Britain has authorized the United States to use British bases for defensive operations against Iranian missile threats to the Strait of Hormuz, while stressing that London does not seek wider involvement in the conflict.

HMS Anson, armed with Tomahawk Block IV missiles and Spearfish torpedoes, has sailed from HMAS Stirling near Perth, covering roughly 5,500 miles to the Arabian Sea.

Reuters has not independently verified the Daily Mail report, and the British Ministry of Defence did not immediately comment.

Diego Garcia hosts about 2,500 U.S. military personnel and was reportedly targeted by Iran’s ballistic missiles, though no missiles hit the base.

The vessel periodically surfaces to communicate with the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, with launch authority resting with the prime minister and conveyed by the chief of joint operations.

The broader context includes ongoing regional tensions, U.S.-U.K. defense cooperation, and diplomatic exchanges over potential strikes on Iran.

UK military assets, including RAF Typhoon jets, remain engaged in defensive operations in the region, coordinating with allies to counter Iranian drone and missile threats.

Iranian Foreign Minister warned Britain against supporting U.S. or Israeli action, calling such involvement participation in aggression and urging the U.K. to cease cooperation with the United States.

A British Astute-class submarine, HMS Anson, has been deployed to the northern Arabian Sea with a potential rapid-response capability, equipped with Tomahawk missiles.

The deployment follows Iran’s failed ballistic missile attempt targeting Diego Garcia, a key U.S.-U.K. base in the Indian Ocean, heightening regional security concerns.