UK Shares Bases for Iran Defense

0:00On March 1st, here's the latest in global news. The United Kingdom has agreed to let the United States use two British military bases for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites. Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer announced this move to support collective self-defense and protect British lives in the region. The bases are RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, and the action is strictly limited to destroying missiles at their source. Earlier this week, the U.S. and Israel launched initial strikes on Iran, but the UK played no role in those and has no plans to join any offensive. Operations Starmer emphasized lessons learned from the mistakes in Iraq, stressing that this is purely defensive and in line with international law. The government even released a summary of its legal advice to back this up. Iran's response has put around 200,000 British citizens at huge risk, including residents, holiday makers, and travelers passing through.

1:01Iranian missiles have struck airports, hotels, and a base in Bahrain that nearly hit UK personnel. UK aircraft are already in the skies over the Middle East, successfully intercepting some of those attacks to shield allies and citizens. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary John Healey said the UK shares the goal of preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, but left the legality of the U.S. Strikes for them to explain. The UK, along with France and Germany, issued a joint statement calling Iran's actions indiscriminate and disproportionate. Officials are now preparing potential evacuation plans for British nationals if regional airspace stays closed. Starmer says this base sharing is the best way to stop the threat from escalating further and keep more lives safe. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor. Salih Pillow is a pillow with built-in headphones, lay back, press play, and disappear into what you're listening to, S-O-L-I, SalihPillow.com.