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Britain has authorized the United States to use its military bases to strike Iranian sites threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the government said Friday.
A government spokesperson said ministers met and confirmed that existing agreements allow U.S. forces to use UK bases for “defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Since the war began on Feb. 28, Britain has allowed the United States to use two bases for defensive operations and has deployed air assets to support allies targeted by Iran’s retaliatory campaign.
The government said the move is part of the “collective self-defense of the region” but stressed that its broader approach remains unchanged.
“The principles behind the UK’s approach to the conflict remain the same,” the statement said, calling for “urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”
Cabinet ministers also condemned Iran’s expansion of attacks to include international shipping, warning that strikes on vessels — including those linked to British registries and allied states — risk further destabilizing the region and worsening global economic impacts.
The decision has drawn criticism domestically. Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described it as the “mother of all U-turns.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said earlier this week that Britain would not be drawn into a wider war, while continuing to support allies and work toward ending the conflict.
The move comes as hostilities have escalated since the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, which have killed around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian authorities.
Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks across the region and has effectively restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor that normally carries about 20 million barrels of oil per day and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade.
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