UK’s Burnham backs continued US use of bases for Iran strikes

Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the continued use of U.K. military bases by the United States for what London describes as defensive strikes against Iran, maintaining the policy of his predecessor Keir Starmer as U.S. military operations intensify.

The decision follows a meeting chaired by Starmer on Friday, July 17, before Burnham took office, involving senior ministers and officials to review Britain’s position after the resumption of U.S. operations earlier this month, according to people familiar with the discussions.

At that meeting, ministers agreed to continue allowing U.S. forces to operate from British facilities, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. The bases may be used by U.S. aircraft conducting missions aimed at countering Iran’s missile capabilities and targeting sites linked to threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the sources said.

Burnham, who assumed office on Monday, was briefed on the outcome and endorsed the approach, the people added, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

He is expected to uphold the previous government’s policy on authorising the use of U.K. bases for what are termed defensive U.S. strikes, meaning British facilities are likely to play a role in the current phase of American operations.

The policy comes as the United States steps up military activity. U.S. Central Command said it had targeted Iranian military command centres, launch sites and air defence systems overnight on the 10th day of renewed operations.

The stance has proven politically contentious in Britain. Starmer had faced pressure from the left to block the use of U.K. bases, while U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Britain to expand its role in support of the campaign.

Concerns have also been raised within the British government over remarks by Trump threatening potential strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, with officials wary of the legal implications of any such actions.

Burnham is likely to face criticism from opposition parties including the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats, both of which oppose the use of British bases on the grounds that it could make the U.K. complicit in war crimes.

The decision may also help explain Trump’s relatively positive public remarks about Burnham following his arrival at 10 Downing Street.

The two leaders spoke by phone after Burnham took office on Monday.

“The prime minister outlined the U.K.’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” according to a readout from his office.

Trump later commented on the conversation on Truth Social, writing: “We discussed North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics. The call was interesting, and went very well.”

By Tamilla Hasanova