Newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the continued use of UK military bases by the United States for what Britain describes as defensive military operations against Iran, maintaining the policy adopted by the previous government.
London, United Kingdom – Web Desk:According to a Bloomberg report, Burnham has endorsed allowing US forces to operate from key British military facilities, including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, as Washington expands its military campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
The decision follows the policy established under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who reportedly convened senior ministers and top security officials last week to review Britain’s role after the United States resumed military operations against Iran earlier this month.
Sources cited in the report said the meeting concluded that the military bases at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford would remain available to US aircraft conducting missions aimed at countering Iranian missile threats and supporting operations linked to security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Burnham, who assumed office on Monday, was briefed on the discussions and agreed to maintain the existing policy, according to the report. The decision signals continuity in Britain’s defence cooperation with the United States amid escalating regional tensions.
The move means British military facilities could continue to play a role in certain phases of ongoing US military operations involving Iran.
The development comes as US military operations against Iran entered their tenth consecutive day, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying overnight strikes targeted Iranian military command centres, missile launch sites and air defence systems.
The Bloomberg report also noted that British officials have expressed concern over recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding potential strikes on bridges and power infrastructure inside Iran, reflecting growing international concerns over the risk of wider regional escalation.
