British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom has authorized the United States to use its military bases to launch what he described as "defensive" strikes aimed at destroying Iranian missile sites and launch pads.
Starmer confirmed in a video statement that the British government had made a deliberate decision not to involve its forces directly in these strikes, stressing that London did not participate in the first wave of attacks and will not join the current offensive operations.
The Prime Minister explained that his country supports the principle of collective self-defense to protect allies and peoples in the region, noting that Iran is pursuing what he described as a “scorched earth strategy,” which necessitates measures to ensure regional security.
Regarding the diplomatic track, Starmer stated that the United Kingdom believes that reaching a negotiated settlement is the best option and the best way forward to ensure the stability of the region and the world, justifying by this the decision to provide facilities to US forces without participating in combat.
This announcement followed a joint statement issued earlier on Sunday by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in which the three countries expressed their full readiness to defend their interests and the interests of their allies in the Gulf region, including taking defensive measures against Iran if necessary.
