The United Kingdom has approved a request by the United States to use its military bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The decision was reached on Friday after British ministers held an emergency meeting to assess the situation, including Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, a government spokesperson confirmed that the agreement allows US forces to operate from UK bases as part of what it described as “collective self-defence,” targeting missile systems used to attack commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.
Iran swiftly condemned the move, warning that it amounts to direct involvement in the conflict. The country’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, criticised Britain’s stance as “negative and biased” during a conversation with his British counterpart, stressing that Tehran views the authorisation as participation in aggression.
The approval represents a reversal by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had earlier indicated that Britain would not be drawn into war with Iran. Earlier in the week, Starmer declined a similar US request, citing the need to establish the legal basis for any military involvement. However, his position shifted following a series of Iranian strikes targeting British allies across the region.
Under the new arrangement, the US is permitted to launch operations from bases including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia.
The development comes amid growing pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticised Britain’s initial reluctance to support American military efforts. Earlier this week, Trump expressed disappointment with some allies, singling out the UK for not doing enough despite what he described as its historic role as a leading partner.
Despite the authorisation, the British government reiterated its call for de-escalation, urging all parties to seek a swift resolution to the conflict.
The UK’s involvement had previously been limited to defensive measures, including intercepting Iranian missiles and drones threatening its forces and regional allies. Friday’s decision broadens that role into support for offensive operations.
Meanwhile, tensions have intensified further after Iran effectively halted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that handles roughly a fifth of global oil supply. The disruption has triggered fears of a widening energy crisis as the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel enters its fourth week with rising casualties on all sides.
