The British government has declared that it is prepared to defend the country “24/7” after Iran warned that UK military bases used by the United States are now considered “legitimate targets”.
The warning follows a fresh escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran after the United States carried out a 12th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets.
Although the UK has permitted the US to use British bases for what it describes as defensive operations, London says it has not participated in offensive military action against Iran.
However, Iran has accused Britain of becoming a participant in the conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the UK as an “accomplice” in the American campaign, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any country providing military support to the United States would bear responsibility for the consequences.
In a statement carried by the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency, the group claimed American bombing missions had been launched from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire earlier this week.
The UK Ministry of Defence has not confirmed whether the base was used in the latest operations.
Responding to the threats, a UK government spokesperson said Britain’s armed forces remain on constant alert.
“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.
“This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defence, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our NATO allies.”
The spokesperson added that Britain’s position on the conflict had not changed.
“The UK’s approach to the conflict remains the same – we are committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict.”
US continues using UK bases
The dispute centres on Britain’s decision to allow the United States to operate from military facilities hosting American personnel and aircraft.
In March, the UK authorised the US to use bases including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure believed to have been used in attacks on Gulf states and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The arrangement has remained in place under newly elected Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was informed last week that the agreement with Washington had been extended.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised the British government, arguing it has not provided sufficient support for the military campaign against Iran.
Earlier missile attack
The latest threats come months after Iran demonstrated its willingness to target British military assets.
On 19 March, Iran launched two ballistic missiles towards the UK-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. Reports indicated one missile failed during flight, while the second was intercepted by a US warship before reaching its target.
The attack surprised military analysts, who had questioned whether Iran possessed missiles capable of reaching the remote Indian Ocean territory, located about 3,600 kilometres from Iran.
Israeli officials later claimed Tehran possessed missiles with a range of up to 4,000 kilometres, theoretically placing parts of mainland Europe and potentially Britain within reach.
However, then Housing Secretary Steve Reed said at the time there was no specific intelligence indicating Iran intended to target the UK directly.
Military analysts have since suggested Iran’s missile capabilities have been significantly weakened by sustained US airstrikes.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued launching attacks against countries hosting American military bases across the Gulf region, while repeated strikes on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have severely disrupted one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
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