: The United Kingdom has denied the United States permission to use its military bases for potential strikes against Iran, a decision that has created tension between the two allies .
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government refused a request to allow US forces to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for possible military action against Tehran .
According to British media, the decision was based on concerns that participating in a strike without clear legal justification could violate international law . Under longstanding agreements, US aircraft can only operate from these bases with prior approval from the British government .
US President Donald Trump criticized the UK’s decision and linked it to Britain’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius .
On his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford “may be necessary for the United States to use” if Iran does not agree to a nuclear deal, claiming Tehran could attack the UK and its allies .
“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime — An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom,” Trump wrote .
The president also urged Britain not to give away Diego Garcia, writing: “DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA! … We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the U.K., but they have to remain strong” .
