British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Sunday that his government has granted the United States permission to utilize British military installations for defensive operations targeting Iranian missile storage facilities and launch sites.
In a video statement posted to X, Starmer explained the decision: “The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region.”
The British leader emphasized that the UK did not participate in the combined US-Israeli military operations against Iran on Saturday that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and stated Britain would not join additional strike missions.
However, Starmer noted that Iran has responded with continuous attacks throughout the region, with Iranian missiles striking airports and hotels housing British nationals.
“Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate, not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and for the world is a negotiated settlement, one in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon,” Starmer stated.
“But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless, and putting British people at huge risk,” he added.
According to Starmer, Gulf region allies have requested increased British assistance in defending their territories, and he considers it his responsibility to safeguard British lives.
The Prime Minister revealed that British military aircraft are already participating in coordinated defensive missions and have successfully intercepted Iranian attacks. However, he emphasized that eliminating the threat requires destroying the missiles at their origin points in storage facilities or launch platforms.
Starmer justified approving the American request as necessary for the “collective self-defence of long-standing friends and allies and protecting British lives” under international law.
