Britain has announced that it will allow the United States to use its military bases to strike Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
On Friday, British ministers approved expanding the scope of U.S. use of British bases to include “defensive American operations to strike missile sites and capabilities used to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Previously, Britain had only permitted U.S. forces to use its bases for operations aimed at preventing Iran from launching missiles that directly threatened the United Kingdom or its interests.
A Downing Street spokesperson stated that ministers reaffirmed that the principles guiding the United Kingdom’s approach to the conflict remain unchanged, emphasizing commitment to defending its people, interests, and allies, acting in accordance with international law, and avoiding escalation into a broader conflict.
Earlier on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the United Kingdom that Tehran considers its decision to allow the United States to use British bases as “participation in aggression.”
Last week, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that the United Kingdom would not be drawn into a wider war in the Middle East.
During a press conference in London, Starmer stated that Britain is reviewing multiple options with its allies to ensure maritime security in the region, particularly amid threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
He explained that the British government is working with the United States and partners in the Gulf and Europe to develop an “actionable plan” to reopen shipping lanes and ensure the continued flow of energy, noting that discussions are ongoing and no final decisions have been made regarding the deployment of forces or military assets in the region.
This British position comes amid calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for allies to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to secure navigation and restore global oil supplies, though international responses to these calls have so far remained limited.
