US can use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles: Starmer

WASHINGTON

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday that the UK will allow the US to use its bases for a “specific and limited defensive purpose” following escalating Iranian missile attacks across the Gulf region.

"The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose.

"We have taken the decision to accept this request – to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved," Starmer said in a statement.

The basis of the UK's decision is the collective self-defense of longstanding friends and allies and protecting British lives, he added.

Since Saturday morning, Israel and the US have carried out strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many top security officials.

Iran, in response, has launched drone and missile attacks on Israel and US assets in the region, prompting many Gulf states to shut their airspace.

Iranian authorities pledged revenge after confirmation of Khamenei's death, declared a 40-day mourning period, and named an interim council until a successor is chosen.

Starmer said the UK is not joining the strikes, but it will continue with defensive actions in the region.

"We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.

"But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy - so we are supporting the collective self-defense of our allies and our people in the region, because that is our duty to the British people," he added.

Starmer claimed that it is "the best way to eliminate the urgent threat" and prevent the situation from spiraling further.