The United Kingdom has refused to grant US forces permission to use British military bases for potential strikes against Iran, The Times reported on Thursday.
According to the report, US President Donald Trump’s public withdrawal of support for UK plans to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean — which includes the key Diego Garcia airfield — stems from the British refusal.
The British newspaper reported that US plans for a potential Iran strike included the use of Diego Garcia and the RAF Fairford base in England, both of which can only be used in any aerial aggression on Iran if the UK government agrees.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is said to be concerned that the Iran strike might violate international law.
The decision has heightened tensions with Washington and prompted criticism from Trump.
Under longstanding agreements, American aircraft could operate from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, home to US heavy bombers, and the joint US–UK base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, only with prior approval from the British government.
However, London has not granted that permission for any hypothetical action against Iran, citing concerns that participating in a strike without a clear legal justification could breach international law.
Chagos Islands’ Sovereignty
Trump criticized the decision while also attacking the UK’s 2025 agreement to transfer sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory, including Diego Garcia and Chagos Islands, to Mauritius.
On his Truth Social platform, he warned on Wednesday that “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,” referring to Iran.
🚨BREAKING — Donald Trump says "it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford" to attack Iran.
He seems to be suggesting that UK bases could be used in an attack on Iran with or without Britain's consent. pic.twitter.com/tPxVGP1xss
— Declassified UK (@declassifiedUK) February 18, 2026
The dispute came after Trump discussed his “ultimatum” to Iran over its nuclear program with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The following day, Trump publicly tied his criticism of the Chagos deal to Britain’s potential role in any US military action. He suggested the UK’s support would be legal under international law, claiming Iran could strike the UK and allied nations.
Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)