The UK government has affirmed its readiness to defend the nation “24/7” following Iran’s warnings that Britain would “bear responsibility” for permitting US military operations from British soil. This escalation comes after Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the UK of complicity in “unlawful attacks” by allowing American forces to launch strikes from British bases, including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards labeled RAF Fairford a “legitimate target” due to its use as a launch point for US Air Force bombing raids against Iranian targets. Although the UK has refrained from direct offensive actions, it continues to support US defensive operations by hosting American personnel and equipment on its bases.
Since President Donald Trump initiated a series of 13 consecutive nights of strikes against Iranian sites, the risk of conflict escalation looms large. Despite the political changes with Andy Burnham as Prime Minister, the UK’s commitment to allowing US use of bases like RAF Fairford remains intact, continuing the policy established under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson emphasized the UK’s multi-layered defense strategy, involving the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, all operating with advanced air and missile defense capabilities alongside NATO allies. The government insists on a commitment to international law, stating its mission is to protect the UK, its interests, and its allies without becoming entangled in wider regional conflicts.
In response to increased threats, the UK has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a national security threat, with severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for sabotage linked to the group. This measure follows a series of security incidents in London, including arson attacks and a stabbing.
Meanwhile, US Central Command explained that the latest US strikes aimed to “degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels” in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where control remains contested. Recent Iranian explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, Qesham, Andimeshk, and Omidiyeh.
The US declared that military command centers, drone facilities, communication networks, and maritime assets were targeted, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz remains open despite Iran’s aggressive moves. President Trump vowed to hold Iran accountable for attacks on shipping routes, including actions attributed to the Houthis in Yemen, and announced plans to seize Iranian assets to offset damages.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticized the asset seizures as incendiary, warning on social media that normalizing governmental confiscation of assets would lead to widespread instability and insecurity, endangering global financial trust and peace.