British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the continued use of UK military bases by the United States for what the British government describes as defensive operations against Iran.
According to international media reports, the decision follows a meeting chaired last week by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during which senior ministers and government officials reviewed Britain’s policy after the United States resumed military operations earlier this month.
During the meeting, ministers agreed to maintain the existing policy allowing U.S. aircraft to operate from the British military facilities at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in England for missions aimed at countering the Iranian missile threat.
Burnham was subsequently briefed on the discussions and endorsed the decision, confirming that his government will continue the previous administration’s policy regarding the use of British bases for U.S. defensive operations.
The decision means British military facilities are expected to continue supporting ongoing U.S. operations in the region.
The policy is likely to face criticism from the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats, both of which oppose allowing U.S. military operations from British territory. The parties argue that such cooperation could make the United Kingdom complicit in actions they describe as potential violations of international law.
Shortly after taking office, Burnham held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to safeguarding international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described the discussion as positive, saying the two leaders also reaffirmed the close military alliance between their countries.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria is also considering allowing the United States to use its military infrastructure. The Bulgarian government has announced plans to seek parliamentary approval to station up to eight U.S. aerial refueling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base.
The proposal has drawn a sharp response from Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that any country facilitating U.S. military operations against Iran would be considered complicit in what it described as aggression and war crimes. Iranian officials specifically urged Bulgaria not to allow its territory to be used for such operations.
