Two ballistic missiles struck the joint US-UK Diego Garcia military base, drawing sharp warnings from a former UK defense chief that Britain now stands involved in the US-Iran conflict and should expect retaliation from Tehran.
UK officials denounced the strikes as reckless threats to national interests and allies. RAF jets and other military assets continue operations to safeguard personnel across the region.
Authorization for US Strikes on Iranian Sites
The UK cleared US forces to launch strikes from British bases targeting Iranian missile installations aimed at the Strait of Hormuz on Friday night. Officials from Downing Street clarified that these measures represent collective self-defense and stop short of broader war involvement.
Ex-Defense Chief Highlights Long-Standing Tensions
General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of Joint Forces Command, emphasized Iran’s longstanding perception of the UK as an adversary. “Iran and the UK have been at odds for a very long time,” he stated. “(They) regard the UK as an enemy, so if you are seen to participate in some fashion with this US-Israeli offensive action then they are clearly going to respond. We should not be surprised by that.”
Barrons added: “We may not have wanted to get involved but now we are involved.”
Iran Vows Self-Defense
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X condemning the decision. He claimed the “vast majority of the British people do not want any part in the Israel-US war of choice on Iran.” Araghchi accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of “ignoring his own people” and endangering British lives by permitting base usage for strikes against Iran, adding that “Iran will exercise its right to self-defence.”
US Criticism and UK Domestic Pushback
US President Donald Trump rebuked the UK for moving too slowly in granting approval, stating it “should have acted a lot faster.” Trump has intensified calls on NATO partners, branding them “cowards” for withholding warships needed to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Within the UK, former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell, the Green Party, and Liberal Democrats demand an immediate parliamentary vote to block use of British bases in the escalating tensions.
This situation remains fluid with updates expected.
