The UK says it is "ready 24/7 to defend itself" after Iran labelled British bases used by US forces "legitimate targets." London permits US defensive operations from bases such as RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia but rejects taking part in offensive strikes. Tehran's IRGC warned countries supporting the US they would "bear the consequences," while CENTCOM reported a 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets. UK officials stress defence readiness, adherence to international law and efforts to avoid wider escalation.
UK Says It Stands Ready After Iran Labels Bases 'Legitimate Targets'
US military aircraft have been based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, pictured here in April 2026 [EPA]
The British government has reiterated that it is prepared to defend the UK round the clock after Iran described British bases used by US forces as "legitimate targets".
What Happened
London has allowed the United States to conduct what Washington describes as defensive operations from UK facilities that host American personnel and aircraft, while declining to participate in offensive strikes against Iran. Tehran's foreign ministry called the UK an "accomplice" to US military action, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that countries militarily supporting the US "will be responsible for the consequences and repercussions."
Recent Developments
US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported it had completed a 13th consecutive night of strikes on targets inside Iran, saying the strikes aim to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels. Iranian-linked media reported that some US bombing missions were launched from RAF Fairford; the UK Ministry of Defence has not publicly confirmed whether RAF Fairford or other UK bases were used in this week's operations.
In March, London authorised US use of bases including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the strategically located Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to target Iranian infrastructure that the US said was being used in attacks on Gulf states and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Downing Street confirmed last week that the agreement allowing US use of UK facilities had been extended.
Threats, Attacks and Capability Questions
On 19 March, Iran reportedly fired two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands; one reportedly failed mid-flight and the other was intercepted by a US warship. Observers have raised questions about whether Iran's missiles could reliably reach the archipelago—about 2,360 miles (3,600 km) from Iran—and on the accuracy and overall condition of Iran's missile arsenal, which the US says has been degraded by its strikes.
UK government statement: "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 UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself."
The UK spokesperson reiterated that national defence relies on a layered air and missile defence posture delivered by the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, working with NATO allies. Officials emphasised that the UK's approach is to defend its people, interests and allies, act in accordance with international law, and avoid escalation into a wider conflict.
Wider Impact
Iran has launched strikes against multiple Gulf states that host US bases and has been implicated in attacks on civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about regional security and international shipping. CENTCOM maintains the strait remains open and says commercial vessels continue to transit with US military support.
Reporting from other outlets has also highlighted the human cost of the fighting inside Iran, while global leaders weigh diplomatic and security responses to the expanding confrontation.
Help us improve.
