Newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham may face one of his first key foreign policy decisions — whether to allow the US to continue using British military bases for strikes on Iran. This is reported by Bloomberg, citing informed sources, writes UNN.
Details
According to the agency, the outgoing government of Keir Starmer held talks on renewing US strikes on Iran, and Burnham was constantly informed about the developments. Sources note that discussions intensified amid a new wave of US attacks and threats from US President Donald Trump to strike Iran's civilian infrastructure.
As Bloomberg notes, the US has used British military facilities, including Fairford Air Base, for operations in the Middle East. At the same time, British officials express concern about possible strikes on civilian targets in Iran and the risk of further escalation of the conflict.
A choice must be made
According to the agency, after taking office, Burnham is to hold a briefing during which he will be informed that Washington is seriously considering the possibility of attacks on Iran's civilian infrastructure if Tehran does not agree to negotiations. The British side also believes that the US is considering a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a lever of pressure on Iran.
Bloomberg adds that British officials expect the new prime minister will have to join international diplomatic efforts in the near future to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East.