Starmer Says UK Will Allow US to Use British Bases for Defensive Action Against Iran – Video

In a move he framed as a matter of "collective self-defence", the Prime Minister confirmed that the United States will be permitted to operate from UK bases to target Iranian missiles. See his full video statement for yourself at the end of this article.

Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had agreed to a US request to use British military bases for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites, as tensions across the Gulf intensified and a British Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Cyprus was hit by a drone.

In a video statement released on Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Prime Minister confirmed that Britain would permit American forces to operate from UK bases to target Iranian missiles "at source," but stressed that the UK was not joining offensive operations.

"Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained that the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes on Iran. That remains the case," Starmer said.

Over the past two days, he added, Iran had launched sustained attacks across the region, striking countries "who did not attack them" and hitting "airports and hotels where British citizens are staying."

At least 200,000 British nationals are currently in the region, including residents, holidaymakers, and passengers in transit. The Foreign Office has urged those in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to register their presence and follow travel advice.

"Our armed forces, who are located across the region, are also being put at risk by Iran's actions," the Prime Minister shared, revealing that a military base in Bahrain had been struck on Saturday, narrowly missing British personnel.

Hours after his remarks, RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a drone strike at around midnight local time (10 p.m. GMT). The Ministry of Defence said there were no casualties and that "minimal damage" was caused. An investigation is under way to determine where the drone was launched from.

The Prime Minister said British aircraft were already operating in the Middle East as part of coordinated defensive missions and had successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. However, he argued that interception alone would not remove the threat.

"The only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source, in their storage depots, or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles," he said.

Thus, the United States had requested permission to use British bases for that "specific and limited defensive purpose," he explained, and the government had agreed.

Starmer said the move was grounded in the "collective self-defence" of longstanding friends and allies and was consistent with international law. A summary of the government's legal advice has been published.

The BBC understands the US is likely to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Both bases have previously been used by the US for long-range bombing operations.

Last month, it was reported that the British government had not granted permission for US forces to use UK bases for potential strikes on Iran. US President Donald Trump had said it "may be necessary" to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia should Iran "decide not to make a deal."

Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister was at pains to distance the government from the 2003 Iraq War. "I want to be very clear — we all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons," he stated. "We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, and we will not join offensive action now."

He further accused Tehran of pursuing a "scorched-earth strategy" and warned that its actions were becoming "more reckless and more dangerous to civilians," adding that the death of Iran's Supreme Leader would not halt the missile campaign.

The UK government has not explicitly stated whether it supports the US-Israeli strikes on Iran or whether it considers them lawful. Officials are also understood to be preparing contingency plans to evacuate British nationals from the Middle East, should regional airspace remain closed.

The announcement, and footage of Sir Keir Starmer delivering his statement, quickly sparked debate online, with several focusing not on policy but on the Prime Minister's demeanour.

One person typed, "Look at the hands." Another commented, "The hands say it all🤣🤣," while a third netizen shared, "Thought his fingers had been glued together."

Questions about his body language continued. One wrote, "Body language = totally out of your depth." Another person echoed that sentiment, remarking, "Absolutely out of his depth!"

A further comment read, "Love how he started with the hook then gave the line ..... Such a cruel world we all have to watch." Others struck a more mocking tone. "Are you afraid now?? 🤡" one person posted.

Speculation also surfaced, with a final person remarking, "Are his hands a secret sign to the brotherhood or something?? Always wonder."

For now, the government maintains that its decision is about protection, not participation, supporting allies while stopping short of joining direct strikes on Iran.