Sunday, February 22 2026 - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly refused a request from US President Donald Trump to allow American forces to use UK air bases in the event of military strikes on Iran.
According to multiple British media outlets, including The
Times, the UK government declined permission for the US to operate from RAF
Fairford and Diego Garcia, two long-standing strategic hubs for American
military operations.
Reports suggest London is concerned that granting access
could violate international law, particularly if the UK is seen as supporting a
preemptive strike. Government sources indicated that international legal
principles do not distinguish between a state carrying out an attack and one
assisting with knowledge of the action.
The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on
operational matters but reaffirmed support for diplomatic efforts between
Washington and Tehran. A spokesperson stressed that preventing Iran from
developing nuclear weapons remains a priority, while emphasizing the importance
of regional stability.
The issue comes amid heightened tensions between the US and
Iran, with Washington increasing its military presence in the region. Trump
recently suggested 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.”
Although neither base was used in last year’s limited US
strike on Iranian nuclear facilities when American B-2 bombers flew directly
from the United States — analysts say any extended campaign would likely
benefit from closer staging points to allow faster refueling and rearming.
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