The move comes after the UK previously limited the US to only using the bases to hit missile sites targeting British interests in the region. A joint US-UK military base was targeted with ballistic missiles shortly after the decision, according to reports.
The warning from Iran comes as the Middle East completes its third week of conflict after the US and Israel carried out joint strikes several key Iranian sites on February 28. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the region.
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Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said in post on X: “Vast majority of the British People do not want any part in the Israel-US war of choice on Iran.”
“Ignoring his own People, Mr Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defence.”
Early on Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Iran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the joint US-UK Diego Garcia base, but neither of the missiles hit the base.
Mr Trump said on Friday that the UK “should have acted a lot faster” in giving the US permission to use its bases.
Sir Keir Starmer had previously granted the US permission only for “defensive” action against Iranian missile sites from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Mr Trump said: “It’s been a very late response from the UK.”
“I’m surprised because the relationship is so good, but this has never happened before.”
“They were really pretty much our first ally, all over the world.”
“I was a little surprised in the UK, to be honest. They should have acted a lot faster.”
Posting on his Truth Social platform on Friday evening, Mr Trump said: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.”
