Andy Burnham, the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has declared that he will publicly oppose U.S. President Donald Trump if necessary to defend his country's national interests, adding that this could include policies related to Iran.
In his first detailed interview since taking office, Burnham stated that his initial phone call with Trump was "very warm," though he declined to answer directly when asked whether he trusts the U.S. President.
The British Prime Minister also referenced the recent conflict with Iran, noting that he had "concerns" about the U.S. President's decision to initiate the war. He emphasized that on such matters, he will express his views candidly and will not refrain from speaking what he believes to be right.
These remarks come amid reports that just one day after Burnham assumed office, a U.S. B-1 bomber took off from the RAF Fairford airbase in England to participate in an operation against Iran. The aircraft's flight path was visible on flight-tracking systems.
Axios reported, citing informed sources, that the strike targeted facilities associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, U.S. and UK officials have not released further details regarding the report.
The British government has stated that it has permitted the United States to use its military bases which host U.S. forces and aircraft to conduct "defensive" operations.
Additionally, Bloomberg reported that Burnham has agreed to maintain the Iran policy established by the previous government under Keir Starmer. Under this policy, the U.S. is allowed to use RAF Fairford in England and the Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean to carry out what are described as "defensive strikes."
Meanwhile, Ed Miliband, the new UK Foreign Secretary, is known to be a staunch opponent of this policy. Reports indicate that his stance on the issue has raised concerns within the White House regarding his appointment to the post.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
