The UK government says its armed forces are prepared to defend the country against Iranian missile attacks after Tehran warned that RAF Fairford could be targeted. The warning follows the use of the Gloucestershire base by US bombers during strikes on Iran, increasing concern that British facilities could become involved in the wider conflict.

Ministers said the UK uses layered air and missile defences operated by the Royal Navy, Army and RAF alongside NATO allies, while seeking to avoid escalation. Iran previously launched missiles towards Diego Garcia and attacked RAF Akrotiri with a drone in March; the Ministry of Defence has allocated £790m to air and missile defence, and the UK has temporarily withdrawn embassy staff from Iran.