Britain prepares to reject U.S. President Donald Trump’s request to use British bases for strikes on Iranian bridges and power plants amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s Ultimatum and Threats
Trump warns of unleashing “Hell” on Iran’s civilian infrastructure if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait by 8 p.m. Tuesday Washington time, equivalent to 1 a.m. Wednesday UK time. He labels Tuesday “Power Plant Day” and threatens a “four-hour” campaign targeting key facilities.
The president escalates rhetoric, stating, “We won’t want another Neville Chamberlain, do we agree? We don’t want Neville Chamberlain.” He criticizes the UK, claiming it has “a long way to go,” and adds that strikes on power plants and bridges represent lesser options, hinting at worse measures like seizing Iranian oil.
Trump remarks, “If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil. Because it’s there for the taking. There’s not a thing they can do about it.” He notes domestic pressure to withdraw but es preference for retaining oil resources to fund operations and aid Iranians.
UK’s Position on Base Access
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer limits U.S. access to RAF bases, such as those at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, to defensive operations against Iranian missiles threatening British lives, bases, or Gulf allies. Strikes on civilian infrastructure like bridges and power plants exceed these boundaries.
No formal U.S. request has arrived for Tuesday’s operations. Several legal experts warn that such targets could constitute war crimes under international law.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirms, “The UK authorized the United States to use British bases for defensive missions to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, which are threatening British people, bases, and our partners in the region.” The spokesperson adds that the U.S. employs these bases for specific defensive actions to counter missile threats, alongside UK protective measures, but declines further commentary on allied operations.
Starmer’s Prior Authorization
On March 1, Starmer approved U.S. use of select bases, explaining, “The only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source – in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles.” He frames this as collective self-defense in line with international law to safeguard British lives.
Upcoming Allied Conference
Britain hosts a virtual conference Tuesday for allied military officers to discuss securing the Strait of Hormuz as Trump’s deadline approaches.
