In a surprising turn of events, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reversed his previous stance, now allowing the United States limited access to its military airfields for Operation Epic Fury. This decision paves the way for U.S. B-2 stealth bombers to soon arrive at Royal Air Force bases in both the United Kingdom and Cyprus.
Cyprus, a British Overseas Territory, hosts RAF Akrotiri, a crucial strategic base for the UK. This location is expected to play a significant role in facilitating the American military operations.
The impending arrival of the B-2 bombers has stirred varied reactions across Europe. Many European leaders have opted to distance themselves from this U.S. military maneuver, choosing instead to remain passive observers.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Starmer’s initial reluctance, remarking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”
MORE: European Leaders Weigh In on Iran Strikes, But Action Speaks Louder Than Words
This deployment follows a significant shift in policy from Sir Keir Starmer, who has now granted permission for American forces to utilise RAF bases in Cyprus.
In a late statement on Sunday evening, the prime minister insisted this authorisation was for the “limited specific defensive purpose” of protecting UK and US allies across the Middle East, as Iran continues to lash out.
However, hours after this announcement, reports emerged of a major explosion at RAF Akrotiri, one of the UK bases in Cyprus from which US planes will be permitted to operate.
US Air Force B-2A “Spirit” Stealth Bombers are expected to land at Britain’s Royal Air Force Fairford Air Base in the UK and Deigo Garcia Base south of the Arabian Sea in a matter of days to join attacks on Iran, according to The Telegraph. pic.twitter.com/VnXDW2AvY5
— Intel Node (@intelnode) March 4, 2026
Multiple European leaders have distanced themselves from the U.S. actions and prefer just to let us do the job while they stand and watch on the sidelines.
Trump was not impressed with Starmer’s stance and said in the Oval Office Tuesday, “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”
Trump just torched Keir Starmer: ‘This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with.’
Per usual, he’s right.
UK’s PM is a spineless ditherer, blocking US strikes on Iran and tanking the special relationship. Churchill would spit on this pathetic weakness. Pathetic. pic.twitter.com/56bqki7ADc
— Sarah Sizzle (@sizzle_sarah) March 3, 2026
MORE: European Leaders Speak Out on Iran Strikes, but the Time for Talk Is Over
UK Balks on Iran Strikes, Trump Fires Back Over Diego Garcia
B-2 stealth bombers were the centerpiece of the June 2025 operation, Midnight Hammer, which vaporized Iran’s nuclear research facilities. Among other things, they avoid detection by advanced air defenses and can carry the 30,000‑lb GBU‑57 bunker‑buster. They’ve already been used in Epic Fury, to devastating effect.
For all those left in Iranian leadership, this can’t be good news.
It’s quite the change of heart for the British government, as they previously refused to let our military aircraft operate from their facilities:
The U.S. was cleared to use British bases for limited strikes on Iran’s missile capabilities on Feb. 29 [sic] after Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed off on the plan, and while U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey stated Britain had “stepped up alongside the Americans.”
Starmer said the authorization was granted to protect U.K. and U.S. allies as the conflict escalated. He had previously said he would not allow American forces to use U.K. bases for offensive operations in the region.
Tensions have since been heightened in the U.K. by security incidents in Cyprus. RAF Akrotiri, a key British military base on the island, was struck by a suspected drone on March 2, causing minor damage.
They’re a bit late to the party, but at least they finally showed up.
Editor’s Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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