Limited, Targeted Purpose
Under the agreement, American forces will be permitted to operate from British bases solely for a “specific and limited defensive purpose”: neutralizing Iranian missiles before they can be launched.
“The only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source,” Starmer said — referring to storage depots and launch systems used to fire them across the region.
He stressed that the authorization is intended to prevent Iran from launching missiles that could kill civilians, endanger British nationals, or strike countries not directly involved in the fighting.
The prime minister added that the government’s decision complies with international law and pledged to publish a summary of its legal advice supporting the move.
British Aircraft Already in the Sky
Earlier, Starmer confirmed that UK aircraft were already operating over the Middle East in a defensive capacity. In a statement posted to social media Sunday evening, he said British jets had successfully intercepted Iranian missile strikes.
“Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it’s my duty to protect British lives,” he wrote.
The new arrangement expands that support without formally drawing Britain into offensive combat — a balancing act as delicate as walking a tightrope over a widening geopolitical chasm.
