UK Armed Forces Ready 24/7 to Defend Against Iran After IRGC Threats

Military Readiness and Defense Strategy

A UK government spokesperson stated that the armed forces are prepared to keep the United Kingdom safe from any attacks, whether they originate from abroad or occur on British soil. To achieve this, the government is employing a layered approach to air and missile defence, utilizing assets from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. These forces are equipped with advanced capabilities and are working in close coordination with Nato allies.

Officials emphasized that the UK remains committed to defending its interests, people, and allies in accordance with international law, while specifically aiming to avoid being drawn into a wider conflict. This stance follows accusations from Iran’s foreign ministry that the UK is an “accomplice” and complicit in the crime of aggression and war crimes by permitting the US to conduct what Tehran describes as unlawful attacks.

Controversy Over RAF Fairford and US Operations

The tension has escalated following claims published on the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency on 23 July, which alleged that American bombing missions were launched from The Guardian in Gloucestershire two days prior. The IRGC stated that any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target.

While the UK Ministry of Defence has not commented on whether RAF Fairford was used for operations this week, the government has allowed the US to launch “defensive” operations from British bases hosting American personnel. According to government details provided on Wednesday, these arrangements cover US defensive operations intended to degrade missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the UK has consistently refused to cooperate in offensive operations against Iran.

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was notified last week of the decision to extend the agreement with the US, has maintained the policy previously established under Sir Keir Starmer.

History of Recent Attacks and Escalation

The current threats follow a series of military engagements and strikes:

• March 1: A drone struck a hangar at the RAF base at Akrotiri in Cyprus, leading to a partial evacuation. The UK later stated this site would not be included in the defensive agreement with the US.
• March 19: Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the UK’s Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. One reportedly failed mid-flight, and the other was shot down by a US warship (or airship).
• Current Strikes: The US has carried out a 13th consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran to degrade its ability to threaten commercial vessels. US President Donald Trump stated he was considering a “massive attack” on Iran and that the country would “pay a big price” for killing US troops.

Regarding missile capabilities, Israel claimed in March that Iran possesses missiles reaching up to 4,000km (2,485 miles), which theoretically could reach mainland European countries and the UK. Experts suggest that while Iran might have a missile capable of striking London, the risk is low as it is likely to be inaccurate.

Security Designations and Domestic Threats

Parallel to the military tension, the UK government has designated the IRGC a threat to national security. This move follows a series of arson attacks in London and a double stabbing in Golders Green. The government stated the IRGC almost certainly directed a group responsible for several attacks on Jewish sites in London. Under new powers, those performing acts of sabotage for the IRGC face life imprisonment.

Additionally, security services reported 20 potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots in the last year. This month, two Romanian nationals were jailed for stabbing a journalist for a Farsi-language media group in London, acting on behalf of Iran. Tehran has denied these allegations, calling them politically motivated and unfounded.