UK Allows US to Use Military Bases for Defensive Operations Amid Iran Crisis
PM Keir Starmer says UK will not join offensive strikes, calls move a “specific and limited” step to prevent Iranian missile attacks across the region.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday,March 1st confirmed that the United Kingdom has approved a U.S. request to use British military bases for what he described as “specific and limited defensive purposes” amid rising tensions with Iran.
In a video message posted on X, Starmer said the United States sought permission to operate from UK bases to target Iranian missile storage depots or launchers to prevent potential missile attacks across the region. “The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region,” he stated.
Starmer emphasized that British forces were not involved in the recent joint U.S.-Israel air strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on Saturday (February 28). He made it clear that the UK would not participate in further waves of offensive strikes.
“UK planes are in the sky,” Starmer added, referring to heightened defensive readiness to protect British interests and allies in the region.
The decision comes amid escalating instability in West Asia following the strikes on Iran. While allowing limited U.S. use of its bases, the UK government maintains it is focused solely on defensive measures and de-escalation efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict.
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