Several American strategic bombers have arrived at a UK air base as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate following strikes on Iranian missile facilities.
Three B-52 Stratofortress aircraft have landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, joining other US military aircraft already stationed at the base.
The deployment comes after Keir Starmer approved the use of British bases by the United States for what the government described as “defensive” operations targeting Iranian missile capabilities.
The three B-52 bombers arrived after a B-1 Lancer reached RAF Fairford on Friday evening, followed by two more the following day.
Air activity around the Gloucestershire base has increased sharply over the past 72 hours as the United States moves heavy bomber aircraft closer to the region.
The B-52 aircraft, measuring about 160 feet (49 metres) in length, can launch missiles over distances exceeding 1,500 miles and carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons.
First flown in 1952, the long-range bomber remains a key part of the United States Air Force strategic arsenal because of its range, payload capacity and versatility.
The British government granted the US permission to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia during the ongoing crisis.
Speaking to MPs, the prime minister stressed that the UK was not pursuing regime change in Iran.
He said the government “does not believe in regime change from the skies”.
In a statement released later, Starmer said the decision to allow US operations from UK territory was taken in the interest of “collective self-defence”.
The bases would be used for the “specific and limited defensive purpose” of targeting Iranian missiles “at source”.
The deployment follows the start of joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February.
Iran has responded with attacks on US-linked assets and countries hosting American forces across the region, including Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq.
The UK government has said British aircraft are already flying missions in the Middle East to defend allies and protect British citizens, although ministers insist the UK has “played no role” in the offensive strikes.
RAF Fairford is one of the few air bases in Europe capable of hosting US heavy bomber aircraft such as the B-1, B-52 and B-2.
Its location allows American bombers to carry out long-range operations without needing extensive mid-air refuelling from the United States.
The increased military activity has also attracted attention from local aviation enthusiasts.
Residents near the base have reported traffic congestion and blocked roads as plane spotters gather to watch the bombers arrive.
Gloucestershire Police said officers were managing the situation around the base.
“Work is ongoing with partner agency colleagues to ensure that crash gates, access roads and pavements remain clear. We are closing side roads to the crash gates to keep these usable but the issue of pavement parking continues.”
The force added: “Anyone visiting the area is asked to park responsibly as whilst plane spotting is a popular hobby, the safety of those people, members of the public and RAF staff is our priority.”