LONDON, Mar 24: A United States B-52 strategic bomber triggered an emergency alert while flying over the United Kingdom, even as London clarified it would not permit its bases to be used for potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.
According to flight tracking platform Flightradar24, a Boeing B-52H Stratofortress transmitted a “7700” squawk code – indicating a general emergency – while flying east of Bristol. The nature of the emergency was not immediately known.
The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Separately, UK Defence Secretary John Healey told Parliament that British bases would not be used for offensive operations against Iran.
“The permissions for the use of UK bases by the US are defensive. They do not include the striking of Iranian power plants,” Healey said.
The clarification follows recent remarks by Donald Trump, who said Washington had held “very positive and productive talks” with Tehran and had ordered a five-day delay in potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, despite earlier warning of action within 48 hours.
However, Iran has denied any direct negotiations. The country’s Foreign Ministry said it had only received messages indicating Washington’s interest in dialogue, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed reports of talks as “fake news” aimed at influencing markets.(UNI)
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