London, 02 March (H.S.): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom has authorized the United States to utilize British military bases for targeted defensive strikes against Iranian missile stockpiles, escalating Western involvement in the rapidly deteriorating Iran conflict.

Starmer emphasized the decision's narrow scope in a video statement on X, specifying that the permission applies solely to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region by destroying storage depots or launchers. He firmly distanced Britain from the recent US-Israel airstrikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscoring London's preference for a negotiated settlement to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

The move follows Iran's barrage of missiles that struck airports and hotels hosting British nationals, prompting urgent calls from Gulf allies for enhanced protection.

British fighter jets have already intercepted incoming threats, but Starmer argued that neutralizing missiles at their source represents collective self-defence under international law, safeguarding lives without offensive participation.

This development coincides with heightened regional chaos, including Iran's attack on a Palau-flagged oil tanker, Skylight, in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman's Musandam Peninsula.

The vessel, carrying 15 Indian crew members among its 20-person complement, saw all hands evacuated after the strike injured four, marking the first direct hit on shipping in Omani waters.

Iran's retaliation has choked the Strait of Hormuz, the world's critical oil chokepoint handling 21% of global crude, with shipping giants like Maersk suspending transits amid IRGC radio warnings of closure. Oil prices have surged, and related incidents—such as drone strikes on Oman's Duqm port and reports of three damaged tankers—signal mounting risks to global energy markets.

Starmer's stance reflects Britain's delicate balancing act: supporting allies like the US while avoiding full entanglement, even as Iranian actions imperil British interests across the Gulf.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar