British military ready to defend country after IRGC threatens bases over presence of US bombers

Britain's armed forces are on high alert and ready to defend the nation from any attack, the government announced, following a warning from Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). The IRGC stated that any UK base used to launch bombing missions against Iran would be considered a legitimate target.

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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 IRGC specifically claimed that US bombing missions against Iran had departed from Fairford in southwest England. In response, a government spokesperson asserted that the UK's armed forces are prepared to safeguard the nation from all threats, employing a layered air and missile defense strategy in cooperation with NATO allies.

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This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defense, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our NATO allies.

Britain reaffirmed its commitment to an existing agreement that permits the US to use British bases for defensive operations, particularly targeting missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The government emphasized its unchanged stance, prioritizing the defense of its citizens, interests, and allies in compliance with international law while actively seeking to prevent escalation into a broader conflict. The article notes recent Iranian drone damage at Britain's Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus, which will not be part of the US defensive agreement.

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Britain's approach remained unchanged and that it was committed to defending its people, interests and allies in accordance with international law while avoiding being drawn into a wider conflict.