Britain’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has authorized the use of British military bases for the United States to conduct so-called “defensive strikes” against Iran. Bloomberg reported this information, citing sources.
The report states that by making this decision, Burnham has upheld the policy of the country’s immediate past Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Britain has taken this step at a time when US President Donald Trump is intensifying military operations against Iran.
Multiple sources familiar with the matter revealed that after the US resumed military operations against Iran earlier this month, Keir Starmer held a meeting with senior ministers and security officials last Friday.
It was decided at that meeting to maintain the authorization for US warplanes to operate from the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean and the RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire, England.
Sources claim that US operations launched from these bases would aim to counter Iran’s missile threats and strike facilities used for attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
After assuming office as Prime Minister last Monday (July 20), Andy Burnham was briefed on the meeting’s decision and concurred with it. The individuals involved disclosed this information on the condition of anonymity due to security reasons.
According to them, Burnham will follow the previous government’s policy regarding the authorization of British military bases for US “so-called defensive strikes.” Consequently, there is a possibility that British bases will be used for parts of the ongoing US operations.
Meanwhile, the US has conducted military strikes on Iran for the eleventh consecutive night. US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that, throughout the night, they targeted Iranian military command centers, missile launch sites, and air defense systems.
Bloomberg’s report noted that during his tenure as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer faced pressure from left-wing political circles that opposed the use of British bases, while simultaneously facing demands from President Trump for more active British military cooperation. Furthermore, concerns have arisen among British officials regarding Trump’s threats to strike civilian infrastructure in Iran, such as bridges and power plants. They believe that involvement in such attacks could lead to legal complications under international law.
Analysts suggest that Britain’s left-leaning Green Party and the Liberal Democrats might criticize this decision. Both parties argue that permitting the use of British bases for US operations could indirectly implicate Britain in potential war crimes.
Meanwhile, it is speculated that this decision may also be contributing to Donald Trump’s relatively positive attitude toward Burnham as the new Prime Minister.
Following his appointment, Burnham spoke with Trump by phone on Monday. A statement from the British Prime Minister’s office noted that during the conversation, Burnham highlighted Britain’s commitment to ensuring the security of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
For his part, Trump described the call as positive on his social media platform, Truth Social.
He wrote, “We discussed North Sea oil, trade, military alliances, mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, and many other issues. The call was extremely productive and went very well.”
