20.02.2026 08:00
The United Kingdom did not approve the use of its base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and Fairford Air Base in Gloucestershire for a possible attack by the United States against the Iranian regime.
U.S. President Donald Trump brought the military base in Diego Garcia back into the spotlight by stating that they could use it for potential attacks against Iran.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded negatively to U.S. President Donald Trump's request to allow American planes to use British bases to attack Iran, stating that it would be a violation of international law.
UK DID NOT ALLOW BASE USAGE
According to The Times, Starmer told Trump that the bases in Gloucestershire, which hosts the U.S. heavy bomber fleet in Europe, and the British facilities at RAF Fairford would not be allowed to be used.
According to the terms of long-standing agreements with Washington, these bases can only be used for military operations against third countries if there is prior agreement with the government.
This move led Trump to withdraw his support for Starmer's agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on Wednesday.
TRUMP IMPLIED AN ATTACK AND SOUGHT SUPPORT
The U.S. President referred to Iran and the potential role that the UK could play in a possible attack in a post on Truth Social. He also implied that the UK's support could be legal under international law, given that Iran could potentially target the UK.
Trump stated:
"If Iran decides not to make a deal regarding its nuclear program, it may be necessary for the U.S. to use Diego Garcia and the Air Base at Fairford to eliminate a potential attack that could be carried out by an extremely unstable and dangerous regime. This attack could be directed against the United Kingdom and other friendly countries."
Trump continued:
"We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the United Kingdom, but they need to remain strong in the face of other issues that are presented to them."