The UK has allowed the US to launch "defensive" operations from British bases hosting American personnel and aircraft, while refusing to cooperate in offensive operations against Iran. In response to Iran’s comments, the UK government said it "stands ready 24/7 to defend itself". It followed a 12th consecutive night of US strikes against targets in Iran, with the ceasefire that had been agreed between the two countries apparently abandoned.
In March 2026, shortly after the start of the US-Israel led war against Iran, the UK gave the US permission to use British bases, including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, to target Iranian military infrastructure used to attack Gulf countries and vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalating war, and continuing block on commercial shipping through the strait of Hormuz, has led to a new surge in global oil prices, which have again reached more than $100 per barrel.
Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jeremy Bowen and Faisal Islam.
