U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reversed his earlier decision and will allow the U.S. to use British bases for “defensive” missions targeting Iranian missile capabilities.

Starmer said destroying missiles at their storage sites or launchers is the only way to stop the threat amid rising risks to British military, civilian, and commercial interests in the Middle East.

The U.S. requested permission for these specific operations, which the U.K. has approved.

Legal guidance published by the U.K. states that the action is limited to preventing missile attacks on regional allies and does not indicate broader involvement in the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, Politico has reported.

The decision reflects escalating tensions and the need to support allied defense while avoiding deeper engagement in the war.