LONDON, July 23 - British officials on Thursday affirmed that the nation's armed forces are ready to protect the United Kingdom in response to a warning from Iran's Revolutionary Guards about the use of UK bases by U.S. bombers.
A government spokesperson said the armed forces stand ready around the clock to defend the country from any form of attack, whether originating at home or overseas.
"Our Armed Forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson described the nation's defensive posture as multi-layered, relying on assets from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force. These forces, they said, are equipped with a range of advanced capabilities and operate closely with NATO allies to provide air and missile defence.
"This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defence, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our NATO allies," they added.
The warning from Iran followed notification last week to the new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, that Britain had re-committed to an existing arrangement permitting the United States to use British bases in what the government described as the collective self-defence of the region.
Officials clarified that the arrangement covers U.S. defensive operations intended to degrade missile sites and capabilities used in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In the face of Iran's warning, the government said its stance remained unchanged.
While restating its resolve to defend people, interests and allies in line with international law, the government also said it would avoid being drawn into a broader conflict.
The situation reflects a diplomatic and security tension focused on access to UK bases for U.S. operations and defensive measures related to attacks on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The government communicated both a readiness to defend and a determination to limit the prospect of escalation beyond current bounds.
Clear summary
The UK has confirmed its armed forces are prepared to defend the country after Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned over U.S. bomber use of British bases; London says the U.S. access is part of a prior agreement covering defensive actions to counter missile threats linked to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and that the UK will seek to protect interests while avoiding wider conflict.