The UK government has said it is prepared to defend the country around the clock after Iran declared British military bases used by the United States to be 'legitimate targets' amid the continuing conflict. The warning followed fresh statements from Iran on 23 July as the US carried out a 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets, prompting Britain to reaffirm that its armed forces remain ready to respond to any threat.
The latest exchange follows Britain's decision earlier this year to allow the US to use British bases hosting American personnel and aircraft for what ministers described as defensive operations. While London has insisted it is not taking part in offensive military action against Iran, Tehran has increasingly portrayed the UK as a participant in the conflict because of that support.
