London, March 2 - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will permit the United States to utilize British military bases for targeted defensive strikes against Iranian missiles. In a formal statement delivered on Sunday, March 1, 2026, Starmer confirmed that the UK has accepted a specific US request to employ these facilities for the limited purpose of destroying Iranian missiles at their source, including storage depots and launchers. This decision comes amid escalating regional tensions, where Iran has launched indiscriminate missile attacks across the Middle East, threatening civilian populations and stability. British fighter jets are already participating in coordinated defensive operations, successfully intercepting some Iranian strikes, but Starmer emphasized that neutralizing the threat requires proactive measures to prevent further launches.
The prime minister described the authorization as strictly defensive in nature, aimed at halting Iran's ability to fire missiles indiscriminately. He highlighted the risks posed to British lives, innocent civilians, and uninvolved countries in the region, stating that the move supports collective self-defense among longstanding allies. Bases such as RAF Fairford in the UK and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean are understood to be among those potentially involved, enabling US forces to conduct precise operations without broader UK offensive participation. The UK maintains it was not involved in initial strikes on Iran and will not engage in offensive actions, focusing solely on protection and deterrence.
This development underscores the UK's commitment to the transatlantic alliance and regional security amid heightened Iran missile threats. Starmer's approval reflects concerns over Iran's increasingly reckless behavior, which has included attacks endangering allies and escalating conflict. By granting access for these defensive strikes, the UK seeks to degrade Iran's missile capabilities and reduce the likelihood of wider attacks that could endanger British personnel and interests abroad.
The announcement aligns with joint positions from European partners, including France and Germany, which have signaled readiness to enable proportionate defensive measures. As the situation evolves, the UK government continues to prioritize protecting its citizens and allies while advocating for de-escalation in the Middle East. This limited cooperation with the US represents a calibrated response to immediate security challenges posed by Iranian missile activities.