11 hours ago
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The British government has partially reversed course and allowed the US to use its bases to carry out airstrikes aimed at clearing the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian obstacles.
In a statement issued by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office Friday, the UK confirmed: “[T]he agreement for the US to use UK bases in the collective self-defence [sic] of the region includes US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”
London had previously allowed the US to use its bases only to prevent Iran from putting British interests or lives at risk — as when missiles from Tehran targeted UK forces on Cyprus early in the war.
“Ministers condemned Iran’s expansion of its targets to include international shipping,” the statement continued. “They agreed that Iran’s reckless strikes, including on Red Ensign vessels and those of our close allies and Gulf partners, risked pushing the region further into crisis and worsening the economic impact being felt in the UK and around the world.”
“[T]he UK remains committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict,” it concluded. “Ministers underlined the need for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”
English (US)