Iran reacts to UK decision to open bases to US: Iran will exercise its right to self-defense

The UK has approved the US use of its bases to launch attacks against Iran-linked elements targeting the Strait of Hormuz. Following a meeting held today, ministers agreed to expand the scope of the US use of British bases to include the protection of ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

While it was stated that the UK would not directly participate in the attacks, the UK Prime Minister's Office stated that "the fundamental principles of the UK's approach to the conflict have not changed."

An official from the UK Prime Minister's Office announced that ministers agreed today that the bases could be used in line with "US defensive operations" and that, in this context, "capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz could be targeted." The official also stated that the ministers emphasized the need for an urgent de-escalation and a swift end to the war.

Araghchi: "Iran will exercise its right to self-defense"

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted sharply to the UK allowing the US to use its bases for attacks against Iran. In a post on his social media account, Araghchi stated, "A large portion of the British public does not want to be part of this war that Israel and the US are waging against Iran. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who ignores his own people, is putting the security of the British public at risk by allowing UK bases to be used for attacks against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defense."

The UK Prime Minister's Office had previously allowed US forces to use British bases for operations aimed at preventing Iranian missile attacks that could put British interests or the lives of British citizens at risk.