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Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 07:11 IST
Tensions have grown in recent months over Britain’s plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back Diego Garcia for 99 years at a reported £35 billion.
US President Donald Trump with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (IMAGE: AFP)
Hours after US President Donald Trump warned the United Kingdom against “giving away" the strategic Diego Garcia military base, the UK government has refused to approve a request from the United States to use British air bases for potential strikes on Iran.
Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s government declined to authorise American long-range bombing operations from RAF Fairford near Swindon, citing that participation in pre-emptive attacks on Iran could breach international law, India Today reported.
The response of the UK government came after Washington stepped up its military presence in the Middle East and is planning for possible strikes against Iran.
On Thursday, Trump, in a lengthy post on Truth Social, said he had been pressing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, warning that a long-term lease arrangement over the strategic Diego Garcia air base would be a big mistake.
Trump Criticises UK
Criticising the UK government, Trump warned against relinquishing control of the Chagos Islands as the United States might need access to Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford “in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime."
Notably, any US strike from Diego Garcia would only need Britain to be informed under existing treaties, but using RAF bases would require explicit UK approval.
The UK’s hesitation to back a pre-emptive strike stems from a longstanding governmental caution. According to international law principles adopted into UK policy post-2001, a state may share responsibility for an ally’s unlawful military actions if it knowingly assists in the operation.
Similarly, Britain refrained from direct involvement in previous US strikes on Iranian targets, confining its role to defensive measures to protect UK assets and regional allies.
Chagos Deal Under Chaos
Tensions have grown in recent months over Britain’s plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back Diego Garcia for 99 years at a reported £35 billion. However, Trump has warned against the deal as Washington sees the base as vital to Indo-Pacific and Middle East operations.
Calling the arrangement a “big mistake", Trump has urged Britain not to proceed, saying, “Do not give away Diego Garcia!"
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First Published:
February 20, 2026, 07:11 IST
News world UK Refuses To Allow Trump From Using RAF Base Near Swindon For Potential Iran Strikes: Report
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