On March 1, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that Britain has agreed to a United States request to use British military bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles. The decision, he explained in a video message on X, is limited in scope and aimed at preventing Iran from launching further missile attacks across the region.
Starmer emphasized that the United Kingdom was not involved in the recent joint US Israel air strikes on Iran, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He made it clear that Britain will not participate in additional offensive operations. Instead, the UK remains committed to seeking a negotiated settlement that would ensure Iran abandons any ambition to develop a nuclear weapon.
However, the situation escalated after Iran launched sustained retaliatory missile attacks. According to Starmer, some of these missiles struck airports and hotels where British citizens were present. He stressed that Iran’s actions have directly threatened British lives and interests in the region.
The Prime Minister added that several of Britain’s Gulf partners had urged the UK to strengthen its defensive role. British fighter jets are already engaged in coordinated defensive missions and have successfully intercepted incoming threats. Still, Starmer stated that intercepting missiles alone is not enough. To fully neutralize the danger, missile storage depots and launch sites must be targeted at their source.
He described the decision as an act of collective self defence, consistent with international law, and necessary to protect long standing allies as well as British nationals abroad. While reaffirming Britain’s preference for diplomacy, Starmer underscored that safeguarding lives remains his government’s primary responsibility.
