Iran's IRGC Threatens UK Base, Citing US Strike Operations

On July 23, 2026, Iran's IRGC (the branch of Iran's military tied to the supreme leader) called any base used for attacks on Iran a "legitimate target," naming RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as having hosted US bombing missions two days earlier. The UK permits only "defensive" US operations from its bases. The MoD declined to confirm or deny Fairford's use, and the UK said it is "ready to defend itself."