The Story Could the UK get dragged into war with Iran?
Mar 4, 2026
General Sir Patrick Sanders, former head of the British Army, offers strategic military perspective. Michael Evans, longtime defence correspondent, draws on decades covering conflicts. They discuss the UK allowing US use of bases, intercepting Iranian drones and a possible warship to Cyprus. They debate how political pressure, limited military options and escalation risks could draw Britain deeper into the crisis.
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UK Permission Tied To Self Defence
- The UK shifted from refusing to allow US strikes from British bases to permitting limited use on self-defence grounds.
- Michael Evans explains the change followed Iranian retaliatory attacks on Gulf assets where Britain has forces, framing it as lawful collective self-defence.
Defensive Deployments Protect Bases
- The UK has deployed fighter jets and a warship to protect bases and personnel in the region from missiles and drones.
- Michael Evans notes RAF Typhoons can be scrambled to intercept incoming drones or missiles and a warship was sent after attacks on RAF Akrotiri.
Special Relationship Runs On Intelligence
- The UK-US 'special relationship' remains strong at intelligence and military levels despite political friction.
- Michael Evans stresses the relationship's foundations are operational and intelligence-based, making cooperation resilient even after disputes with Trump.