The United Kingdom has refused to grant the United States permission to use British military bases for a potential attack on Iran, prompting criticism from President Donald Trump, according to The Times.
The decision comes as the White House draws up detailed military plans involving both Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, home of the US heavy bomber fleet in Europe.
Trump criticizes Britain over the Chagos Islands
A disagreement over the use of a British base is said to have influenced Trump’s withdrawal of support for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Trump voiced his concerns in a post on Truth Social, writing: “I told Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom that leases are not good when it comes to land and that he is making a big mistake to enter into a 100-year lease with anyone who ‘claims’ right, title and interest in Diego Garcia, strategically located in the Indian Ocean.
He further warned, “If Iran chooses not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia and Fairford Airport to root out a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime.”
“We will always be ready, willing and able to fight for the UK, but they must remain strong in the face of wakeism and other challenges ahead. DON’T GIVE UP DIEGO GARCIA!”
UK position and legal concerns
The UK government has stressed that prior approval is required for US military operations from British bases, citing concerns about potential breaches of international law.
Under longstanding agreements, US aircraft can only fly from RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia with the express permission of the UK government.
Defense officials reportedly briefed Trump that the US could be ready to launch a strike by Saturday after a significant build-up of US jets, air-to-air tankers and other aircraft in the Middle East.
Diego Garcia and the Chagos Islands
Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos archipelago and has served as a joint British-American military base since the 1970s. The deal with Mauritius, announced in May, would lease the island back to the UK for 99 years at an average cost of £101m a year. The UK says the deal, estimated to cost £35 billion, is necessary for security reasons and to avoid legal disputes over the territory.
Military tension
The latest development comes as the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, heads to the Eastern Mediterranean.