UK says armed forces ready after Iranian threats over US bombers

Britain said on Thursday that its armed forces are fully prepared to defend the country against any attack, following a threat from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the use of UK bases by US bombers.

A government spokesperson stated, "Our armed forces are ready to maintain the security of the United Kingdom and protect it from any kind of attack, whether on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready to defend itself around the clock."

The spokesperson added, "This is achieved through a multi-layered approach to air and missile defense, relying on assets from the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force. These forces are equipped with a range of advanced capabilities and operate in close coordination with our NATO allies."

Bloomberg News reported that Prime Minister Andy Burnham had approved the use of British military bases by the United States for what Britain describes as "defensive strikes" targeting Iran.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement warning the UK against continued involvement in military operations targeting Iranian territory, and announced it had carried out an attack on the US "Al-Udeid" base.

The statement, numbered 46, said Britain was directly contributing to recent attacks by allowing US B1 bombers to operate from RAF Fairford, warning London of the consequences of its involvement and referencing what it called the UK's negative historical role in the region.