By The South Asia Times

LONDON / WASHINGTON - The United States has reportedly requested assistance from the United Kingdom after Iranian missile and drone strikes severely damaged several American military facilities across the Gulf region, according to regional security sources.

Since February 28, Iran has launched sustained retaliatory attacks targeting US bases in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan. Sources claim the strikes caused significant structural and operational damage to multiple installations, though Washington has not publicly detailed the full extent of losses.

Some Gulf-based officials allege that the US repositioned elements of its air defense systems toward Israel to shield Tel Aviv from Iranian missile barrages, a move that reportedly left certain Gulf facilities more vulnerable.

These claims have not been independently confirmed, but they have fueled dissatisfaction among some regional partners.

Iran has intensified strikes against the UAE over the past three days, with explosions reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to regional sources.

Tehran has not officially confirmed targeting specific Emirati cities, and the UAE has not publicly disclosed damage assessments.

Sources allege that US and Israeli forces may have used facilities on Emirati soil in operations against Iran -- a claim that remains unverified. Iranian officials have suggested they acted on intelligence indicating regional bases were involved in attacks on Iranian territory.

Amid rising tensions, the UAE has reportedly recalled its ambassador from Tehran and severed diplomatic ties, marking a sharp deterioration in relations.

- UK grants limited defensive access to US

In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that Washington had requested permission to use British military facilities in the region for what he described as “specific and limited defensive purposes.”

In a video message, Starmer said the UK government had agreed to the request to help prevent further Iranian missile launches across the region. He clarified that Britain would not join US or Israeli offensive operations against Iran.

Analysts say the development suggests Washington has suffered a major blow in the region while seeking the UK's help. However, US officials have not publicly acknowledged losing key assets or disabling infrastructure.

The escalating confrontation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with Gulf states increasingly concerned about being drawn into direct hostilities. Diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis remain limited, as both Washington and Tehran continue to signal readiness for further action.

The situation remains fluid, with independent verification of battlefield claims from all sides proving difficult amid ongoing hostilities.