TLDR
- UK approves US base use for limited defensive strikes on Iran
- RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia likely to support US missions
- Drone strike hits RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus with minor damage
- UK cites collective self-defence under international law
The United Kingdom has approved a United States request to use British military bases for limited defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the decision aims to deter Iranian missile fire across the region and protect British lives amid a fast-moving crisis.
UK approves US base use amid rising regional tensions
The United Kingdom has approved the use of British military bases by the United States for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the decision in a video statement on Sunday.
He said the move is intended to deter Iranian missile fire regionwide and protect British citizens and allies. He added that the UK is not involved in offensive operations against Iran.
“The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose,” Starmer said. He stated that the aim is to destroy missiles at their source and prevent further attacks across the region.
The BBC reported that RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean are likely to be used. Both bases have supported US long-range missions in the past.
Legal basis and government position
The UK government released a summary of its legal position late Sunday. It said force may be used in self-defence when it is necessary and proportionate.
The statement said support is permitted under international law if it responds to an ongoing armed attack. It added that action must be the only feasible means to address the threat.
Defence Secretary John Healey said Britain did not take part in the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He said it is for the United States to set out the legal basis for its actions.
“It is for the U.S. to set out the legal basis of the action that it took,” Healey told the BBC. He said the UK shares the aim that Iran should not obtain a nuclear weapon.
The UK has not explicitly endorsed the legality of the US-Israeli strikes. However, it has confirmed that its support is limited to defensive cooperation.
Escalation and regional security risks
The approval came hours before a suspected drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The attack caused minimal damage and no casualties were reported.
The strike occurred around midnight local time. Investigations are under way to determine the origin of the drone.
Starmer said at least 200,000 British citizens are currently in the Middle East. This includes residents, tourists, and passengers in transit.
He said Iranian missile fire has targeted airports and hotels in the region. He also said a military base in Bahrain was struck and British personnel narrowly avoided harm.
“Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them,” Starmer said. He added that British aircraft are operating in the region to intercept threats.
The Ministry of Defence said UK aircraft are flying from bases in Cyprus and Qatar. They are assisting in defensive operations alongside allies.
International response and next steps
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran early Saturday. Iran has since carried out retaliatory attacks against US assets and regional partners.
Iran’s state media confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the air strikes. The situation has led to rising tensions across the Middle East.
The UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement condemning what they described as indiscriminate Iranian strikes. They urged restraint while reaffirming that Iran should not possess a nuclear weapon.
UK officials are also preparing contingency plans to evacuate British nationals if airspace closures continue. The government said it will continue monitoring developments closely.
Starmer said the decision to allow US base access was taken to prevent further missile attacks. He said the goal is to reduce risks to civilians and avoid wider conflict across the region.
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