Britain did not allow the US to use bases for possible strikes on Iran
The United Kingdom has refused to allow the United States to use the joint British-American military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire for possible strikes against Iran. Under current agreements between London and Washington, the Pentagon can only conduct operations from these facilities with the prior consent of the British government.
According to British media reports, permission has not yet been granted due to concerns about the potential operation's compliance with international law. US President Donald Trump has previously stated that a decision on Iran could be made within the next ten days. He also stressed that in the absence of an agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, other options are possible.
American military plans involve the use of Diego Garcia, where a joint base is located, as well as RAF Fairford, which hosts American heavy bombers. Trump directly mentioned both bases in a social media post, noting that their use may be necessary to prevent a potential threat from Iran, which could allegedly affect the United Kingdom.
Amid the tensions, the US has already deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups with dozens of ships and combat aircraft to the region. At the same time, according to available information, the UK is not preparing to participate in a possible offensive operation against Iran.
However, the Royal Air Force has deployed six F-35 fighter jets to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and four Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar. These steps are aimed at strengthening its own defence in the event of a possible Iranian response to US actions.
Separately, discussions continue over the agreement on the Chagos Archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia. The British government is defending its decision to transfer sovereignty over the territory to Mauritius while retaining a 100-year lease on the base, stressing that this will avoid costly legal disputes and guarantee strategic access.
