negotiation rather than escalation.

However, the Prime Minister said circumstances changed when Iranian missile attacks began targeting areas that included airports and hotels housing British citizens. According to Starmer, these developments placed British lives at direct risk and required immediate action.

He noted that British fighter jets were already involved in coordinated defensive operations in the region and had intercepted incoming Iranian missiles. While those defensive measures were ongoing, Starmer stated that neutralizing the threat at its source was considered necessary to prevent further danger.

The approval for US forces to use British bases is rooted in what the Prime Minister described as collective self defence of long standing allies. He said the decision aligns with international law and reflects Britain’s obligation to protect its citizens as well as support key partners in the Gulf who have called for stronger defensive measures.

Starmer reiterated that the UK continues to support a diplomatic path aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He said the government believes a negotiated settlement remains the most sustainable solution for regional and global security.

The move comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle East, with fears of wider escalation drawing concern from governments across Europe. Security officials in London are closely monitoring developments, particularly given the potential impact on British nationals abroad and on UK interests in the region.

Political reaction within the UK is expected to focus on the scope of Britain’s involvement and the legal framework surrounding the use of military bases. Government officials have maintained that the action is strictly defensive and limited in nature.

As the situation evolves, the government has indicated it will continue assessing risks to British citizens while coordinating with allies to prevent further escalation in an already fragile security environment.