London: The United Kingdom has agreed to allow the United States to use British military bases to carry out operations aimed at degrading missile sites and capabilities involved in attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from Downing Street.
The statement, released on Friday (local time), said Britain is working with international partners to develop “a viable plan” to safeguard international shipping in the strategically vital waterway. It, however, emphasised that the UK remains committed to avoiding involvement in a wider regional conflict.
Amid rising tensions, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned his British counterpart against supporting what he described as US and Israeli aggression against Iran, cautioning that such assistance would escalate the situation. In a post on X, Araghchi said the “vast majority of the British people” do not support involvement in what he termed an Israel-US war against Iran, and accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of putting British lives at risk by allowing the use of UK bases. He added that Iran would exercise its right to self-defence.
The UK government, however, rejected the criticism. During the same exchange, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned Iran against targeting UK bases, territory or interests, highlighting the risk of further escalation.
Tensions have intensified following Iran’s launch of two ballistic missiles towards Diego Garcia, a key joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean. Neither missile hit its target—one reportedly failed mid-flight, while the other was intercepted by a US naval system, though it remains unclear whether it was destroyed.
The attempted strike has raised concerns over Iran’s missile range, as Diego Garcia lies around 4,000 kilometres from Iranian territory, indicating a potentially greater capability than previously assessed. The base is a critical strategic asset, hosting US bombers, nuclear submarines and guided-missile destroyers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated that the UK does not seek a broader military role in the Middle East conflict. Speaking earlier this week, he said Britain would not be drawn into a wider war, even as it considers measures to support allies, including possible naval deployments to protect shipping routes in the region.
Starmer acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that decisions on military involvement are “difficult,” particularly amid pressure from the United States. He stressed that while the UK remains committed to defending its interests and allies, it continues to pursue diplomatic efforts to restore stability.
The escalation follows joint strikes by Israel and the United States on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with senior military commanders and civilians.
In response, Iran launched waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel as well as US bases and assets across the Middle East.
With IANS inputs