UK Permits US Use of Bases Amidst Escalating Iran Crisis
The United Kingdom has agreed to allow the United States to utilize British military bases for operations related to the ongoing conflict with Iran, specifically targeting Iranian missile sites and aiming to secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision, reached on March 1, 2026, expands upon a previous agreement that limited US access to bases for defensive purposes against attacks on British interests.
Expanding US Access
Initially, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government had restricted the use of British bases to strikes against Iranian missile launchers directly targeting British bases and allies [1]. However, the scope has broadened to include operations aimed at reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. According to Downing Street, the agreement now encompasses “U.S. Defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.” [1]
US forces are currently utilizing British bases in Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean, and Gloucestershire, England, for operations against Iran [1].
International Reactions
US President Donald Trump welcomed the announcement but expressed criticism regarding the initial delay in the UK’s agreement. “I was a little surprised at the U.K. To be honest with you,” Trump stated [1]. He has too issued conflicting statements regarding the need for allied assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz, at times claiming the US requires no support and at others emphasizing the necessity of support from nations like Japan, Australia, and NATO members [1]. Trump has publicly criticized NATO, labeling it a “paper tiger” and its members as “cowards” [1].
Iranian Response
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly condemned the UK’s decision, warning that it constitutes “participation in aggression” and reserving Iran’s right to self-defense [4]. Araghchi communicated these concerns to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper during a phone call on Thursday, March 20, 2026 [4]. He argued that the UK’s actions would “aggravate the situation and make it more complicated” and criticized what he described as a “negative and biased approach” towards a conflict he believes violates international law [4].
Broader Conflict Context
The UK’s involvement in the 2026 Iran war began on February 28, 2026, following joint airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel across Iran [3]. Since then, the UK has intercepted Iranian drones and missiles over allied countries, including Qatar, Iraq, and Jordan [3]. Following a drone strike on a British military base in Cyprus, the UK has increased its military presence on the island and repositioned the HMS Dragon destroyer to the Eastern Mediterranean [3]. The UK is also undertaking efforts to evacuate its 300,000 citizens from the region [3].
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to avoiding being drawn into a wider conflict [2].