Britain rejects US requests over planned strikes on Iranian civilian targets

Britain will refuse to allow the United States to use RAF bases for any strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, amid warnings that such operations could breach international law and deepen tensions between London and Washington.

According to reporting, the UK government has made clear that access to British facilities — including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia — is limited to defensive missions aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities, not strikes on civilian targets such as bridges or power plants, Caliber.Az reports via British media.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate pressure on Iran, warning that civilian infrastructure could be targeted unless Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

He has described potential operations as “Power Plant Day” and “Bridge Day,” and said Iran would face sweeping destruction if it does not comply with his demands.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously authorised US use of British bases strictly for defensive purposes, such as striking missile storage or launch sites that pose a threat to British interests and allies in the Gulf. A Ministry of Defence position indicates that any request extending beyond that remit would be denied.

The stance reflects growing concern in London over the legal and strategic implications of targeting civilian infrastructure. Some international law experts have warned that such strikes could constitute a war crime, particularly if they deliberately affect non-military assets.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The UK authorised the United States to use British bases for defensive missions to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities which are threatening British people, bases, and our partners in the region.

“The United States is using British bases for specific defensive operations to prevent Iran firing missiles into the region, which is putting British lives at risk. This is alongside the defensive action the UK is taking to protect British people across the region.

“We won’t be providing a running commentary on our allies’ operations, including their use of our bases.”

The UK’s position risks adding friction to already strained relations between London and Washington. Trump has previously criticised Starmer, saying the UK has a “long way to go” and drawing comparisons to historical figures associated with appeasement policies.

At the same time, British officials are working with more than 40 countries on contingency planning to secure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route that has become a focal point amid rising regional tensions.

Concerns within Westminster have also been raised about adherence to the rules of engagement in any expanded US military action. Richard Foord, a member of parliament and former British Army officer, warned that abandoning established constraints could undermine legal frameworks governing armed conflict and alter perceptions among the Iranian population.

He said: “Rules of engagement exist in war for very good reason.

“They link the tactical decisions made by soldiers on the ground to the operational intent of their most senior commanders.

“Rules of engagement also serve to maintain the law of armed conflict, and stop disciplined use of force from becoming unmitigated blood-spilling, motivated by bloodlust.”

Foord added that without such constraints, US actions risk strengthening opposition within Iran rather than achieving their intended strategic outcomes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev