UK Permits US Strikes from British Bases Amidst Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The United Kingdom has expanded its agreement with the United States, allowing the use of British bases to launch strikes targeting Iranian sites involved in attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This shift from a previously defensive posture marks a significant escalation in response to escalating tensions in the region.

Expansion of US Operational Scope

Downing Street announced on Friday, March 20, 2026, that ministers approved the expansion of targets for US operations. Initially, US forces were permitted to use British bases solely for defensive purposes – to counter potential Iranian missile attacks threatening British interests or lives . The new agreement extends this permission to include strikes aimed at protecting ships in the vital oil shipping channel of the Strait of Hormuz, operating under the principle of “collective self-defence” .

International Reactions

The decision has drawn mixed reactions internationally. US President Donald Trump expressed his belief that the UK “should have acted a lot faster” . Conversely, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi criticized the move, claiming that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was “putting British lives in danger” .

Within the UK, the decision has sparked political debate. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch labeled it a “mother of all U-turns” . Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller called for a parliamentary vote on the terms of the agreement, although Green Party leader Zack Polanski described it as “another worrying escalation” and demanded a parliamentary vote on UK involvement .

Recent Regional Developments

The decision follows a period of heightened conflict in the region. On the same day, US and Israeli forces reportedly attacked 16 Iranian cargo ships in ports near Bandar Abbas in the Persian Gulf, resulting in their destruction . This attack occurred after more than 14 reported attacks against ships in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks.

These actions are part of a broader conflict initiated on February 28, 2026, with a coordinated attack by Israel and the US against Iran, targeting its military capabilities. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel.

Related Military Actions

Alongside the developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz, the Israeli military (IDF) announced on Friday that it had attacked military targets in Syria, responding to attacks on civilians in Sweida . This marks the first Israeli attack against Syria since the start of the conflict with Iran. The IDF has likewise launched attacks against infrastructure throughout Iran, targeting missile, drone, and defense system production facilities .

International Condemnation and Calls for De-escalation

A joint statement released on March 19, 2026, by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada condemned recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and infrastructure in the Gulf, as well as the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz . The statement emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and called on Iran to cease its disruptive actions and comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 .

The UK maintains that it will not be directly involved in the strikes and that its approach to the conflict remains unchanged . The US is utilizing RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean as bases for these operations .