Britain considers supporting US operation against Iran: Why London changed its stance
Illustrative photo: British air force and navy could assist the US (Getty Images)
American strategic bombers are expected to arrive at British bases — Diego Garcia and Fairford — from where they could strike Iran’s underground "missile cities."
One option involves using B‑2 or B‑52 bombers with specialized bunker-busting munitions. In this case, London could provide not only infrastructure support but also additional backing from the Royal Air Force.
At the same time, the destroyer HMS Dragon, whose redeployment to strengthen the presence near Cyprus was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will not depart from Portsmouth before next week.
According to Western officials, Iran still has enough ballistic missiles for a few more days of intense launches, though the pace may slow due to ongoing US and Israeli strikes. On the other hand, most regional allies have already expended a significant number of Patriot interceptors defending against attacks.
Officials emphasize that the accelerated destruction of Iranian launch sites is key to reducing the missile threat, especially given the limited stock of interceptors in the region.
Not long ago, US President Donald Trump ordered the cessation of all relations with Spain after it refused the United States access to its military bases. Trump also criticized the UK for refusing to participate in attacks on Iran.
Meanwhile, the UK has also come under Iranian attacks. In particular, Iran targeted a British military base in Cyprus with a drone. The previous strike occurred on the night of March 2 near the British airbase at Akrotiri in Cyprus.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his country would involve Ukrainian experts to help Gulf states shoot down Iranian attack drones — Shaheds. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he has not yet received any official requests for the involvement of specialists from partners.
