Britain Refuses US Access to RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for Iran Strike
Updated (2 articles)
UK Government Denies Permission for US Base Use Prime Minister Keir Starmer told officials that allowing U.S. forces at RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia would breach international law, and a British spokesperson confirmed no authorization has been granted for any Iran‑related operation [1][2]. The government cited routine non‑comment on operational matters while emphasizing diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon [2]. Starmer’s refusal aligns with the 2025 UK‑Mauritius lease compromise that seeks to retain military access without violating sovereignty concerns [1].
Trump Presses for Base Access After Chagos Criticism President Donald Trump used Truth Social to label Starmer’s Chagos Islands lease “a big mistake” and warned the U.S. may need the bases to “eradicate a potential attack,” promising a decision on Iran within ten days [1][2]. The White House said the post reflects administration policy, while the State Department reiterated support for the UK‑Mauritius agreement [1]. The Times linked Trump’s criticism directly to the UK’s denial of base use, suggesting the post is a pressure tactic [2].
Strategic Importance of Forward Bases Highlighted Analysts note that a prolonged campaign against Iran would require forward staging sites to shorten bomber turnaround, enable rapid re‑arming, and keep aircraft out of range of Iranian missiles [1]. Although RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia host the U.S. heavy bomber fleet, they were not used in the June 2025 B‑2 raid on Iranian nuclear facilities, underscoring the need for nearer bases in future operations [1]. The forward‑base argument is central to U.S. planning for any extended strike scenario [1].
Political Reactions and Legal Context Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused Trump of bullying the UK and urged Prime Minister Starmer to seek a parliamentary vote before any deployment [2]. Starmer referenced the 2019 International Court of Justice ruling and the 2025 lease deal, which aim to preserve U.S.–UK military access while ending colonial control of the Chagos Islands [1]. The dispute over Chagos sovereignty remains a backdrop to the current diplomatic standoff [1][2].
Sources
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1.
CNN: Britain Blocks US Use of RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for Iran Strike – Details Starmer’s denial, Trump’s Truth Social criticism, State Department stance, and analysts’ warnings about the need for forward bases, plus legal background of the Chagos lease
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2.
BBC: UK Denies US Permission to Use RAF Fairford or Diego Garcia for Iran Strike Plans – Confirms lack of UK authorization, notes Trump’s ten‑day warning, cites Liberal Democrat opposition, and links Trump’s Chagos attack to the base denial
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Timeline
2019 – The International Court of Justice orders the United Kingdom to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, setting a legal backdrop for future lease negotiations [2].
2025 – The UK and Mauritius strike a 99‑year lease compromise that preserves the US‑UK naval facility on Diego Garcia while ending colonial control, a key factor in current base‑use debates [2].
June 2025 – The United States conducts a B‑2 bomber raid on Iranian nuclear sites launched from Missouri, completing a 37‑hour round‑trip without using RAF Fairford or Diego Garcia, demonstrating the bases’ non‑essential status for short‑range strikes [2].
Tue Feb 17, 2026 – President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a telephone conversation on Middle‑East stability and European peace, after which Trump later attacks the Chagos lease on social media [2].
Feb 19, 2026 – Trump posts on Truth Social that the world will know “over the next, probably, 10 days” whether the US reaches a nuclear deal with Iran or proceeds with military action, signaling a looming decision deadline [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – In the same Truth Social post, Trump labels Starmer’s Chagos lease “a big mistake” and warns the US may need Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford to “eradicate a potential attack,” linking the lease dispute to operational needs [2].
Feb 19, 2026 – Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accuses Trump of bullying the UK over base access, urging Prime Minister Starmer to seek a parliamentary vote before any deployment [1].
Feb 19, 2026 – A UK government spokesperson offers routine non‑comment on operational matters, reaffirms support for the diplomatic process with Iran, and stresses that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly denies the United States request to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, stating that such use would breach international law by implicating the UK in any wrongful act [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says Trump’s Truth Social post reflects official US policy, aligning the president’s statements with the administration’s stance [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – The US State Department issues a statement backing the UK‑Mauritius Chagos agreement, reinforcing diplomatic support for the lease compromise [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – Defense analysts warn that a prolonged Iranian campaign would require forward bases like Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford to shorten bomber turnaround times and keep aircraft out of range of Iranian missile threats [2].
External resources (3 links)
- https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/trump-chagos-islands-deal-iran-attack-british-bases-kcj0gzbr8 (cited 1 times)
- https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/trump-chagos-islands-deal-iran-attack-british-bases-kcj0gzbr8?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqcrMzExMmKpKo5NGXijSVDqogEFNGt0qYdN-vedwWo5noGygD6JAFaSEzv40Ow%3D&gaa_ts=69973788&gaa_sig=f7ipmqYX6HNM-xkNSBCMb7-Xi4vq9s98FDQJDRw3GXVTgr0u8nGjJMackO7zdn6tyOu1Q4FI3WhZTyVYF2ji7Q%3D%3D (cited 1 times)