UK Limits US Base Use to Defensive Iran Operations

The United Kingdom has signaled it will not permit the United States to use British military bases for strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, such as bridges and power plants, as President Donald Trump issued a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face escalated attacks. The position, reiterated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office on Tuesday, limits approval to defensive operations amid the ongoing conflict that has disrupted global oil shipments through the vital waterway.

Trump, in a Monday press conference, threatened to target Iran's energy facilities and bridges if Tehran does not lift its blockade by 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, equivalent to 1 a.m. Wednesday in the UK. He dismissed concerns that such actions could constitute war crimes, referring to the potential strikes as "Power Plant Day" and "Bridge Day." The president also criticized the UK for insufficient support, comparing Starmer to Neville Chamberlain, the pre-World War II leader known for appeasing Nazi Germany. "We won't want another Neville Chamberlain, do we agree? We don't want Neville Chamberlain," Trump said.

A spokesperson for Starmer emphasized that Britain's stance remains...