PM Starmer: US could use UK bases for attack on Iran

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would allow the United States (US) to use its military bases for "specific and limited defense purposes" following the increase in Iranian missile attacks in the Gulf region.

"The United States has asked for permission to use the British base demitujuan that is specific and limited to defense," Starmer said, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Monday, March 2.

"We have made the decision to accept this request in order to prevent Iran from firing missiles throughout the region, killing innocent civilians, endangering the lives of British citizens, and attacking non-involved countries," Starmer continued.

He explained that the basis of the British decision was collective self-defense with old friends and allies and to protect the lives of British citizens.

Since Saturday morning (28/2), Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a number of high-ranking security officials.

In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks against Israel and US assets in the region, prompting many Gulf countries to close their airspace.

Iranian authorities promised to retaliate after the certainty of Ali Khamenei's death emerged, declaring a 40-day mourning period, and forming a temporary council until Ali Khamenei's successor was determined.

Starmer said Britain did not take part in the attack, but would continue defensive action in the region.

"We were not involved in the initial attack on Iran and we will not join in offensive actions now," he said.

"However, Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy, so we support the collective self-defense of our allies and our citizens in the region, because it is our obligation to the British people," he said.

Starmer said the move was the "best way to remove an immediate threat" and prevent the situation from getting worse.