The United Kingdom has said it “stands ready 24/7 to defend itself” after Iran declared British military bases used by the United States to be “legitimate targets”, escalating tensions as U.S. forces carried out a 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Britain of being an “accomplice” in the U.S. military campaign, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any country providing military support to Washington would be “responsible for the consequences and repercussions” of the conflict.
Britain has allowed the United States to launch what it describes as defensive operations from UK bases hosting American personnel and aircraft, while refusing to participate in offensive military operations against Iran. The arrangement includes the use of RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for missions targeting Iranian military infrastructure used in attacks on Gulf states and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The policy, first approved in March, has been maintained by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was informed last week that the agreement with Washington had been extended. The UK Ministry of Defence declined to confirm whether RAF Fairford had been used in the latest operations.
Responding to the Iranian threats, a UK government spokesperson said Britain’s armed forces remain prepared to defend the country at all times.
“Our Armed Forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself,” the spokesperson said.
The government added that Britain employs a layered air and missile defence system involving the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, working closely with NATO allies. Officials reiterated that the UK’s objective is to protect its people, interests and allies while avoiding being drawn into a wider regional war.
Iran’s ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, had earlier warned that Tehran reserved the right to act in self defence if Britain became directly involved in the conflict.
On March 19, Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward the UK-U.S. military facility on Diego Garcia. One missile reportedly failed during flight, while the second was intercepted by a U.S. warship. Analysts have questioned the reliability of Iran’s long range missile capabilities, with U.S. officials saying repeated American strikes have significantly degraded Tehran’s missile arsenal.
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that it had completed a 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets, describing the campaign as an effort to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the strategic waterway remains open to international shipping despite recent attacks, with U.S. military forces continuing to support freedom of navigation in the region.
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