UK Denies US Use of Bases for Iran Strikes as Trump Targets Chagos Deal
The UK has reportedly withheld permission for the US to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for potential strikes on Iran, citing international law. In retaliation, President Trump has withdrawn support for the UK’s Chagos Islands sovereignty deal, calling it a "big mistake."
The United Kingdom has not granted approval for the United States to utilize British military bases for potential strikes against Iran, escalating tensions between the allies over President Donald Trump's demands amid ongoing nuclear negotiations with Tehran.
According to a report in The Times today, the UK is withholding permission for bases such as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, home to US heavy bombers and the joint US-UK facility at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, citing compliance with international law that could hold supporters accountable for wrongful acts.
This decision has prompted Trump to withdraw US support for the UK's deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move he criticized as "giving away" a strategic asset.
In a statement on Truth Social on February 18, 2026, Trump warned: “Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime, An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly Countries.”
He added that the US would "always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the U.K., but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism, and other problems put before them."
UK Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones responded on Times Radio, affirming that the Chagos handover, valued at £35 billion and aimed at securing the base while avoiding legal disputes, would proceed, with national security as the priority.
She stated: “We will continue to work with our allies, including the Americans, on this, but first and foremost, the priority must be national security, and that is what this government is determined to deliver. Just two weeks ago, they backed the deal, and this week the US backed the deal. Conversations will continue to be had with the Americans and other allies, but, as I’ve said, the priority is our base and national security.”
Senior UK officials privately described the situation as “bleak.”
The standoff follows a phone call between Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on February 17, 2026, discussing Iran's nuclear program.
Under longstanding agreements, operations from these bases require prior UK consent and must align with UK law and international obligations.
Historical precedents, such as the 2003 Iraq War legal debates, highlight UK's caution on pre-emptive strikes without imminent threats or UN backing.
Earlier reports from January 31, 2026, indicated Starmer's support for US goals to prevent Iran's nuclear weaponization, but the base usage remains unresolved.