LONDON July 23, 2026 — The United Kingdom has stated that its armed forces are fully prepared to defend the country following threats from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which declared British military bases “legitimate targets” for supporting US military operations against Iran.
A UK government spokesperson said: “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. 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.”
The IRGC warning came after it claimed that US B-1 bombers had conducted strike missions against Iran from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. In a statement, the IRGC said any base used to launch attacks on Iranian territory would be considered a legitimate target and issued a direct warning to the British government and monarchy against further involvement.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry separately condemned the UK’s decision to allow the United States to use its bases, stating that any party assisting aggression against Iran would bear responsibility for the consequences.
The UK has permitted the US to conduct what it describes as “defensive” operations from British facilities, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, aimed at degrading Iranian missile and drone capabilities used to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This arrangement, first authorised earlier in the conflict, has been maintained under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office on 20 July.
The exchange occurs amid ongoing US airstrikes on Iranian military targets, which have continued for multiple consecutive nights. British officials emphasised that the UK’s approach remains unchanged: it will defend its people, interests and allies in accordance with international law while seeking to avoid being drawn into a wider conflict.
No immediate Iranian attack on UK territory has been reported, but the statements mark a clear escalation in rhetoric as the broader US-Iran confrontation continues.
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