British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the continued use of selected UK military bases by the United States for defensive military operations related to the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a Bloomberg report citing government sources.
The decision reportedly allows American aircraft to continue operating from the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The arrangement follows a policy introduced under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and is expected to remain in place as the United States continues its military activities in the region.
Sources familiar with the matter said Burnham was briefed on discussions held by senior ministers and security officials before assuming office and agreed to maintain the existing policy. The UK government has consistently described the arrangement as supporting defensive operations and the protection of allied interests.
The development comes as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. Reports indicate that US forces have carried out another round of strikes targeting military infrastructure in several Iranian locations, including operations centres, logistics facilities, aircraft hangars and drone storage sites. Iranian state media also reported explosions in multiple cities and provinces across the country.
Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes aimed at facilities and locations associated with US allies in the Middle East, further raising concerns about the risk of a broader regional conflict and its potential impact on global security and energy markets.
The UK’s decision is expected to generate political and legal debate. Human rights organisations have previously questioned whether allowing UK military facilities to be used for operations connected to the conflict fully complies with international humanitarian law. Critics have urged the British government to provide greater transparency regarding the legal basis for the arrangement and the safeguards in place to ensure compliance with international law.
The policy also follows a recent conversation between Prime Minister Burnham and US President Donald Trump, during which both leaders discussed security cooperation, trade, military relations and efforts to safeguard international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the UK’s role in supporting allied military operations is likely to remain under close domestic and international scrutiny.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
