UK Condemns Iran’s Strikes on Diego Garcia
The UK has condemned Iran’s recent missile strikes on a joint US-UK military base located on the island of Diego Garcia. The foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, emphasized that the UK has taken a different stance from both the United States and Israel regarding the ongoing conflict. She highlighted the government’s commitment to a swift resolution to the war while supporting defensive actions against what she described as “reckless Iranian threats.”
Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the Chagos Islands, but neither hit its target, according to reports from the Iranian news agency Mehr. One missile was intercepted by a US warship, while the other failed in flight, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. If the missiles had reached their intended target, it would have marked the longest-range Iranian strike to date.
Cooper addressed broadcasters on Saturday, stating: “We have continued to support defensive action to support UK interests, including defensive action against ballistic missile threats. But we want to see as swift as possible a resolution to this conflict. Our approach to this conflict has been the same throughout.”
She added that the UK has not been involved in offensive actions and has maintained a distinct perspective from the US and Israel. However, the government is supporting defensive measures to protect British interests, including addressing Iran’s escalating threats to international shipping and its Gulf partners.
The Ministry of Defence characterized the US use of British bases as “limited and defensive” in nature and called the attacks “reckless.” A spokesperson stated: “Iran’s reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding hostage the strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies. RAF jets and other UK military assets are continuing to defend our people and personnel in the region.”
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands, is approximately 3,800km (2,360 miles) from Iran and hosts an airbase capable of accommodating long-range US bombers. The island has been a focal point of political controversy following the UK’s decision to cede sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing back the base.
Ministers recently granted the US permission to strike Iranian missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz from UK bases, including Diego Garcia. Previously, UK bases were used only for strikes against Iranian sites targeting British allies and interests in Gulf states.
Iran responded with anger, with its foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, claiming the country would “exercise its right to self-defence.” He criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for putting British lives at risk by allowing the use of UK bases for aggression against Iran.
International Reactions and Domestic Criticisms
US President Donald Trump criticized the UK for not acting faster in granting the US permission to use British bases. He has previously pressured NATO allies, calling them “cowards” for refusing to offer warships to reopen the strait.
The UK government had previously allowed the US to conduct only “defensive” actions. When this decision was made, RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by an Iranian drone.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labeled the prime minister’s latest move as the “mother of all U-turns,” suggesting the UK is being “dragged into” the conflict. She urged for more forward-thinking leadership.
The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have called for a parliamentary vote before further granting the US permission to use British bases. In a phone call on Saturday, Keir Starmer reaffirmed to the Cypriot president, Nikos Christodoulides, that RAF Akrotiri would not be used by the US to target Iranian missile sites.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Concerns
A Downing Street spokesperson stated: “The prime minister began by underscoring that as close partners and friends, Cyprus’s security was of utmost importance to the UK. The prime minister reiterated that RAF Akrotiri would not be involved in the UK’s continuation of its agreement with the US to use UK bases in collective self-defence of the region, including for the degrading of Iranian missile capabilities.”
Starmer will hold a Cobra meeting next week to discuss plans to assist households with the rising cost of living due to the war. Countries such as the UK, UAE, Bahrain, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Australia have condemned Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels and oil and gas facilities in the Middle East in a joint statement.
“The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” the 22 signatories said.
Strengthening Regional Alliances
Starmer has also spoken to the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to discuss the war. A spokesperson noted: “The prime minister outlined the UK’s latest support for Bahrain, including deploying a team of experts to help counter drone attacks. Both condemned Iran’s ongoing attacks on critical national infrastructure and the strait of Hormuz.”
The prime minister updated on the US use of UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region, including degrading the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack shipping. He welcomed Bahrain joining the growing list of signatories to the UK-led joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks and calling for de-escalation.
