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UK allows US to use British bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in Strait of Hormuz
UK government has given authorisation to the US to use British bases to strike Iranian missile attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The British government on Friday reportedly gave authorisation to US military to use British bases for carrying out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
British ministers met on Friday to discuss the war between US, Israel and Iran and talk about Iran's blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported, citing a statement by Downing Street.
"They confirmed that the agreement for the US to use UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region includes US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz," the statement said.
The Downing Street statement on Friday called for "urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war".
Earlier, reports surfaced stating that UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer is said to be blocking Washington's request to use British bases, citing breach of international law.
Both bases - Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and the RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire are home to America’s fleet of heavy bombers in Europe.
Based on the previous agreements with the UK, these bases can be used for military operations against third countries if the operation has been discussed and agreed to in advance with the government.
UK PM changes stance on Iran war
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this week that Britain would not be drawn into a war over Iran. But Starmer modified his stance after Iran conducted strikes on British allies across the Middle East, saying that the United States could use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK base in the Indian Ocean, the report said.
Also read: USS Boxer among 3 warships headed to Middle East, 2,500 Marines deployed, says report
President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Starmer since the conflict started, complaining he was not doing enough to help him. Trump earlier this month said that he did not need Britain’s help to win the war with Iran, and "will remember" the lack of British support during the conflict with Iran.
He said that the UK, "once a great ally", is now considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, but added the US no longer needs them.
