US Uses Bases in Britain Claimed for 'Special Defence Operation' Against Iran

Britain’s Defence Ministry said on Saturday (7 March 2026) that the United States has begun using bases in the United Kingdom to conduct a ‘special defence operation’ against Iran. In addition, British Typhoon and F-35 jets are involved in air operations in Jordan, Qatar, and Cyprus, and Merlin helicopters have been deployed to the region.

‘The United States has begun using bases in the United Kingdom for a special defence operation to prevent Iran from launching missiles at the territory, thereby endangering the lives of British citizens,’ the Defence Ministry said in a statement carried by Sky News.

Meanwhile, hundreds gathered in central Nicosia, Cyprus, on Saturday to protest the presence of British military bases in the country, as reported by Cyprus Mail. Protesters were said to be carrying banners reading ‘Cyprus is not your launchpad’ and ‘British bases out.’

On Friday, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides did not rule out the possibility that issues relating to the future of the British military bases on the island could be raised after the Middle East conflict ends.

On 28 February, the US and Israel launched strikes against targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by attacking Israel and United States military facilities in the Middle East.

Initially, the US and Israel claimed their strikes were preventive measures necessary to counter a threat attributed to Iran’s nuclear programme, but they soon clarified that they wanted to see a change of power in Iran.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died on the first day of the military operation. The Islamic Republic of Iran declared a 40-day period of mourning. Russian President Vladimir Putin described Khamenei’s death as a cynical violation of international law. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the US-Israel operation and called for immediate de-escalation and an end to hostilities.