UK Approves Use of Military Bases for US Operations Against Iran

According to Bloomberg, the new British government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to continue the previous administration’s policy of military cooperation with the United States, approving the use of British military bases for what have been described as US “defensive operations” against Iran. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that, following the resumption of US military operations, the British Cabinet held an emergency meeting and agreed to make the Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford military bases available to US aircraft. The move is intended to support operations aimed at countering missile threats and protecting US and allied interests in the region, including around the Strait of Hormuz. The report said Burnham, who took office as prime minister on Monday, was briefed on the decision and endorsed the continuation of the military cooperation. The decision comes as the latest round of US military operations in the region enters its tenth day.