The UK government says it has approved the use of British military bases by the United States for limited defensive operations amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence said the facilities are being used for “specific defensive operations” aimed at preventing Iran from launching missiles across the region.
UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, had initially declined to involve Britain in the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran, which began on February 28. However, he later granted a U.S. request to use two British military bases for what officials described as a limited defensive purpose.
The bases include RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, western England, and the joint UK–U.S. facility on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.
A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer bomber was seen landing at RAF Fairford on Saturday, while a U.S. C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft was also spotted at the base as anti-war protesters gathered outside.
The decision came after tensions between Washington and London, with U.S. President Donald Trump previously criticizing Starmer for initially refusing to support the campaign.
Starmer defended his earlier stance, saying any British involvement must have a clear legal basis and a well-considered plan. He later said Iran’s missile and drone retaliation following the U.S.–Israeli strikes posed threats to British interests and allies in the region.
The move has also stirred debate within Britain, with many lawmakers still wary of military involvement abroad following the country’s controversial role in the 2003 Iraq invasion.
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