The United Kingdom has now given its approval for the United States to operate from British military facilities to launch attacks on Iranian missile installations responsible for targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This development signifies a notable change in Britain's approach to the escalating conflict.
Government officials in Britain confirmed on Friday that ministers had given the green light for this action after a meeting was convened to assess the prevailing situation, which includes Iran's activities in the vital shipping corridor.
According to a statement released by Downing Street, the approval confirmed that existing agreements for the US to use UK bases for the region's collective self-defence encompass US operations aimed at diminishing the missile sites and capabilities being employed to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
This decision arrives amid heightened regional tensions, particularly after reports of Iran conducting strikes against allies of Britain in the Middle East. These events reportedly prompted a reconsideration of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's initial reluctance to sanction such military cooperation.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, has voiced criticism regarding the UK's move, issuing a warning about potential repercussions. In a statement posted on X, he asserted that Starmer was endangering British lives by permitting the use of UK bases for aggression against Iran, adding that Iran would exercise its right to self-defence.
Earlier, Starmer had maintained that Britain would avoid being drawn into a broader conflict and had initially turned down a US request to use British bases, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring any military action complied with international law.
However, the Prime Minister later revised his position, granting access to RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, a base jointly operated by the US and UK in the Indian Ocean.
US President Donald Trump had previously expressed public disapproval of Britain's initial hesitation, remarking that certain countries had been a "great disappointment" and specifically mentioning the UK, which he described as once being considered "the Rolls-Royce of allies."
Despite granting approval, the UK government has reiterated its calls for restraint. The statement from Downing Street urged for "urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war."
Public sentiment in Britain appears divided on the matter. A YouGov poll indicated that 59% of respondents opposed the US-led attacks, reflecting a widespread scepticism regarding deeper involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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