Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed not to be dragged into the war with Iran, but his government described its new position as essentially defensive.
The move comes after President Trump sharply criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not supporting his initial military strikes on Iran.
R.A.F. Fairford was the site of repeated antiwar protests during the Iraq war in 2003. Now it is being used again as a base for U.S. bombing missions in the Middle East.
To defend allies from Iran, the continent’s powers have mounted a rare show of force. But those efforts have diverted limited resources from other hot spots.
Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in Britain, said President Trump does not deserve the “diplomatic coup” of hosting the king for a state visit.
As the war with Iran threatens to engulf more countries in the region, President Trump said he wanted to be involved in picking a new leader in Tehran.
The two nations, as well as Greece, said they would send assets to the region. The Netherlands was weighing a request to join them.
Higher energy prices, political instability and a potential new wave of refugees: The escalating regional conflict in the Middle East could have far-reaching effects.