UK denies US request to use Diego Garcia, RAF Fairford for Iran strikes. Photo: X.
The UK has not agreed to allow the US to launch air strikes against Iran from the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia or from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, according to a report by The Times. RAF Fairford currently hosts a fleet of US heavy bombers, while Diego Garcia serves as a strategic base jointly operated by Britain and the United States.
Under longstanding defence agreements between London and Washington, the Pentagon requires advance approval from the British government before launching military operations from these facilities, as well as other UK airbases hosting American aircraft and personnel.
That approval has not been granted in relation to any potential strike against Iran, reportedly due to concerns within the UK government that such an operation could breach international law.
According to the report, the UK’s reluctance has also had diplomatic repercussions. It said Donald Trump withdrew his support for an agreement negotiated by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.
The proposed arrangement involved Britain handing over the territory while leasing back Diego Garcia for continued military use. Notably, the US State Department had previously indicated support for the UK’s decision.
Although the Iran crisis was discussed during a phone call between Trump and Starmer on Tuesday evening, the Chagos Islands issue was not part of that conversation. However, the following day, Trump publicly criticised Starmer again over the agreement.
Speaking on Thursday, Trump suggested a decision point on Iran was imminent.
“The world would find out over the next, probably, 10 days whether the US would reach a deal with Iran to end its nuclear ambitions, or take military action.”
The US president has been increasing military pressure in the region, deploying two aircraft carriers along with supporting warships and aircraft to the Middle East to expand operational options should diplomacy fail.
Despite the tensions, the UK is not believed to be preparing to support any US offensive against Iran directly.
However, the Royal Air Force has strengthened its regional defensive posture. Six F-35 fighter jets have been deployed to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, while four Typhoon aircraft have been sent to Qatar.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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