The Kabul Tribune (KT) — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has authorized the United States to use certain U.K. military bases for operations targeting Iran, continuing a policy adopted under the previous government led by Keir Starmer, Bloomberg reported.
According to the report, the arrangement allows U.S. forces to use the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in England to support air operations aimed at countering what Washington describes as threats posed by Iran.
Bloomberg said Burnham was briefed on the policy after taking office and endorsed its continuation.
The report comes as the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says it has continued military operations against Iran, stating that recent strikes targeted Iranian military command facilities, missile launch sites and air defense systems.
Bloomberg also reported that the use of British military bases for U.S. operations has drawn domestic criticism in the United Kingdom. Political groups, including the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats, have warned that the policy could expose Britain to legal responsibility for the military campaign.
At the same time, remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the possible targeting of Iranian civilian infrastructure have raised additional concerns. British officials have reportedly cautioned that such actions could carry legal consequences.
Bloomberg added that Burnham and Trump spoke by telephone after Burnham became prime minister. According to the report, the two leaders discussed trade, defense cooperation, North Sea energy resources and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
