According to a report by Al Jazeera on Thursdays, March 05, 2026, The United Kingdom has confirmed that the United States may operate from British military bases for defensive purposes targeting Iranian missile threats.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that London had authorised US forces to use UK facilities for “a specific and limited defensive purpose,” focused on intercepting Iranian missiles and neutralising launchers or storage sites involved in attacks on British personnel and allied forces.
“The permission granted is strictly for defensive missions aimed at protecting our forces and allies,” Starmer told reporters, emphasising that the UK is not participating in offensive operations.
The announcement follows criticism from US President Donald Trump, who took issue with Starmer’s initial reluctance to allow American forces to operate from Britain during recent US-Israeli strikes against Iran. Trump described the prime minister as “no Winston Churchill” in remarks to the press, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the UK’s role in the conflict.
Earlier, Starmer had clarified to Parliament that British bases would not be used for offensive operations. “The UK will not participate in attacks against Iran,” he said, “but we will support limited defensive activities to protect personnel and allies.”
The move ensures that US forces have access to strategic locations in the UK to monitor and, if necessary, counter Iranian missile activity while maintaining the UK’s stance of non-engagement in direct offensive strikes. Defence officials have indicated that all operations from British bases will be carefully coordinated with London to ensure compliance with international law and the UK’s policy objectives.
The UK’s decision comes amid escalating regional tensions, with US-Israeli military actions targeting Iranian positions following a series of threats and recent hostilities in the Gulf. Allied officials stress that the arrangement is strictly defensive and designed to prevent further escalation while safeguarding British and allied interests in the region.