Arabic version: المملكة المتحدة تنفي وصول الولايات المتحدة إلى القواعد العسكرية وسط توترات مع إيران

The British government has not given permission for the US to use UK military bases to support potential US strikes on Iran, according to BBC News. This decision comes as the US has previously relied on RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the UK overseas territory of Diego Garcia for military operations in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of a deal involving the Chagos Islands appears linked to the UK’s withholding of permission to allow the use of these military bases. The deal, which concerns the transfer of the islands to Mauritius while maintaining a UK-US military base, has been a point of contention, with Trump discussing it with UK leader Sir Keir Starmer during a phone call.

The US has been pressuring Iran to agree to curb its nuclear programme, threatening possible strikes if it fails to do so. As military assets are positioned in the region, Trump indicated that the world would find out “over the next, probably, 10 days” whether a diplomatic deal could be reached or if military action would ensue.

A UK government spokesperson reiterated support for ongoing political discussions between the US and Iran, emphasizing that Iran must never be able to develop a nuclear weapon. The spokesperson also noted the importance of regional security in the context of these negotiations.

While the US has previously conducted operations from UK bases, such as the recent seizure of the tanker Bella 1, the use of RAF Fairford or Diego Garcia for strikes on Iran has not been formally requested. The UK government would need to assess international law implications before supporting any military action, which may complicate future US plans.

As the situation evolves, the UK remains focused on diplomatic solutions while balancing its commitments to international law and its longstanding alliance with the US.