UK 'ready to defend itself' after Iran says bases are 'legitimate targets'
The UK government has reaffirmed its readiness to defend itself after Iran labeled British military bases used by the US as legitimate targets. This follows ongoing US strikes against Iranian infrastructure, with Iran accusing the UK of being an accomplice in the conflict.
Why it matters
This escalation threatens to draw the UK directly into the ongoing US-Iran military conflict, potentially destabilizing regional security.
Image source, EPA Image caption, US military aircraft have been based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, pictured here in April 2026
The British government has said it "stands ready 24/7 to defend itself" after Iran said UK bases used by the US were considered "legitimate targets".
The UK has allowed the US to launch "defensive" operations from British bases hosting American personnel and aircraft, while refusing to cooperate in offensive operations against Iran.
Iran's foreign ministry said the UK was an "accomplice" in the US war, while the powerful Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) military wing said any country which supports the US militarily "will be responsible for the consequences and repercussions".
It came after the US carried out a 12th consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran.
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