The world's top military powers are teetering on the brink of all-out conflict, and Britain is no exception. A stark warning from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has left the UK government scrambling to reassure its citizens that they will be protected from any potential fallout. The IRGC has declared that any bases facilitating US aggression against Iranian territory – including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which was allegedly used for American bombing missions just two days prior – would be considered 'legitimate targets' for its forces.
Tensions have been running high in the region since the US began conducting airstrikes against targets within Iran. While the UK has allowed the US to utilise British bases for 'defensive' operations, it has consistently maintained a policy of not assisting in offensive actions. This stance remains unchanged under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was informed last week of an extension to the existing agreement with the US regarding base usage.
A government spokesperson underscored the nation's defensive capabilities, stating that 'Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.' The spokesperson highlighted the UK's 'layered approach' to air and missile defence, which involves assets from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, equipped with advanced capabilities and operating in close coordination with NATO allies.
This is not the first instance of Iranian aggression targeting UK military interests. In recent weeks, a drone strike hit a hangar at the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, necessitating a partial evacuation, while Iran launched two ballistic missiles towards the UK’s Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands; one reportedly failed mid-flight, and the other was intercepted by a US airship. Furthermore, Iran has conducted strikes against various Gulf countries hosting US military bases, including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
The ongoing escalation in the region saw US President Donald Trump indicating that he was contemplating ordering a 'massive attack' on Iran, while Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The Ministry of Defence has not issued any comment regarding the alleged use of RAF Fairford by the US for operations against Iran this week.