LONDON: Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday said the United Kingdom would permit the United States to use British bases for “specific and limited defensive purposes” amid escalating Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, while stressing that Britain is not joining offensive strikes against Iran.
In a televised statement, Starmer reiterated that the UK “was not involved in the strikes on Iran” and said that position “remains the case.” However, he confirmed that British forces are now engaged in coordinated defensive operations after sustained Iranian attacks on regional countries, including sites where British nationals are present.
The Prime Minister said Iran had struck airports and hotels where British citizens were staying, describing the situation as “clearly dangerous.” He noted that at least 200,000 British nationals are currently in the region, including residents, tourists and transit passengers.
Starmer urged British citizens to register their presence with the Foreign Office and follow official travel advice, acknowledging that it is “a deeply worrying time” for families.
He also revealed that Iranian strikes had hit a military base in Bahrain on Saturday, narrowly missing British personnel stationed there.
Starmer confirmed that British fighter jets are already airborne as part of defensive missions, and that UK forces have successfully intercepted incoming Iranian drones and missiles targeting Gulf states.
He said the United States had formally requested permission to use British military bases to target missile storage depots and launchers in order to prevent further attacks. The UK government has agreed to that request, he said, citing collective self-defence and the need to protect British lives.
“The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and protecting British lives,” Starmer said, adding that the move is consistent with international law. He said a summary of the government’s legal advice would be published.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Britain is not joining offensive strikes against Iran and had deliberately chosen not to participate in the initial military action carried out by the United States and Israel.
“We all remember the mistakes of Iraq,” he said. “And we have learned those lessons.”
He reiterated that the UK believes the best long-term solution is a negotiated settlement in which Iran abandons any ambition to develop a nuclear weapon.
However, Starmer accused Tehran of pursuing a “scorched earth strategy,” warning that Iranian actions are putting civilians, allied countries and British interests at risk.
In addition to air defence operations, the Prime Minister said Britain would bring experts from Ukraine together with UK specialists to assist Gulf partners in countering Iranian drone attacks.
“Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it is my duty to protect British lives,” he said.
The statement marks a significant shift in Britain’s operational posture in the region, expanding its defensive engagement while stopping short of joining direct offensive military action.
“This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives,” Starmer concluded, as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
