US Uses UK Bases for Defensive Operations Amid Iran Tensions; Starmer Faces Criticism

The United States has begun using two British military bases—RAF Fairford in England and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean—for specific defensive operations amid rising tensions with Iran. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially declined involvement in the US-Israeli conflict but later permitted limited use of these bases, citing the need to protect British interests. Former US President Donald Trump criticized Starmer for delayed support, while Starmer emphasized ongoing cooperation through shared intelligence and joint defense efforts.