UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the United States is permitted to use British military bases for limited defensive operations as tensions escalate with Iran.
The facilities include RAF Fairford in England and the joint UK-US military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Both sites have historically played strategic roles in transatlantic defence cooperation.
Speaking on the matter, Starmer said the arrangement aligns with longstanding defence agreements between the United Kingdom and the United States, emphasizing that any use of the bases would be for defensive and stabilizing purposes.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the decision, stating that the support being extended is strictly defensive in nature. She reiterated that the UK remains committed to diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer clarified that Britain is not at war. He described the move as part of collective self-defence measures designed to protect British interests and regional stability.
The announcement comes amid heightened hostilities between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns about broader regional instability. British officials maintain that while security cooperation with the United States continues, diplomatic channels remain open to prevent further escalation.
The development underscores the UK’s balancing act between upholding its defence alliances and supporting international efforts to avoid a wider conflict.
