The United Kingdom has agreed to broaden its support for United States military operations by allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes linked to the protection of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had limited such access to defensive actions aimed at preventing threats to British lives and interests. However, officials confirmed on Friday that ministers had approved an expansion of permitted operations, framing the move as part of “collective self-defence” to safeguard vessels navigating the strategically vital waterway.
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The Strait of Hormuz is a key global oil transit route, and disruptions there have raised concerns about economic impacts worldwide.
Shift In Military Support
A Downing Street spokesperson said the decision followed escalating attacks attributed to Iran on commercial shipping, including vessels linked to the UK and its allies.
Ministers concluded that additional measures were necessary to counter missile capabilities targeting ships in the region.
Despite the shift, the UK government stressed it would not take part directly in offensive strikes. Officials said the underlying principles guiding Britain’s involvement in the conflict had not changed and reiterated calls for de-escalation.
US President Donald Trump criticised the timing of the decision, suggesting the UK had acted too slowly despite its close alliance with Washington.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused Britain of increasing risks to its own citizens, warning that Tehran would view the move as participation in hostile actions.
Political Backlash At Home
The decision has drawn strong reactions from across the UK political spectrum. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the move as a significant reversal of previous policy.
Opposition figures also called for greater parliamentary oversight. Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller urged the government to allow MPs to vote on the arrangement, arguing that the UK risked being drawn deeper into the conflict.
Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski echoed those concerns, calling the development a worrying escalation and demanding parliamentary scrutiny.
Strategic Importance Of The Strait
The Strait of Hormuz has seen a dramatic drop in shipping traffic since the conflict intensified. Before the crisis, roughly 138 vessels passed through daily, carrying about a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Recent figures suggest that number has fallen significantly, highlighting the disruption caused by ongoing hostilities.
UK military planners are now working alongside US Central Command to explore ways to secure safe passage for tankers. However, the situation remains volatile, with continued threats of retaliatory attacks.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned Iran’s actions, calling for an immediate halt to strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure. In response, Tehran has maintained it will exercise its right to self-defence.
Calls For De-escalation
While the UK has expanded its support for US operations, officials insist their priority remains a rapid de-escalation of the conflict. Downing Street said ministers were seeking a swift resolution to prevent further regional instability and economic fallout.
However, with tensions continuing to rise and diplomatic efforts under strain, the decision underscores the increasingly complex role the UK faces as the conflict widens.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 March 2026