UK PM -Keir Starmer Allows United States To Use British Air Bases To Attack Iran And Destroy Iranian Missiles

The United Kingdom has agreed to a request from the United States to use British military bases for operations targeting Iranian missile facilities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the decision, saying the move was necessary to prevent further missile attacks across the Middle East.

Until now, Britain had not taken part in the joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran and had reportedly declined earlier American requests for access to its bases. However, the worsening situation in the region led to a change in stance.

A "Limited and Defensive" Role

In a statement released on Sunday night, Starmer said the UK had agreed to allow the US to use its bases for a "specific and limited defensive purpose." According to him, the aim is to strike Iranian missile launch sites and storage depots to stop further attacks that could harm civilians and threaten British lives.

He stressed that British forces would not directly participate in offensive strikes inside Iran. Instead, the role of the UK would be to support defensive operations designed to reduce the missile threat.

The government also published a summary of its legal position, explaining that the decision was based on the right to self-defence and collective defence of regional allies who had requested assistance.

Growing Threat to British Nationals

The Prime Minister highlighted concerns for British citizens living and working in the Gulf region. Although no British nationals have been injured so far, around 200,000 are currently in Gulf countries, mainly in the United Arab Emirates, which has faced multiple Iranian missile and drone attacks.

British military personnel were reportedly close to a strike on a base in Bahrain, raising further security concerns. Other regional countries, including Qatar, have also come under attack.

Since Saturday, UK forces have carried out defensive actions, including intercepting Iranian drones that were targeting northern Iraq and Qatar.

Possible Use of Diego Garcia

While the UK government has not officially confirmed which bases will be used, US President Donald Trump has previously mentioned the possibility of using Diego Garcia, a strategic military base located in the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.

The base is jointly operated by the UK and the US and plays a key role in regional security operations.

Coordination with European Allies

Starmer also issued a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany. The three countries said they would work alongside the United States to support "necessary and proportionate defensive action" aimed at neutralising Iranian missile threats at their source.

The announcement came as US and Israeli military operations against Iran entered their second day. Israeli forces have continued strikes in central Tehran following the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in an earlier airstrike.

Rising Casualties and Regional Tension

Iran has vowed to respond strongly, launching missile attacks at neighbouring countries and US military targets. According to the US Central Command, three American service members have been killed and five seriously injured in the ongoing operations.

The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation across the Middle East.

Support for British Citizens Abroad

Meanwhile, the UK's Foreign Office has begun a large-scale effort to support British nationals in the region. Officials are preparing contingency evacuation plans in case Gulf airspace remains closed for an extended period.

For now, British citizens are being advised to stay where they are, follow instructions from local authorities, and regularly check official travel guidance. People in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, and the UAE have been asked to register their presence online with the government.

So far, around 94,000 people have registered through the emergency system, which allows the government to send urgent updates during international crises.

The UK's decision reflects a careful balance between supporting allies and avoiding direct involvement in combat operations. As the conflict continues, the government faces the challenge of protecting British interests while working to prevent further instability in the region.