The UK has approved the use of its bases for the US to launch strikes on Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz.
Downing Street had previously allowed American forces to use British bases for operations to prevent Iran firing missiles that put British interests or lives at risk.
But ministers agreed during a meeting today that the US use of British bases could now be expanded to include protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK will still not be directly involved in the strikes and Downing Street says “the principles behind the UK’s approach to the conflict remain the same”.
A Downing Street spokesperson says ministers agreed today that bases could now be used for “US defensive operations” to target “capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz”.
They add that “ministers underlined the need for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war”.
