The UK is expected to deny permission for the United States to use RAF bases for strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, a move that risks angering US President Donald Trump. The refusal comes as Trump has threatened to target civilian infrastructure in Iran unless a deal is reached over the Strait of Hormuz.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated that the UK has only authorised the use of British bases for “collective self-defence of the region”, including defensive operations to degrade missile sites. The spokesperson stated: “We won’t be providing a running commentary on our allies’ operations, including the use of our bases. Our position on this hasn’t changed.”
International law experts have warned that targeting civilian bridges and power plants would constitute a war crime. Downing Street’s decision to maintain its stance could further strain relations between Starmer and Trump, who recently compared the prime minister to Neville Chamberlain over his approach to the Iran conflict.
Trump has escalated his rhetoric, stating that Iran will have “no bridges… no power plants… no anything” unless it submits to his demands. He also suggested he would prefer to seize Iran’s oil, saying: “It’s there for the taking. There’s not a thing they can do about it.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed that the UK has authorised the US to use British bases for defensive missions to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, which threaten British people and interests in the region. The spokesperson added that the US is using these bases for specific defensive operations to prevent Iranian missile attacks.
