UK approves US use of British bases for limited strikes on Iran

LONDON, United Kingdom — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the use of UK bases for selected US strikes on Iran, Bloomberg reported, citing officials. The decision covers operations London characterizes as "defensive" and continues the policy set by predecessor Keir Starmer. Under the arrangement, US forces may use British bases for operations targeting Iranian assets threatening Western missile capabilities and interests in the region, though the UK will not be considered a direct combatant. The approval comes as Washington intensifies military operations against Iranian targets. US President Donald Trump has signaled that Iran's nuclear facilities could be struck if no diplomatic progress is made. Before leaving office, Starmer chaired a meeting of senior ministers and officials to discuss Britain's posture toward US operations against Iran. The talks aimed to clarify London's position as military tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated. Burnham's office had not issued a detailed official statement on the decision at the time of reporting.