Declassified UK. 11 days into Israel and America’s illegal war on Iran

Posted: 11th March 2026

It’s just 11 days into Israel and America’s illegal war on Iran.

Yet despite Keir Starmer’s overtures to confine British participation to defensive actions, the UK finds itself entangled in a conflict which is already tangibly impacting daily life in the country.

Weeks before Easter, one of the busiest times of year for road trips in the UK, the AA is urging drivers to cut out ‘non-essential journeys’ with fuel prices expected to rise as oil costs surge.

Still in the midst of a cost of living crisis, Britons should expect to see inflation rise as a result of “the movements we have already seen” in Iran, let alone further war to come, Rachel Reeves has warned.

So how exactly is Britain involved in this war?

We’ve published a breakdown today, but it’s really three things:

• British military bases and at least one civilian airport in Scotland have been used by the Americans to transit warplanes for a build-up in the Middle East since January

• As of 1 March, British bases can be used by the US for “defensive” operations against Iran

• British military assets in the East Mediterranean and the Gulf are being used to protect allies – these are repressive monarchies that host US military bases often against the will of their own population

Yet there are many questions remaining.

Why were American planes able to transit through British military bases when it would have been clear that they might be used to strike Iran in an attack Trump repeatedly threatened?

How can the UK now ensure that the US is only striking targets in Iran that pose a threat to “British interests” when British bases are used?

And what the war will cost us, materially and reputationally?

In solidarity,

Dania.

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Dania Akkad

Deputy editor
Declassified UK