Britain Permits US to Use Military Bases for Defensive Strike Against Iran

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed to permit the United States to utilise military bases in Britain to launch “defensive” strikes aimed at destroying Iranian missiles and their launchers.

However, in a video address posted to social media, he added: “We are not involved in initial strikes against Iran and we will not join in offensive action now.

“But Iran is pursuing a scorched-earth strategy, so we support the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in this region,” stated the British leader, according to the AFP news agency on Monday, 2 March 2026.

Starmer further added that his government has decided against direct involvement in strikes against Iran.

“Particularly because we believe that the best path for the region and the world is a resolution through negotiation,” he said.

Previously on Sunday, 1 March local time, France, Germany, and Britain stated in a joint statement that they were prepared to defend their interests and those of their allies in the Gulf, if necessary by taking “defensive action” against Iran.