Britain said its armed forces are ready to defend the country after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that UK bases used for U.S. bombing missions against Iran would be considered legitimate targets.
The warning came after the IRGC claimed the United States had flown bombing missions against Iran from RAF Fairford in southwest England. In a statement, the Iranian force said any base used to launch such attacks could be targeted.
Britain’s government said its position had not changed, stressing that it remained committed to defending the UK, its interests and its allies while avoiding being drawn into a wider conflict.
“Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad,” a government spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Britain had a layered air and missile defence system involving the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, working alongside NATO allies.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was informed last week that London had recommitted to an existing agreement allowing the United States to use British bases for what the government described as the collective self-defence of the region.
The government said that arrangement covered U.S. defensive operations aimed at degrading missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The exchange adds new pressure on Britain as the U.S.-Iran conflict widens across the region and Tehran warns countries against assisting American military operations.
