UK Vows 24/7 Defense After Iran Threatens US-Used Bases
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 23
UK Vows 24/7 Defense After Iran Threatens US-Used Bases
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 23
Summary
Britain said its forces are ready "24/7" to defend the country after Iran declared UK bases used by US forces "legitimate targets."
The warning followed a 12th straight night of US strikes on Iran and Tehran's claim that Britain is an "accomplice" because it has allowed US defensive operations from bases including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia.
Tasnim, linked to the IRGC, said US bombing missions were launched from RAF Fairford two days earlier, though the UK Ministry of Defence did not confirm whether the base was used this week.
The threat builds on earlier escalation: Iran's ambassador warned London in March to be "very careful," and Iran fired two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia on 19 March, with one failing and the other intercepted.
Britain says its policy is unchanged under Prime Minister Andy Burnham—supporting defense of people, interests and allies under international law while avoiding a wider war.
With US missiles reportedly exhausted, is Britain now the front line in America’s war with Iran?
A key strait is closed and Iran threatens Europe. Is the world economy headed for a 2026 recession?
UK Bases Targeted: Iran’s Longest-Range Missile Attack Escalates US-UK-Iran Crisis and Sparks Domestic Backlash (2026)
Overview
Tensions between the UK and Iran have sharply escalated after Iran declared a British RAF base a legitimate target and launched its longest-range missiles yet at the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia. While one missile was intercepted and another failed midflight, the attack revealed Iran’s expanded missile reach, raising alarms that even Central Europe could now be within range. This has sparked concerns in Germany about the safety of US operations at Ramstein Air Base. The situation highlights the growing threat to UK and allied military assets worldwide, as well as the broader risks to European security.