UK allows US use of bases for defensive operations
The United Kingdom has agreed to let US forces use its bases in the Middle East and surrounding areas for defensive operations, including protecting allied forces and intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. The bases include Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
The UK has not granted permission for offensive strikes on Iran, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defense Secretary John Healey said. On Sunday, Healey said that the US must provide the legal justification for any operations and reiterated that Britain’s role is strictly defensive.
