British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly declined a request from US President Donald Trump to allow American forces to operate from UK air bases in the event of military strikes on Iran.
The request, which involved RAF Fairford in England and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, was refused over concerns that granting access could violate international law, particularly if the UK is perceived as supporting a preemptive strike.
Government sources indicated that international legal principles do not distinguish between a state conducting an attack and one providing assistance with knowledge of the operation. The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on operational specifics but reaffirmed support for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, emphasising that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a priority while maintaining regional stability.
Reports suggest that Trump had indicated on social media that access to Diego Garcia and Fairford might be necessary for any potential operation targeting what he described as a “dangerous regime.” Analysts note that while last year’s limited US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities saw American B-2 bombers fly directly from the United States without using either base, any extended campaign would benefit from closer staging points for faster refueling and rearming.
The refusal has reportedly added strain to US–UK relations, coming at a sensitive moment as both governments navigate diplomatic talks, military positioning, and broader geopolitical considerations in the Middle East. The UK has maintained that its position supports diplomacy while underscoring the legal and operational risks of permitting such use of its bases.
