The United Kingdom has declared that it remains prepared to defend itself "24 hours a day, seven days a week" after Iran warned that British military bases used by the United States could become "legitimate targets" amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The statement came after Iran accused Britain of supporting US military operations by allowing American forces to use British bases for defensive missions, while London has maintained that it has not participated in direct offensive strikes against Iranian territory.
Britain Responds to Iranian Warnings
A UK government spokesperson said Britain's armed forces remain on constant alert against any potential threat.
"Our Armed Forces stand ready to defend the United Kingdom against any attack, whether it originates at home or abroad. Britain is prepared to defend itself 24 hours a day, seven days a week," the spokesperson said.
The government added that Britain's integrated air and missile defence network—supported by the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force, and NATO allies—remains fully operational.
Officials also stressed that the UK's position on the conflict has not changed.
"We remain committed to protecting our people, our interests and our allies while acting in accordance with international law and avoiding a wider regional conflict," the spokesperson added.
Iran Accuses Britain of Supporting the US
Iran's Foreign Ministry has described Britain as a "partner" in Washington's military campaign, arguing that allowing US forces to operate from British-controlled facilities effectively places the UK within the conflict.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also warned that any country providing military assistance to the United States would bear responsibility for the consequences.
The warnings followed the thirteenth consecutive night of US air strikes against Iranian military targets.
Military Bases Under Scrutiny
Reports published by Iran's Tasnim News Agency claimed that American aircraft involved in recent operations had departed from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The UK Ministry of Defence has not commented on whether the base was used for this week's operations.
Britain previously granted the United States permission to use several military facilities, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, for defensive operations linked to regional security.
Previous Iranian Threats
Iran has previously warned Britain against becoming directly involved in the conflict.
In March, Iranian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Seyed Ali Mousavi said Tehran would reserve the right to defend itself if Britain entered the war.
Later that month, Iran reportedly launched two ballistic missiles toward the British-controlled Diego Garcia base. According to reports, one missile failed during flight, while another was intercepted by a US warship before reaching its target.
The incident raised concerns over the growing range of Iran's missile capabilities, although military analysts have questioned the reliability and accuracy of Iran's long-range missile systems.
Regional Conflict Continues
In recent months, Iran has carried out attacks against several Gulf states hosting US military facilities, while incidents involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had completed its thirteenth consecutive night of military operations targeting Iranian positions.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes are intended to further reduce Iran's ability to threaten civilian shipping and international commercial vessels operating in regional waters.
The command also stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial traffic, with international shipping continuing under the protection of US naval forces despite ongoing security concerns.
As tensions continue to rise, Britain has reaffirmed that while it will continue supporting its allies and safeguarding national security, it remains committed to preventing a broader regional war.
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