The United Kingdom has approved the use of its military bases by the US Air Force for strikes on Iranian missile positions involved in attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision was taken following a cabinet meeting convened to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.
The government stressed that cooperation with the United States is being conducted within the framework of collective self-defence and is aimed at reducing the capabilities of missile systems used against commercial vessels.
At the same time, London reaffirmed its commitment to international law and stressed that it seeks to avoid further escalation, advocating for a swift political resolution to the conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of putting the country’s citizens at risk by allowing the United States to use UK bases for strikes against Iran.
He said that “the overwhelming majority of Britons do not wish to take part in the war against Iran unleashed by Israel and the United States.” Araghchi added that, by ignoring the position of his own society, “Mr Starmer is endangering the lives of British citizens by permitting the use of UK bases for aggression against Iran,” and warned that “Iran will exercise its right to self-defence.”