British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK has granted the United States permission to use British bases for defensive strikes targeting Iranian missiles.
While the UK did not participate in the recent U.S.-Israel air strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Starmer said the move is aimed at protecting British citizens and regional allies.
Starmer explained that Iran’s missile attacks have already targeted airports and hotels hosting British nationals.
“The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose,” he said in a video message on X. “We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region.”
He emphasized that the UK remains committed to diplomacy and a negotiated settlement to prevent nuclear escalation.
UK’s position on initial strikes
The Prime Minister reiterated that Britain was not involved in the joint U.S.-Israel operation that killed Khamenei.
“Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate,” he said, “because we believe the best way forward is a negotiated settlement in which Iran gives up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.”
Protecting British lives
Despite not joining offensive operations, Starmer stressed that Britain must respond to threats against its citizens and partners in the Gulf.
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British fighter jets are already engaged in coordinated defensive operations.
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Interceptions of Iranian missiles have taken place, but Starmer said the only way to fully neutralize the threat is to target missile depots and launchers directly.
The Prime Minister framed the decision to allow U.S. operations from British bases as a measure of collective self-defense under international law.
