Newsroom, March 16, 2026: The United Kingdom has permitted the United States to use select British military bases for limited defensive operations amid the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict.
UK acting Deputy High Commissioner Shalini Medepalli explained the move supports actions to prevent Iranian missile strikes across the region. These could endanger civilians, British nationals, and millions of Indians living and working in Gulf countries.
The decision follows Iranian retaliatory attacks on regional partners and aims to limit escalation while prioritising diplomacy for a negotiated end to hostilities. Global oil prices have surged due to supply fears, hitting India's economy hard given its large Gulf workforce and energy imports.
