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UK Allows US Base Use Amid Iran Tensions

3/2/2026

Center

Starmer Supports U.S. Defense

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom will permit the United States to use British bases for defensive operations against Iran.
The move follows U.S.-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Starmer said the aim is to protect British citizens and allies, citing Iran's retaliatory threat.
Britain will not join offensive strikes but will support defensive measures, including deploying British jets.

Right

Merkel and Macron Condemn Iran

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom condemned Iran's attacks after U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Germany) and President Emmanuel Macron (France) called for Iran to cease actions and resume negotiations.
They urged the Iranian people to determine their future and halt Iran's nuclear program and internal violence, while noting they were not involved in the strikes and maintain close contact with international partners.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, justified by claims of weapons of mass destruction, led to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein but resulted in a power vacuum and sectarian violence. This conflict has strained U.S.-Iran relations, with Iran's influence growing in Iraq. Today, following U.S.-Israeli strikes, the UK has granted U.S. access to bases for operations against Iran, reflecting ongoing regional tensions.

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Starmer Supports U.S. Defense

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom will permit the United States to use British bases for defensive operations against Iran.
The move follows U.S.-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Starmer said the aim is to protect British citizens and allies, citing Iran's retaliatory threat.
Britain will not join offensive strikes but will support defensive measures, including deploying British jets.

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