The United Kingdom has approved a request by the United States to use British military bases for strikes on Iran-linked targets tied to threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
Downing Street confirmed the decision on Friday after a ministerial meeting, emphasizing that Britain will not take part directly in the military action but will permit expanded US operations from its territory.
A government spokesperson said the bases would support US “defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships.”
Despite the approval, the UK struck a cautious note, stressing the need to avoid further escalation. “Ministers underlined the need for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war,” the statement added.
Previously, Britain had restricted US access to its bases to operations specifically targeting missile threats linked to British interests.
The move comes amid rising tensions, as former US President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies, describing them as “cowards” for declining to deploy warships.
