Britain Finally "Involved" in the Iran War, Following US Wishes
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The British government officially authorised the United States on Friday to use military bases in its territory to launch attacks against Iranian missile sites used to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
This decision was taken after British ministers held a meeting to discuss developments in the war with Iran and the impact of Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as stated in a Downing Street announcement.
“They confirmed that the agreement for the US to use British bases in collective regional self-defence includes US defensive operations to weaken sites and missile capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement read, cited by Reuters on Saturday (21/3/2026).
This step marks a change in stance by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who previously stated he did not want to drag Britain into war with Iran. He even initially rejected Washington’s request to use British bases, citing the need to ensure any military action has a clear legal basis.
However, that position changed after Iran launched attacks against Britain’s allies in the Middle East. Starmer then opened access for the US to use RAF Fairford base as well as Diego Garcia, the joint US-UK base in the Indian Ocean.
The decision immediately drew strong reactions from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused the British move of endangering its own citizens.
He said Starmer was “placing the lives of British citizens in danger by allowing British bases to be used for aggression against Iran,” and emphasised that “Iran will exercise its right to self-defence.”
On the other hand, relations between Washington and London have been strained since the conflict began. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Starmer, deeming Britain insufficiently supportive.
Last Monday, Trump stated there were “some countries that have really disappointed me” before specifically naming Britain, which he once regarded as the “Rolls-Royce of allies.”
Although granting permission to use military bases, the British government still calls for de-escalation of the conflict. In its official statement, Downing Street stressed the need for “urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”
Within Britain itself, public support for the conflict is relatively low. A YouGov poll shows 59% of respondents oppose attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran.