Andy Burnham Approves UK Bases for US Iran Strikes
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the continued use of UK military bases for limited US strikes against Iranian missile capabilities, maintaining a policy established under his predecessor, Keir Starmer.
UK Bases for US Strikes
British bases at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean may be used by US aircraft for operations classified by the UK as defensive, according to people familiar with the decision.
The authorisation covers missions intended to counter Iranian missile threats and target capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. It does not provide unrestricted approval for broader US attacks against Iran.
Burnham reportedly endorsed the policy after taking office, following discussions among senior ministers and officials under the previous government.
Burnham Continues Starmer Policy
Starmer initially authorised the use of British bases in March for strikes against Iranian missile launchers and storage facilities. The approval was later expanded to cover sites and capabilities used to threaten vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK government has argued that these operations fall under collective self-defence and are consistent with international law. British forces have also participated in defensive missions to intercept missiles and drones, but the government has maintained that the country is not directly joining the wider US campaign.
Limits on Iran Operations
British officials remain concerned about the potential legal consequences of US attacks on civilian infrastructure. US President Donald Trump has previously raised the possibility of targeting facilities including power plants and bridges as military pressure on Tehran increases.
Such targets would fall outside the limited defensive authorisation described by the British government. Individual US missions using UK-controlled bases are therefore expected to remain subject to British approval.
Burnham’s decision comes as US forces continue strikes on Iranian military command centres, missile launch sites and air-defence systems.
