The UK has approved the expanded use of its military bases for US operations targeting Iranian-linked threats in the Strait of Hormuz, including strikes aimed at protecting commercial shipping, the BBC and Reuters reported on Friday.
Downing Street had previously authorised American forces to operate from British bases to prevent Iran from launching missiles that could endanger British lives or interests. However, ministers agreed at a meeting on Friday to broaden that permission.
Earlier this month, the British bases in Akrotiri, Cyprus, were struck by a drone at 12:03am believed to be from Hezbollah. The Shahed type drone caused minimal damages, but came hours after Starmer had announced he would allow the US to use UK bases to “destroy [Iranian] missiles at source.”
The island has since been on high alert with increased defences brought in from Greece, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.
Under the revised arrangement, US forces may now use UK bases for what officials described as “defensive operations” targeting capabilities used to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the change, the UK will not take part directly in the strikes, the BBC said. According to the broadcaster, a Downing Street spokesperson said that “the principles behind the UK’s approach to the conflict remain the same”.
The spokesperson added that ministers emphasised “the need for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war”.