UK denies US request to use RAF bases for potential Iran strike

UK denies US request to use bases for Iran strike

The UK government has refused a request from the Trump administration to use British military bases for a potential US strike on Iran. This refusal is reportedly linked to President Trump's sudden withdrawal of support for a UK-Mauritius sovereignty deal concerning the Chagos Islands.

The Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire were the facilities in question. The UK's position is based on legal concerns that providing support for an attack with prior knowledge could breach international law.

Trump ties base access to Chagos Islands deal

President Trump publicly criticized the Chagos agreement on Truth Social, directly connecting it to the Iran threat. He stated that if Iran does not reach a nuclear deal, the US may need to use Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford "to eradicate a potential attack."

He concluded his post by urging the UK, "DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!" This represents a reversal of his previous public support for the sovereignty transfer, which he had called "the best deal available" just weeks prior.

Legal and political fallout in the UK

A UK government spokesperson declined to comment on operational matters but reaffirmed support for the US-Iran diplomatic process. They stated the priority is regional security and that "Iran must never be able to develop a nuclear weapon."

In contrast, Tory shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge argued the UK should grant the use of its bases if further US action against Iran's nuclear program is deemed in the national interest. He cited previous Conservative support for US strikes on Iranian facilities.

The government maintains that the Chagos deal is proceeding. Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones stated the related bill will return to Parliament "as soon as parliamentary time allows," calling it "essential and crucial for the national security of the United Kingdom."

The stakes of the Chagos Islands agreement

The proposed deal would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with the UK leasing back the Diego Garcia base. The government argues the agreement is necessary to secure the base's long-term future following adverse international court rulings.

The financial terms are significant. The UK is expected to pay Mauritius approximately £35 billion over the next century to maintain the lease, averaging £350 million per year.

The legislation faced a setback last month when it was pulled from the House of Lords after a Conservative-led amendment called for a pause due to "changing geopolitical circumstances." Reports suggest the bill's return may be delayed, though the Foreign Office does not recognize this reporting.