Newly sworn-in British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reportedly approved the continued use of British military bases by the United States for operations against Iran, maintaining a policy introduced under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to a Bloomberg report.
The reported decision comes as the United States continues its military campaign against Iran and President Donald Trump signals that additional strikes remain possible if diplomatic efforts fail.
UK Maintains Existing Military Cooperation
According to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg, Burnham endorsed the previous government’s policy allowing US forces to operate from Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The facilities are reportedly being used to support operations aimed at countering Iranian missile threats and protecting commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources said Starmer chaired a meeting of senior ministers and security officials after US military operations resumed earlier this month. During the meeting, ministers agreed to maintain the existing arrangement permitting American access to the two bases.
Burnham, who assumed office on Monday, was subsequently briefed on the discussions and approved the policy, according to the report.
The British prime minister’s office has not publicly commented on the reported decision.
US Military Campaign Continues
The reported approval follows the latest phase of US military operations against Iran.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out overnight strikes targeting Iranian military command centers, missile launch sites, and air defense systems as part of ongoing operations.
Maintaining access to British military facilities is expected to support elements of the current US campaign.
Political Debate Expected in Britain
The issue is likely to generate political debate within the United Kingdom.
During Keir Starmer’s tenure, the use of British bases by US forces drew criticism from opposition parties and some lawmakers, who argued that Britain should avoid becoming directly involved in the conflict.
Reports indicate that British officials have also discussed potential legal implications related to supporting military operations that could raise questions under international humanitarian law.
Burnham may now face similar criticism from opposition parties, including the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats, which have previously opposed allowing British territory to be used for military operations against Iran.
Burnham and Trump Discuss Regional Security
Following Burnham’s appointment as prime minister, he held a telephone conversation with President Donald Trump.
According to the UK government’s official statement, Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to protecting freedom of navigation and safeguarding commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump later described the conversation positively on Truth Social, saying the leaders discussed trade, military cooperation, North Sea energy, and efforts related to maritime security in the Gulf.
Trump Signals Possibility of Additional Strikes
President Trump has continued to warn that further military action remains possible if negotiations with Tehran do not succeed.
According to reports, he recently stated that Iran’s underground nuclear-related facilities, including the site at Pickaxe Mountain, could become future military targets if diplomatic efforts fail.
The comments reflect Washington’s increasingly firm position as tensions continue across the region.
Iran Warns of Regional Retaliation
Iran has responded by warning that any attack on its nuclear facilities would trigger retaliation against US and allied military assets across the Middle East.
Iranian state media quoted military officials as saying American bases and partner facilities in the region could become targets if military operations expand.
Separately, reports indicate that several Gulf Arab states are urging Washington to prevent further escalation, expressing concern that renewed Israeli military involvement could increase risks to regional energy infrastructure and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts.
US and Israel Reportedly Discuss Logistics Expansion
According to reports, the United States and Israel are also discussing plans to increase the number of US aerial refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport.
If approved, the deployment could expand to as many as 40 aircraft. Israeli officials are reportedly exploring logistical arrangements to accommodate the aircraft while minimizing disruptions to civilian air traffic, although reports suggest the plan could require reductions in daily commercial flights.
As military operations and diplomatic efforts continue simultaneously, the reported decision to maintain US access to British bases underscores the United Kingdom’s ongoing strategic role in regional security while highlighting the political and legal challenges surrounding the conflict.
