UK’s Gulf-Defense Strategy Under International-Law Scrutiny

Britain says it will intercept missiles and drones targeting Gulf states not initially involved in the conflict and will allow the US to use British bases for limited defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites, arguing this falls under collective self-defence under Article 51. Legal experts interviewed by Middle East Eye are divided: some say Iran’s attacks were unlawful and Gulf states may defend themselves with UK help, while others contend the US/Israel strikes are unlawful and UK involvement could prolong aggression. A central dispute is whether collective self-defence can extend to protecting US bases or only the states under attack, and whether the measures meet necessity and proportionality in international law.