The British government has firmly rejected requests from the United States to utilise its military bases for potential strikes against Iran, according to sources familiar with the situation. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, where the US has ramped up its military presence and issued stern warnings to Tehran regarding its nuclear aspirations.
No Permission Granted
Information gleaned by the BBC suggests that the UK has not provided the necessary authorisation for the US to operate from key military installations, including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the strategic Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Historically, these sites have been pivotal for American military operations in the region, particularly during conflicts involving Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Times reports that President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s proposed Chagos Islands deal—transferring sovereignty of the islands back to Mauritius while retaining a lease for US military operations—was linked to the UK’s refusal to permit the use of its bases for potential military action against Iran.
A spokesperson for the UK government stated, “As routine, we do not comment on operational matters.” This statement highlights the often opaque nature of military agreements and the delicate balance of geopolitical alliances.
Pressure Mounts on Iran
The US has intensified its pressure on Iran to limit its nuclear programme, threatening military action should diplomatic efforts fail. As warships and aircraft are deployed to the region, the Pentagon appears to be preparing for possible strikes. Meanwhile, negotiations in Switzerland between American and Iranian officials have reportedly shown some progress.
On Thursday, Trump indicated that the world would soon learn whether a diplomatic resolution could be reached with Iran, or whether military action would be necessary. “We’ll find out over the next, probably, 10 days,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In a separate statement, a UK government representative remarked, “There is a political process ongoing between the US and Iran, which the UK supports. Iran must never be able to develop a nuclear weapon, and our priority is security in the region.”
The Chagos Islands Deal Under Scrutiny
Starmer recently engaged in a phone conversation with Trump, following the US administration’s endorsement of the Chagos Islands arrangement. Discussions included Trump’s ultimatum to Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions, and the subsequent criticism of the Chagos deal emerged almost immediately thereafter.
Insiders suggest that the US military’s preparations for potential strikes may have shifted Trump’s perception of Diego Garcia’s strategic importance. In a post on Truth Social, he stated, “Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the [RAF] Airfield location in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime.”
Historically, neither RAF Fairford nor Diego Garcia were involved in the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, as Washington had not sought permission from London at that time.
The Broader Implications
UK military bases were most recently utilized by the US for operations, such as the seizure of the oil tanker Bella 1 earlier this year, which was conducted with the UK’s full backing under international law. However, any future military action against Iran would entail complex considerations of international law, particularly concerning the implications of UK involvement.
Under existing agreements, the US must formally request permission to use UK military bases for operations. The legal ramifications of supporting US actions could have far-reaching consequences, especially if such operations are deemed internationally unlawful.
In a past interview, Starmer asserted the importance of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and underscored the UK’s commitment to addressing human rights violations within the country. “The aim here is that Iran shouldn’t be able to develop nuclear weapons. That’s hugely important,” he stated, reflecting a broader concern for regional stability.
Voices of Dissent
In light of these developments, Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats and a vocal critic of Trump, accused the US President of attempting to intimidate the UK government into permitting military action from British bases. “It’s now clear Donald Trump is trying to bully the government into letting the US use UK bases like Diego Garcia to pursue unilateral military action,” he said. Davey called on Starmer to ensure Parliament has a say regarding the use of UK bases by US forces.
Why it Matters
The refusal to allow US military access to British bases is not merely a procedural issue; it reflects deeper geopolitical tensions and the UK’s precarious position in international relations. As the US and Iran continue to navigate a fraught landscape of diplomacy and threats, Britain’s decision underscores its commitment to a multilateral approach, while also signalling its unwillingness to become embroiled in unilateral military actions that could have devastating consequences for regional stability and global security.
