London, United Kingdom. Britain has authorised the United States to use UK military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as ministers discussed Iran’s blockade of the strait. The decision is being watched closely in Cyprus, where the British Sovereign Base Areas have been drawn into the wider conflict.
Downing Street statement on authorisation
British ministers met on Friday to discuss the war with Iran and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Downing Street said “the agreement for the U.S. to use UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region includes U.S. defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Bases covered and Cyprus uncertainty
The authorisation covers RAF Fairford in England and Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK base in the Indian Ocean. There has been no official confirmation that the British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia, are included.
Shift in Starmer’s position
The move marks a change for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially rejected a US request to use British bases, saying he needed to be satisfied any military action was legal. He modified his position after Iran struck British allies across the Middle East, while maintaining this week that Britain would not be drawn into a war over Iran.
Calls for de-escalation
Downing Street called for “urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”
Implications for Cyprus and EU stance
The decision is of direct relevance to Cyprus, where RAF Akrotiri was struck by a drone earlier this month in an attack linked to the wider conflict. The March European Council conclusions later acknowledged Cyprus’s intention to open talks with the United Kingdom on the future of the bases, with the EU stating it was ready to assist when needed.
US pressure and domestic opinion
The announcement follows weeks of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has criticised Starmer’s handling of the conflict. On Monday, Trump said there were “some countries that greatly disappointed me” before singling out Britain, which he said had once been considered “the Rolls-Royce of allies.” Opinion polls cited in the report showed 59% of those surveyed by YouGov opposed the US-Israeli attacks.
How do you think the UK’s decision could affect Cyprus’s role in the regional conflict?