UK makes U-turn, grants US access to bases for strikes on Iranian targets

The United Kingdom has authorized the United States to usage British subject bases to motorboat strikes connected Iranian-linked targets connected to threats successful the Strait of Hormuz.

Downing Street confirmed the determination connected Friday pursuing a ministerial meeting, stressing that the UK volition not straight enactment successful the strikes but volition let expanded US operations from British soil.

In a statement, a spokesperson said the bases volition enactment US “defensive operations to degrade the rocket sites and capabilities being utilized to onslaught ships.”

The authorities besides struck a cautious tone, adding that “ministers underlined the request for urgent de-escalation and a swift solution to the war,” signaling interest astir further escalation adjacent arsenic it backs its ally.

Until now, Britain had constricted US usage of its bases to operations targeting rocket threats straight linked to British interests.

This comes arsenic Donald Trump criticized NATO allies, calling them “cowards” for refusing to deploy warships to assistance unafraid the cardinal shipping route.

UK makes U-turn, grants US entree to bases for strikes connected Iranian targets