The News Agents Is the UK at war with Iran or not?
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Mar 2, 2026 The hosts unpack Britain’s decision to let US forces use UK bases for strikes and the political fallout from that shift. They map how the conflict has spread across the region and debate whether air power can achieve regime change. The conversation also pivots to a controversy over Tourette’s, comedy and public reactions, exploring how disability and accountability intersect in media responses.
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Starmer Allows Defensive Use Of UK Bases
- Keir Starmer shifted UK policy from non-involvement to permitting US defensive strikes from British bases to counter Iranian missile threats.
- The change was framed as narrowly defensive only against missile launchers, not targeting Iranian infrastructure or leaders, citing Diego Garcia use.
UK Position Drawn As Defensive Not Offensive
- The UK framed its decision as defensive — protecting British lives and allies — not participation in offensive regime-change strikes.
- Lewis Goodall and Jon Sopel stress the nuance: allowing strikes at missile launchers but excluding decapitation strikes on leadership or broad Tehran targets.
European Leaders Show Uneven Support
- European leaders vary in enthusiasm; some like Germany are more cautious while others back the US more readily.
- Sopel notes Starmer's legal and historical hangups (Iraq legacy) make a wholehearted commit politically fraught.