The United Kingdom has agreed to allow the United States to use British military bases for operations aimed at countering threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from Downing Street. The US would be permitted to use UK bases to conduct “operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The move comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, with the UK emphasising that its support is limited and does not signal entry into a broader conflict.
The statement added that Britain is working with international partners to develop “a viable plan to safeguard international shipping” through the strategic waterway, a key artery for global oil flows.
However, the government underscored that the UK remains committed to “not getting drawn into the wider conflict.”
Iran’s stern warning to Britain
Iran sharply criticised the decision, warning London against supporting US and Israeli military actions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi cautioned his British counterpart that any assistance to “aggression” would risk further escalation, according to reports.
In a post on X, Araghchi said the “vast majority of the British people do not want any part” in a war involving the US and Israel against Iran. “Ignoring his own people, Mr. Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defence,” he said.
The UK government pushed back against Tehran’s warning, urging restraint. During the same exchange, British officials cautioned Iran against targeting “UK bases, territory or interests,” highlighting the risks of further escalation in an already volatile region.
Missile tensions rise after Diego Garcia attack
Tensions escalated further after Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward 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 fully destroyed.
The attempted strike has raised concerns among defence analysts, as Diego Garcia lies roughly 4,000 kilometres from Iran, suggesting a potentially greater missile range than previously assessed.
The base is a critical strategic asset, hosting US bombers, nuclear submarines and guided-missile destroyers.