UK ‘ready to defend itself’ after Iran warns of consequences of Burnham decision

What the US saw as lack of support, Iran sees as involvement

Burnham’s decision to continue to allow the US to use British bases to strike Iran was labelled an “act of aggression” by the Islamic Republic.

The UK government has now said that following the Iran threats, it “stands ready 24/7 to defend itself”.

“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”, a UK government spokesperson said in a clear message responding to the Iranian threats.

UK bases which are used by the US for strikes are considered “legitimate targets”, according to Iran.

While it has refused to cooperate in offensive operations against Iran, the UK has allowed the US to launch “defensive” operations from British bases hosting American personnel and aircraft.

American sea drones strike a submarine and a ship maintenance facility on July 13, 2026 in an undisclosed area of Iran. (Handout by U.S. Department of Defense via Getty Images)

Iran accuses the UK of being an ‘accomplice’ in the war

Even if Britain hasn’t taken part in the strikes, it was still an “accomplice” in the US war which started at the end of February, as per Iran's foreign ministry.

The powerful Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) military wing even went so far as to say that any country which supports the US militarily “will be responsible for the consequences and repercussions”.

The latest comes as the American forces carried out a 13th consecutive night of strikes against targets in the Middle East country.

Previously, US President Donald Trump had criticised the British government and former PM Keir Starmer for what he has deemed a lack of support for his war.

And what Trump sees as lack of support, Iran appears to see the UK as a party to the campaign.

Burnham's decision and the possibility of an Iranian attack on Britain

Starmer’s policy has not been changed by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who last week was notified that a decision had been taken to extend the agreement with the US.

Just days after the war began on 28 February, Iran's ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, said Iran would have the “right to self-defence” if the UK joined the war, and said it should be “very careful” about taking part.

Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the UK's Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands on 19 March, with one reportedly failing mid-flight, with the other shot down by a US warship.

At the time, then Housing Secretary Steve Reed told the BBC that there was “no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK - or even could if they wanted to”.