UK blocks Trump from using RAF base near Swindon for Iran strikes, Chagos deal under strain
London’s decision is reportedly driven by legal concerns, with officials warning that supporting or facilitating pre-emptive military action without clear justification could put the UK in violation of international law.
PTC News Desk: The UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused a U.S. request to allow American forces to use British military air bases — including RAF Fairford in England and the joint UK-US base at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands — as staging points for possible air strikes on Iran.
London’s decision is reportedly driven by legal concerns, with officials warning that supporting or facilitating pre-emptive military action without clear justification could put the UK in violation of international law.
Under long-standing defence agreements, the U.S. can only operate from these UK bases with explicit British approval. The refusal means American long-range bombers cannot use RAF bases for such operations against Iran unless London changes its stance.
Diego Garcia is especially strategic — it’s a key logistics and bomber support hub in the Indian Ocean that the U.S. often relies on for operations in the Middle East and beyond.
The refusal has escalated tensions with Washington and becomes linked to the contentious UK-Mauritius agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands (including Diego Garcia) to Mauritius while leasing back military access.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticised the UK’s position, warning against relinquishing control of Diego Garcia and tying his opposition to the base access issue — claiming U.S. forces might need it to counter a “potential attack” by Iran.
Trump has also reportedly withheld backing for the Chagos sovereignty deal, arguing that the UK is “giving away” a strategically vital installation.
British officials have signalled long-standing caution about participating in or facilitating unilateral military action without a clear legal mandate, reflecting concerns about shared responsibility under international law if they assist such operations.
The UK says it still supports diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions with Iran and has taken defensive military precautions (for example, bolstering air defences in the region) rather than facilitating offensive strikes.