Politics Weekly UK How is Britain supporting US airstrikes in Iran?
Mar 2, 2026
Discussion of UK permission for US use of British bases and why the government changed course. Examination of the strategic importance of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford. Debate over risks of escalation and whether bases could become targets. Analysis of domestic political fallout and implications for UK‑US relations. Consideration of energy and economic consequences from regional strikes.
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Why Starmer Approved Bases After Initially Saying No
- Keir Starmer initially refused US requests to use Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford on legal advice but later approved limited use once strikes made British lives and interests vulnerable.
- Kieran Stacey explains the legal advice flipped because active US attacks changed Britain’s defensive obligations toward citizens and regional bases.
UK Said Support Was Defensive Not Regime Change
- The UK framed permission as defensive: allowing US strikes to destroy missile stockpiles or launchers before they threaten Brits, not endorsing regime change.
- Pippa Crerar contrasts this 'destroy the archer' rationale with prior actions that intercepted already-fired threats.
Diego Garcia Offered a Unique Strike Advantage
- Diego Garcia's location in the Indian Ocean gives the US a shorter launch distance to Iran for specific munitions, while RAF Fairford serves as a transatlantic staging post.
- Pippa Crerar notes Diego Garcia’s proximity made it strategically valuable for strikes that couldn’t easily be launched from farther bases.