US Bombers Launch from UK Bases to Target Iran After PM Burnham Gives Trump the Green Light

US bombers have reportedly taken off from the UK, escalating tensions in the Middle East as President Donald Trump threatens strikes against Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility.

The aircraft departed shortly after Trump issued warnings about potential military action, as reported by an Iranian news source. Video footage surfaced on X, showing an aircraft in flight.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has authorized American forces to utilize British military bases for targeted operations against Iran, a move reminiscent of his predecessor's stance.

These strikes are classified as "defensive" rather than an outright declaration of war, according to a Bloomberg report. Burnham's office has not yet provided an official statement regarding this authorization.

On July 21, Trump cautioned that unless a diplomatic resolution is reached, the Iranian nuclear site at Pickaxe Mountain could be targeted.

Pickaxe Mountain, located approximately 140 miles south of Tehran, houses an underground tunnel network designed for protection. The International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi noted earlier this year that Iran's nuclear ambitions include systematically moving sensitive facilities underground.

The conflict ignited when the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on key Iranian sites in February. In retaliation, Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz and struck various locations across the region.

In a recent development, the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at concluding hostilities within 60 days. Both nations sought to establish a lasting peace deal to restore international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and address ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear program.

However, Iran has since declared its withdrawal from the MoU, citing violations by the US, while Trump announced that the ceasefire was "over."

On July 20, Trump revealed details of his conversation with Burnham, discussing four primary issues: North Sea oil, trade, military alliances, and demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz.