UK PM Burnham okays US bombers using British bases for Iran

U.S. bombers have reportedly departed from British military bases, reportedly bound for operations against Iran, following a decision by newly installed U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham to continue his predecessor’s policy of allowing American forces to use the facilities. The development signals a potential escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict and underscores London’s continued military alignment with Washington.

Burnham, who took office on July 20, 2026, approved the continued use of bases such as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for what both governments describe as defensive operations. The policy, established under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, supports U.S. missions aimed at countering Iranian missile threats and protecting shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz. Burnham’s office has not released an official statement, but officials briefed on the matter confirmed his approval following discussions with senior ministers.

The decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump warned on July 21 that the United States could target Iran’s deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, located roughly 140 miles south of...