Iran warns UK over US base access amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

LONDON (Azat TV) – The United Kingdom has authorized the United States to use its military bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has prompted a stern warning from Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that granting the U.S. access to British bases makes the UK a “participant in aggression” in the ongoing conflict.

UK Authorizes US Defensive Strikes

British ministers convened on Friday to discuss the escalating war with Iran and its disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. Following the meeting, a Downing Street statement confirmed that an agreement was reached for the U.S. to utilize UK bases for collective self-defense operations. These operations are designed to degrade the missile sites and capabilities Iran is employing to attack vessels in the vital waterway. The authorization specifically includes U.S. defensive operations aimed at diminishing Iran’s capacity to threaten regional shipping lanes.

Iran’s Strong Condemnation and Warning

In response to the UK’s decision, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed a strong message to his British counterpart, Yvette Cooper. According to Araghchi, he explicitly told Cooper that such actions would be “considered as participation in aggression and will be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries.” He added that Iran reserves its inherent right to defend its sovereignty and independence. Araghchi criticized Britain and some European countries for what he described as a “negative and biased approach” in a conflict he argues violates international law, and demanded they avoid any cooperation with the U.S. This exchange occurred as energy prices surged following Iran’s strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major liquefied natural gas facility, which Iran framed as retaliation for an earlier Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field.

Strategic Significance of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas passing through its narrow waters. Iran’s actions to disrupt shipping, including its blocking of the strait, have had a direct impact on regional stability and international trade. The UK’s decision to permit U.S. strikes on Iranian missile sites is framed as a defensive measure to restore freedom of navigation and ensure the flow of oil and gas. U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated this stance during her call with Araghchi, condemning Iran’s attacks and calling for the immediate resumption of unimpeded maritime passage. She emphasized that UK operations are a response to Iranian aggression against Gulf partners.

Background of the Decision

The decision to allow U.S. forces access to British bases, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, follows a period of intense diplomatic discussions and evolving U.S. pressure on its allies. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had initially hesitated to permit the U.S. military to use British bases for sending defensive missiles to Iran on February 28th. However, he reversed this stance on March 1st, citing it as the “best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further.” This development comes amidst ongoing criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged the UK to be more involved and has criticized Starmer’s initial reluctance.

The UK’s authorization of U.S. strikes from its bases represents a significant escalation in its direct involvement in the Iran conflict, moving beyond defensive postures to actively degrade Iranian offensive capabilities in a strategically vital region.