New UK PM Andy Burnham Approves US Use Of British Bases For Iran Strikes: Report
New UK PM Andy Burnham Approves US Use Of British Bases For Iran Strikes: Report Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 01:51 IST Burnham
New UK PM Andy Burnham Approves US Use Of British Bases For Iran Strikes: Report Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 01:51 IST Burnham, who became British prime minister on Monday, was briefed on the discussions and backed the decision, the sources said. Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham gives his first speech in front of 10 Downing Street in central London on July 20. (AFP photo) New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to continue allowing the US to use British military bases for what Washington and London describe as “defensive" operations against Iran, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The decision keeps in place the policy followed by former prime minister Keir Starmer, under which US aircraft can operate from British facilities, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, for missions linked to countering Iranian missile threats and protecting shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The report said Starmer chaired a meeting of senior ministers and officials on Friday to review Britain’s position after US military operations against Iran resumed earlier this month.
Burnham, who became prime minister on Monday, was briefed on the discussions and backed the decision, the sources said. Political Pressure Over UK Role The move is expected to face criticism from opposition groups and some members of the British left, who have argued that allowing the use of UK bases could make Britain complicit in US military actions. Bloomberg reported that UK officials have also raised concerns over the legal implications of potential US strikes, particularly after US President Donald Trump warned that Iranian civilian infrastructure could become a target. Burnham’s stance comes after his first phone call with Trump, during which the new prime minister highlighted Britain’s commitment to defence and security cooperation with the US and its allies. Trump described the conversation as positive, saying the two leaders discussed military cooperation, trade and efforts to secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump Warns US Iran Campaign Is Not Over The development comes as Trump said the US was “not finished" with Iran and warned that an underground nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain could be among future targets.
Speaking during a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Trump claimed Iran could take decades to rebuild from damage caused by the ongoing conflict. His remarks came after Iran launched strikes in parts of the region, including Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, as tensions continued to escalate following the renewed US-Iran hostilities. Pickaxe Mountain, located near Natanz, is believed by Western intelligence agencies to be a deeply buried nuclear facility where Iran may be pursuing undeclared enrichment activities. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will this decision increase UK involvement in US military actions? The decision by new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to allow the US to continue using British bases for operations against Iran is expected to face criticism for potentially making Britain complicit in US military actions. What are the legal implications for the UK regarding US strikes? UK officials have raised concerns regarding the legal implications of potential US strikes, particularly after US President Donald Trump warned that Iranian civilian infrastructure could become a target.
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