UK Approves US Strikes From British Bases

The UK has permitted the United States to use British military bases for targeted operations against Iranian missile sites. UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the decision is limited to defensive purposes, citing the protection of British citizens and allied forces in the region. Starmer said the UK “will not join offensive action now” and learned from the “mistakes of Iraq.”

The US is expected to utilize RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, both previously used for long-range bombing missions. Starmer noted that at least 200,000 British nationals are in the Middle East, highlighting the urgency of ensuring regional protection.

The decision comes after a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus at approximately midnight local time (22:00 GMT) on Sunday, causing minimal damage and no casualties. Iranian missiles and drones have targeted U.S. assets and allied positions across Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq, with some attacks narrowly missing British personnel, Starmer said.

He described Iran’s approach as a “scorched-earth strategy” and insisted the only effective method is to destroy missile storage depots and launchers at source. The UK government published a summary of legal advice, asserting that using or supporting force is permissible under international law if necessary and proportionate for self-defense.

Defense Secretary John Healey clarified that the UK had not participated in prior strikes but shares the aim that Iran should never obtain a nuclear weapon. The move signals strong collective defense coordination with the U.S. while maintaining political and operational limits.

Starmer indicated the government is preparing for possible evacuation plans for British nationals in the Middle East if regional airspace remains restricted. The UK, France, and Germany jointly condemned Iran’s indiscriminate strikes, stressing proportionality and civilian protection.