UK expands military authorization to strike Iranian Hormuz launchers threatening commercial shipping

The United Kingdom has confirmed an expansion of its military authorization, allowing British military bases to strike Iranian missile launchers that target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, The Guardian reported on Day 24. **Previous authorization (March 20):** UK bases authorized to strike Iranian missile sites targeting British allies and interests in Gulf states. **New expansion (March 23):** UK bases now authorized to strike Iranian missile launchers targeting commercial ships in Hormuz — a significantly broader mandate that covers non-British, non-allied vessels transiting the strait. **Significance:** This represents a meaningful shift in UK rules of engagement. Commercial shipping protection in Hormuz means the UK has effectively joined a Hormuz enforcement mission, not just an ally-protection mission. Combined with the US-led Hormuz deadline (23:44 GMT March 23), this expansion signals allied states are hardening their posture ahead of potential Trump action on Iranian power plants. **Context:** PM Starmer said in a statement Monday morning that there is 'no assessment that we're being targeted' by Iranian missiles, and called for de-escalation and a 'viable plan' on Hormuz. He framed the UK position as defending British interests 'without getting dragged into the war.' The ROE expansion appears calibrated to demonstrate commitment to Hormuz freedom of navigation while stopping short of full war participation. **UK assets involved:** British bases including Diego Garcia (UK-US joint base, struck by an attempted Iranian missile on March 20), and potentially Cyprus/Gulf installations.