Britain: Starmer Greenlights UK Base Use for US Strikes on Iran

New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given the green light for the United States to use British military bases for strikes against Iran. This decision signals a continuation of the policy set by his predecessor, Boris Johnson, amidst escalating tensions in the region.

The approval allows US aircraft to operate from bases in Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford. These bases will be utilized for what London terms "defensive strikes" against Iran, specifically targeting Iranian missile threats and operations near the Strait of Hormuz. Starmer, who took office on Monday, was briefed on the ongoing discussions and agreed with the decision, opting to maintain the previous government's stance on allowing US defensive operations from UK soil.

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This development means British bases are likely to be involved in the current cycle of US military actions. The decision follows ten days of renewed US attacks, with the US Central Command reporting strikes on Iranian command centers, launch sites, and air defenses. Despite these actions, British officials have expressed concerns over Trump's threats to target infrastructure like bridges and power stations.

The move is expected to provoke strong reactions from left-wing Labour MPs, the Green Party, and the Liberal Democrats. These groups argue that allowing the use of British bases makes the United Kingdom complicit in potential war crimes. The article highlights a significant foreign policy decision by the new British leadership, aligning with US military objectives in a volatile geopolitical climate.

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The decision is expected to cause reactions from MPs on the left wing of the Labour Party, the Green Party, and the Liberal Democrats, who argue that the use of the bases makes the United Kingdom complicit in war crimes.