UK Authorizes US Use of Military Bases for Defensive Strikes Against Iran
The US has been granted permission to use British military bases to launch attacks on Iranian missile storage depots and launchers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday. London has approved the use of RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the joint UK-US military base of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands by Washington, according to British officials.
The UK prime minister stated the move was “in line with international law,” underscoring the “collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies” and safeguarding British lives and interests. Gulf nations had urged London to increase its support for regional security, he added.
Limited Defensive Role
In a video statement posted on X, Starmer emphasized that the UK’s position on involvement in US and Israeli strikes against Iran remained unchanged, and British military personnel would not participate in offensive attacks. The UK has declined to endorse the strikes on Iran, which Britain believes to be in breach of international law, as it attempts to avoid being drawn into the conflict.
Starmer highlighted “sustained attacks” by Iran against countries in the Middle East that had not initiated hostilities, with targets including civilian infrastructure such as airports and hotels frequented by British citizens.
Citizen Evacuation Preparations
UK officials estimate at least 200,000 British nationals are currently in the Middle East, many on holiday or in transit, and have requested they “register their presence” in preparation for a potential evacuation. The UK is developing options for a mass evacuation of its citizens by air, land, or sea, though officials stated there are currently no plans for an operation resembling the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940.
Most of the affected individuals are in the United Arab Emirates. The registration process aims to identify those most vulnerable, such as the elderly or infirm. Potential evacuation routes include bus transport to Saudi Arabian airports or sea transport to Cyprus.
UK nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait have been urged to register their presence. As of Sunday evening, over 94,000 people had registered, marking one of the largest British consular operations in history. Registered citizens have been advised to remain in place and follow shelter-in-place guidance.
Legal Justification and Political Reactions
The UK government published a summary of its legal advice, arguing the move supports the UK’s defence of “itself and its position in the region,” as well as Britain “acting in the collective self-defence of regional allies who have requested support.” The summary clarified that this action does not indicate broader involvement in the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.
The Liberal Democrats have demanded Starmer present the full legal case and hold a vote in the House of Commons on Monday. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey warned against allowing President Trump to draw Britain into another prolonged Middle Eastern war.
In a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the leaders of the E3 nations affirmed their right to enable “necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source.”
US-UK Relations and Regional Concerns
Reports indicate the US administration was “extremely, very unhappy” with Britain, partly concerning access to the Diego Garcia air base. The US fully supports the strikes on Iran, while Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, urged Starmer to allow the use of British military bases and “support the Americans in this vital fight.”
Starmer faces a politically challenging domestic situation, with calls from some factions to openly criticize the US-Israeli attacks.