Iran Warns UK Over US Military Base Use | Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of endangering British lives by permitting the United States to utilize British military bases for operations against Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Araghchi warned that the majority of the British public opposes involvement in the conflict between Israel and the United States against Iran, and that Starmer’s decision to allow UK bases to be used for “aggression” puts British citizens at risk. He stated Iran would “exercise its right to self-defense,” according to a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The British government confirmed that the agreement allowing U.S. Access to UK bases for collective self-defense includes “defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz,” as reported by Caliber.Az. This follows London’s authorization of Washington’s request to use UK military bases for strikes targeting Iranian missile sites linked to attacks on shipping in the crucial waterway.
Starmer initially resisted a U.S. Request to use British bases, citing the need for lawful military action. However, he subsequently reversed his position following Iranian strikes against British allies in the region, granting access to facilities including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The shift in policy has drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who, according to CNN, questioned why the decision took so long to materialize.
In a phone call with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Araghchi criticized what he described as Britain’s “negative and biased approach” towards the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, and the decision to provide military bases for U.S. Use. He reportedly told Cooper that these actions would be considered “participation in aggression” and would be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries, according to the Standard.
Downing Street defended the UK’s position, stating that the country did not participate in the initial strikes and is not seeking to be drawn into a wider war. A Prime Minister’s spokesperson affirmed that the authorization of U.S. Base usage was for a “specific defensive and limited purpose” in response to Iranian aggression, and aimed at restoring a path to diplomacy.
The agreement allows for “defensive” action against Iranian missile sites, but the precise scope of permitted operations remains a point of contention. Iran has reserved its right to defend its sovereignty and independence, raising the prospect of retaliatory measures. The British government maintains its commitment to defending its people, interests, and allies, even as also seeking a swift finish to the conflict.