Keir Starmer has come under fire after permitting the United States to broaden its use of RAF bases for operations targeting Iran.
Downing Street confirmed that American aircraft will now be able to operate from British bases to carry out strikes linked to the Strait of Hormuz. The move signals a notable change in the government’s stance on the UK’s role in the ongoing conflict.
At the outset of the war, the prime minister had rejected Donald Trump’s request to deploy RAF bases for bombing missions against Iran.
He later shifted position, allowing what were described as “defensive” operations aimed at missile launch sites.
UK Policy Shift On RAF Bases And Iran Conflict
A spokesperson for Downing Street said the scope of those operations has now been widened in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
The waterway’s closure, following Iranian attacks on oil tankers, has driven oil prices sharply higher and fuelled concerns about a potential global economic downturn.
The No.10 spokesman said: “[Ministers] confirmed that the agreement for the US to use UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region includes US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
“They reaffirmed that the principles behind the UK’s approach to the conflict remain the same: the 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.
“Ministers underlined the need for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”
Political Backlash Grows Over Starmer’s Decision
Despite the policy shift, Trump criticised the timing of the decision, saying Starmer “should have acted a lot faster”.
He said: “I’m surprised because the relationship is so good, but this has never happened before. They were really, pretty much our first ally, all over the world.”
Criticism has also come from opposition figures in Westminster. Posting on X, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the prime minister had carried out “the mother of all U-turns”.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge added: “After weeks of dither and finger pointing, the prime minister has once again changed his mind and performed yet another screeching U-turn.
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“The prime minister had the Navy’s only active minesweeper taken out of the Gulf a week before the war began. He dithered about sending a warship to help defend our base in Cyprus. And where we have been clear from the outset that we would have allowed our closest military ally to use our bases, Starmer has been all over the place.
“When we need strong leadership in challenging times, Starmer is weak and indecisive.”
A source from the Green Party was also critical of the move, stating: “It is now beyond obvious Britain is involved in an offensive bombing campaign in Iran.
“Starmer has gone against our warnings, the public’s clearly stated opinion, and international law, and involved the UK in yet another illegal Middle East war. Starmer has learned nothing from the tragedy of Iraq.”
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