The UK is considering denying Donald Trump access to British bases for potential strikes on power plants and bridges in Iran following the US President’s warning of potential catastrophic consequences. Trump has given Iran until 1am UK time on Wednesday to cease its blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz or face severe military action. The UK has indicated that it may reject requests to use its military bases for offensive strikes on civilian targets, emphasizing that its support for American bombers is strictly for defensive purposes.
Previously, UK approval was granted for the US to use RAF Fairford and the joint UK-US base at Diego Garcia for defensive operations against Iranian missile sites. The UK evaluates all US requests on a case-by-case basis, and as of now, there have been no requests related to strikes on power plants and bridges. Regarding the possibility of UK assets being used for such strikes, the Prime Minister’s spokesman maintained a stance of not commenting on allies’ operations, reiterating the agreement for US use of UK bases for collective self-defense in the region.
Cabinet minister Wes Streeting praised Keir Starmer for his decision to keep Britain out of the conflict with Iran as tensions escalate. The Health Secretary declined to speculate on whether potential US actions targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure would constitute a war crime, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to avoiding involvement in the conflict.
Streeting criticized the wavering positions of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, contrasting their approach with the Prime Minister’s prudent decision-making. He commended the Prime Minister for prioritizing diplomacy and demonstrating sound judgment in the face of international crises.
In a separate development, military planners from more than 30 countries convened to discuss strategies for reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This meeting follows efforts by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to coordinate plans for securing the waterway once hostilities subside. Tehran’s blockade of the strait, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil flows daily, has heightened global concerns.
During a press conference, President Trump reiterated his intention to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure, dismissing suggestions of potential war crimes. The UK Ministry of Defence affirmed its authorization for the US to use British bases for defensive missions aimed at neutralizing Iranian missile threats to British interests in the region, emphasizing the protection of British lives and assets. The Ministry declined to provide detailed commentary on allied operations involving UK bases.