The IRGC has reportedly issued a direct warning to the British monarchy and threatened UK military bases, claiming US B-1 bombers flew from RAF Fairford. The IRGC said any base used to attack Iran would be a legitimate target and published a separate denunciation of the crown. The UK government insisted its armed forces and NATO partners maintain layered air and missile defences. Separate Houthi attacks and a declared blockade at Bab al-Mandab pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
IRGC Warns British Monarchy and Threatens UK Bases — Report
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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a direct warning to the British monarchy and threatened United Kingdom military bases, the Daily Mirror reported, in a statement that has heightened regional and diplomatic tensions.
What the IRGC Said
The IRGC claimed that US B-1 bombers launched a mission from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire against Iranian targets and declared that "any base used to invade Iranian territory is our legitimate target." The organisation also published a message titled "Warning to the British Monarchy," accusing the crown of "dividing Islamic countries, widespread massacres, imposing authoritarian governments" and urging the monarchy "not to burden its case any further" by backing US operations against Tehran. These are the IRGC's claims as reported by the Daily Mirror and have not been independently verified.
RAF Fairford And The US Presence
RAF Fairford is routinely used as a forward operating base in Europe for the United States Air Force and regularly hosts heavy bombers on standby for Middle East missions. US news site Axios reported that a B-1 bomber capable of carrying heavy ordnance departed the base on Tuesday.
Political Context And Protests
The Daily Mirror report says Keir Starmer authorised RAF Fairford's use for what were described as "defensive" strikes targeting Iranian forces in March and that the current prime minister has been notified about extending existing arrangements for US use of UK bases. An anti-war demonstration took place at RAF Fairford in April, reflecting public concern over the potential use of UK territory for operations tied to tensions with Iran.
UK Response
A UK government spokesperson responded firmly to the IRGC statement, saying: "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 spokesperson added that the UK operates "a layered approach to air and missile defence" together with NATO allies. Buckingham Palace had not issued a public comment on the IRGC statement at the time of reporting.
Regional Fallout
Separately, Iran-aligned Houthi forces said they struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and announced a blockade of the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Those developments contributed to a rise in oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since May, according to market reports.
Note: This article summarises claims reported by media outlets and statements issued by the IRGC and other actors. Some claims remain unverified and are reported as described by sources.
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