TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Sunday that the UK would allow the United States to use its military bases for a "specific and limited defensive purpose" following the increased missile attacks by Iran in the Gulf region.
"The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose," Starmer said in a statement as reported by Anadolu.
"We have taken the decision to accept this request – to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved," Starmer said in a statement.
He added that the basis of the UK's decision is collective self-defense with long-standing friends and allies, and to protect the lives of British citizens.
Since Saturday morning, Israel and the U.S. have launched attacks on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a number of high-level security officials.
In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on Israel and U.S. assets in the region, prompting many Gulf countries to close their airspace.
Iranian authorities have pledged to retaliate following the confirmation of Ali Khamenei's death, declaring a 40-day mourning period and forming an interim council until a replacement for Ali Khamenei is appointed.
Starmer stated that the UK did not participate in the attacks but will continue defensive actions in the region.
"We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now," he said.
"But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy - so we are supporting the collective self-defense of our allies and our people in the region, because that is our duty to the British people," he added.
Starmer said that the measure is the "the best way to eliminate the urgent threat" and prevent the situation from worsening.
Read: Survey: Only 25 Percent of Americans Support Attack on Iran
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