US bombers land in UK as Starmer backs “Defensive” strikes on Iran

WEB DESK: A fleet of American strategic bombers has arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, signalling a notable escalation in Britain’s role in the rapidly intensifying confrontation with Tehran. The deployment includes B-1B Lancer and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft, which touched down under heavy cloud over the Cotswolds earlier this week.

According to Ministry of Defence sources and aviation trackers, at least eight B-1B Lancers and three B-52H bombers are now stationed at the base as part of a US mission reportedly codenamed “Operation Epic Fury”, aimed at degrading Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities at their source.

Stationing the aircraft at Fairford dramatically shortens flight times to the Middle East, removing the need for the gruelling 30-hour return missions previously flown from the continental United States.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer authorised the move after days of political tension, granting Washington permission to launch what Downing Street described as “specific and limited defensive” strikes from British territory, including the Indian Ocean base of Diego Garcia.

The decision marks a shift from his earlier refusal to participate in the opening phase of the campaign on 28 February, a stance that had triggered a public disagreement with US President Donald Trump. The government’s position hardened after an Iranian drone strike narrowly missed British personnel at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Addressing the House of Commons, Sir Keir insisted the UK would not take part in offensive operations but would support the collective self-defence of its allies, stating that his foremost duty was to protect British lives and prevent missile attacks before they could be launched.