The United Kingdom is on the brink of direct military engagement with Iran as Prime Minister Keir Starmer signals a major shift toward 'defensive' strikes.
Following an Iranian-made Shahed drone attack on the runway of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on 2 March 2026, the UK government has confirmed it is considering joining operations to destroy Iranian missiles 'at source.'
However, the 'special relationship' is facing a severe test; sources reveal the United States and Israel excluded British officials from the planning and timing of the initial 2,000 strikes launched during Operation Epic Fury on 28 February.
While the UK remains cautious about 'offensive' regime-change goals, Starmer has legalised the use of British bases for the specific purpose of degrading Iran's ability to fire on regional allies.
Officials suggest Britain is not ruling out helping with strikes on Iran's underground missile facilities.
'I wouldn't rule anything out at all because we just don't know what will happen day to day, week to week as this progresses,' one official sourcetold The Guardian.The UK's bases at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire are expected to host US heavy bombers, such as B-52s and B-2s, in the coming days. These aircraft could target Iran's so-called 'missile cities,' which are buried deep underground to evade conventional strikes.
But many of these weapons are stored below ground, making them difficult targets. Western officials believe Iran currently has several more days' worth of missiles, though ongoing US-Israeli strikes might slow down its firing capacity. Iran may also choose to conserve its stocks, attempting to maintain some military strength despite mounting pressure.
The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, which Keir Starmer promised on Tuesday would be deployed to Cyprus, is still in dry dock undergoing maintenance. It is now being loaded with weapons and is expected to set sail next week. With a sailing time of about five to seven days, it might arrive in Cyprus by the end of the week, nearly two weeks after the initial attack on RAF Akrotiri, the UK's airbase in Cyprus.
The UK's role in the ongoing conflict is evolving. While initially hesitant,Prime Minister Starmer recently indicated Britain would permit the US to use its basesfor targeted strikes on Iran's missile depots and launchers.
Starmer said he would allow the US to destroy Iranian missiles 'at source' by flying missions from UK bases, framing it as a 'specific and limited defensive purpose.'
Source: International Business Times UK
