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US lands bomber at UK air base after warning of surge in strikes on Iran

March 7, 2026

Following initial reluctance, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has authorized the United States to conduct defensive operations against Iranian missile installations from British military bases, reversing his earlier position that had frustrated President Trump. A B-1 Lancer bomber, capable of carrying two dozen cruise missiles, touched down at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as part of escalating military operations, with US officials indicating strikes will intensify significantly. The authorization came after Trump expressed displeasure that denial of base access forced American aircraft to fly considerably longer routes during recent attacks.

Who is affected

  • UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his government
  • US President Donald Trump and US military forces
  • Iranian targets and facilities
  • British military personnel at RAF Fairford, RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus
  • British nationals stranded abroad due to flight cancellations
  • Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE (Gulf states targeted by Iran)
  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch
  • Airlines Etihad and Emirates and their passengers

What action is being taken

  • A B-1 Lancer bomber is stationed at RAF Fairford
  • US forces are conducting strikes against Iran from UK bases (RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia)
  • Government chartered flights are evacuating UK nationals (second flight landed at Gatwick at 00:30 GMT Saturday)
  • Etihad and Emirates are running limited services from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the UK
  • The war between Israel, the US and Iran is ongoing (eighth day on Saturday)
  • Explosions are occurring in Tehran

Why it matters

  • This represents a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict and marks a reversal of UK policy that strained the US-UK relationship. The authorization to use British bases dramatically improves operational efficiency for US strikes against Iran, reducing flight times and enabling more sustained military operations. The deployment demonstrates Britain's commitment to supporting its allies while attempting to balance avoiding regime change objectives, and the conflict's expansion threatens regional stability across the Gulf states while disrupting international travel and commerce.

What's next

  • US strikes on Iran are expected to "surge dramatically" according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
  • HMS Dragon warship will sail to Cyprus next week
  • Two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters will arrive in Cyprus sooner than the warship
  • Additional British fighter jets, helicopters and a destroyer are being sent to the region
  • Etihad and Emirates will continue running limited services over the next few days

Read full article from source: BBC