<br><br>**US Starts Using UK Bases for 'Defensive' Iran Operations A New Chapter in Global Diplomacy?**<br><br>The United States has commenced using British military bases for certain operations against Iran, as announced by the UK government on Saturday. This development marks a significant shift in global diplomacy, as the US and UK strengthen their alliance in the face of regional tensions.<br><br>**Strengthening the US-UK Alliance**<br><br>The US has begun utilizing British military sites for specific defensive operations aimed at preventing Iran from firing missiles into the region, according to Britain's defense ministry. This move underscores the growing cooperation between the two nations as they address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.<br><br>**US Air Force B-1 Lancer Bomber Lands at Fairford**<br><br>On Saturday, a US Air Force B-1 Lancer bomber landed at Fairford, a military base in Gloucestershire, southwestern England. This marked the first time that the US has used a UK base for military operations against Iran. In a notable development, an American C-5 Galaxy plane was also spotted on the runway of the base, as anti-war protesters demonstrated outside.<br><br>**Trump's Reaction**<br><br>In a post on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump rejected what he said were British plans to possibly send two aircraft carriers to the region. He dismissed the plans, saying, The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. Trump also criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying, This is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with.<br><br>**Starmer's Decision**<br><br>Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, initially refused to involve Britain in the US-Israeli war with Iran. However, after Iran's retaliation with missiles and drones threatened British interests and allies in the region, Starmer changed his position and agreed to a US request to use two British military bases for a specific and limited defensive purpose.<br><br>**Public Opinion**<br><br>A Survation poll of 1,045 Britons published Friday found that 56 percent of respondents believed Starmer was right not to involve Britain in the initial strikes. Only 27 percent said he was wrong. This suggests that the majority of the British public supports Starmer's decision to limit Britain's involvement in the conflict.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>The US's decision to use UK bases for 'defensive' Iran operations marks a significant shift in global diplomacy. As the US and UK work together to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, it remains to be seen whether this development will lead to a lasting alliance or a temporary arrangement. One thing is certain, however the world is watching as these two nations navigate the complexities of international relations.<br><br>**Keywords** US, UK, Iran, Middle East, war, diplomacy, alliance, military operations, defense, Starmer, Trump.
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