The United Kingdom has authorised the United States to use British military bases to strike Iranian missile positions, following a formal request from Washington, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said.
In a video statement posted on X, Starmer stressed that the UK would not take part in offensive operations against Iran.
Limited and defensive purpose
“The United States asked for permission to use British bases for this specific and limited defensive purpose,” the Prime Minister said.
My update on the situation in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/DvsOVcTDMy
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 1, 2026
He stated that the decision was taken to help prevent Iran from launching missiles across the region.
Starmer added that the authorisation was confined to what he described as a defined defensive objective and reiterated that British forces would not engage in offensive military action in Iran.
My statement on Iran. pic.twitter.com/Ki4VVTYO4N
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 28, 2026
Reference to past conflicts
The Prime Minister also referred to past military interventions, saying that lessons had been learned from previous conflicts, including Iraq.
The announcement comes amid escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, with military operations expanding across the region.
Source: CNA / AFP
