The United Kingdom has granted the United States permission to use British military bases for operations targeting Iranian facilities or positions involved in attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Friday, according to the UK government. Previously, Downing Street had allowed the US to use British bases only to intercept Iranian missile attacks that could endanger British interests or lives.

The new authorization expands that permission, enabling US forces to use British bases to protect shipping in the Hormuz Strait. Downing Street clarified that the UK will not directly participate in any such attacks and that its policy toward the conflict remains unchanged. A government spokesperson said ministers agreed that US forces could use British bases for defensive operations aimed at capabilities used in attacks on ships in the region.

The decision reflects continued coordination between the UK and the US over maritime security in the Persian Gulf amid heightened tensions involving Iran.