Burnham approves use of U.K. bases for some U.S. strikes on Iran

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the use of British military bases by the U.S. for what the U.K. calls defensive strikes against Iran, in a continuation of his predecessor Keir Starmer’s policy even as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up his war.

Starmer led a meeting of senior ministers and officials on Friday to discuss British policy following the resumption of U.S. operations earlier this month, according to people familiar with the matter.

Ministers at that meeting decided to continue the existing policy that bases at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, could be used by U.S. planes flying missions aimed at countering the Iranian missile threat and sites used to target the Strait of Hormuz, the people said.

Burnham, who became prime minister on Monday, was informed of the discussion and agreed with the decision taken, they added. They spoke on condition of anonymity discussing security matters.

He will continue the previous government’s policy when it comes to approving U.K. bases for what are called defensive U.S. strikes, the people said. It means British bases are likely to be used for some of the current round of American operations.