UK Ready to Defend Itself After Iran Declares Bases Supporting US 'Legitimate Targets'

The United Kingdom has stated it is "ready 24/7 to defend itself" after Iran declared that British bases used by the United States were considered "legitimate targets." This statement from the UK government comes as the US continues its operations against Iran, following 12 consecutive nights of strikes.

Iran's foreign ministry characterized the UK as an "accomplice" in the conflict, while the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) warned that any nation supporting US military actions would be held responsible for the repercussions. These declarations were made on July 23.

British authorities have permitted the U.S. to conduct "defensive" operations from British soil, including bases that host American personnel and aircraft. However, the UK has refrained from participating in offensive operations against Iran. This policy has remained consistent under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was recently informed of an extension to the existing agreement with the U.S.

In March, shortly after the U.S.-led conflict began, permission was granted for the U.S. to utilize bases such as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. These facilities were designated for targeting Iranian military infrastructure used in attacks on Gulf countries and vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency reported on July 23 that American bombing missions had been launched from RAF Fairford two days prior. The UK Ministry of Defence has not confirmed whether the base was used for operations against Iran this week.

Responding to the threats, a UK government spokesperson affirmed, "Our Armed Forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it's on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself." The statement further detailed a layered approach to air and missile defense involving Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force assets, in coordination with NATO allies. The UK's stance on the conflict is to defend its people, interests, and allies in accordance with international law, without being drawn into a wider conflict.

This situation echoes past tensions. In March, Iran's ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, stated Iran would exercise its "right to self-defence" if the UK joined the conflict and urged caution. Later that month, Iran reportedly fired two ballistic missiles toward the UK's Diego Garcia base. One missile is said to have failed mid-flight, while the other was intercepted by a U.S. airship. At the time, questions were raised about Iran's missile capabilities and range.

Analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the reliability and accuracy of Iran's missile arsenal, particularly following U.S. strikes that the U.S. claims have significantly degraded these capabilities. Iran has conducted strikes against several countries in the Gulf housing U.S. military bases and has been implicated in attacks on civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted vital shipping routes.