Britain authorizes American operations from its territory as tensions escalate over shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved U.S. use of military bases in the United Kingdom for strikes targeting Iranian capabilities, reversing an earlier position that limited such access, according to a statement from his office.
The decision followed public criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused allied nations of refusing to assist efforts to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Details of the policy shift were first reported in has allowed US strikes.
Starmer had previously restricted U.S. use of British bases to scenarios in which Iran directly targeted UK interests. That position changed as regional tensions intensified and attacks expanded beyond military targets to include international shipping routes.
In a statement, Starmer’s office said the agreement permits U.S. operations conducted under collective self-defense measures.
“The agreement for the US to use UK bases in the collective self-defence [sic] of the region includes US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said.
Officials also addressed concerns over escalating attacks on commercial vessels.
“Ministers condemned Iran’s expansion of its targets to include international shipping. They agreed that Iran’s reckless strikes, including on Red Ensign vessels and those of our close allies and Gulf partners, risked pushing the region further into crisis and worsening the economic impact being felt in the UK and around the world.”
The statement added that the UK would continue to act within international law while seeking to avoid broader escalation.
“The UK remains committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict. Ministers underlined the need for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”
Hours before the announcement, Trump criticized NATO allies for what he described as reluctance to participate in securing the waterway, a critical route for global oil shipments.
“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump said.
“They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a nuclear-powered Iran.
“Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!”
Earlier proposals from the United States included naval escorts for commercial shipping transiting the strait, supported by a government-backed insurance framework to reduce risk for carriers.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada indicated they were considering participation in coordinated efforts to secure passage through the region.
“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the group said. “We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.”
The U.S. has also expanded its military presence in the area, deploying aircraft to support maritime security operations, including A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
A Marine Corps expeditionary unit is expected to arrive in the region before the end of the month, further reinforcing U.S. capabilities amid ongoing tensions.
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