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New Delhi: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the continued use of UK military bases for limited US military strikes on Iran, signalling continuity in London’s policy towards the ongoing US-Iran conflict despite a change in leadership. The decision allows the US to continue using British facilities for what the UK describes as defensive military operations against Iranian targets.

According to reports, the policy permits the United States to continue operating from key British military facilities, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, for specific missions linked to the conflict. Burnham’s move effectively retains the approach adopted by former prime minister Keir Starmer, who had eventually authorised the use of British bases for limited defensive strikes after initially declining a broader US request.

Speaking about Britain’s position, Burnham stressed that his government remained committed to protecting the UK’s national security while supporting its allies. He also reiterated that Britain wanted to avoid a wider regional conflict and continued to favour diplomatic efforts alongside defensive military cooperation.

The development comes as US President Donald Trump has intensified military operations against Iran, with Washington targeting Iranian military infrastructure and missile capabilities, currently running for eleven consecutive nights.

Britain has maintained that it is not directly participating in offensive military operations against Iran but has allowed the United States to use British bases for what it calls ‘specific and limited defensive purposes’ under international law. 

British forces have also carried out defensive missions, including intercepting Iranian drones and missiles threatening allied countries and British personnel in the region.

The UK government has repeatedly said its objective is to prevent further regional escalation while ensuring Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. British military assets remain deployed across the Middle East, with RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and other regional bases supporting defensive operations and the protection of British nationals.