UK Has Not Granted US Permission to Use Diego Garcia or English Airfield for Iran Attack

The United Kingdom has reportedly denied former US President Donald Trump’s request to use its key military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands for any potential strike on Iran. The move comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, as the US has built up military assets in the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran over its nuclear program. Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the UK has withheld permission due to legal concerns and other strategic considerations.

Trump, who has previously expressed shifting opinions on the Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius, argued that Diego Garcia, along with an airfield in England, could play a critical role in a hypothetical US attack on Iran. He has warned that any restrictions on the base could leave the UK vulnerable. However, UK officials have maintained that foreign use of British military bases requires a “legal basis and policy rationale” before approval, highlighting the government’s cautious approach amid sensitive international law and diplomatic concerns.

The Diego Garcia base, which was not used in US strikes on Iran last June, remains a crucial strategic outpost for both the UK and the US. It allows military operations across the Middle East and parts of Asia. The UK government, while refusing to comment on operational matters, reiterated its support for ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran, signaling a preference for negotiation over military escalation.

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Trump’s latest comments on Diego Garcia follow his repeated pivots on the Chagos Islands deal, which would transfer administrative control to Mauritius while securing UK defense and security responsibilities for 99 years. The agreement, finalized under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has faced criticism from Trump, who labeled the lease “a big mistake” and questioned Mauritius’ claims to the islands, calling them “fictitious in nature.” The US State Department, however, has officially endorsed the UK-Mauritius agreement.

While the treaty has been signed, UK parliamentary approval is still pending, with several amendments and debates delaying its final enactment. Downing Street has emphasized that the arrangement is essential for the long-term operation of Diego Garcia, ensuring continued security cooperation with the United States. Officials have stressed that the UK remains committed to implementing the deal, coordinating closely with Washington despite Trump’s public statements.

The episode underscores ongoing tensions in US-UK relations regarding strategic military assets and illustrates the influence of individual political figures on international security policy. Analysts note that while Trump’s statements attract attention, the official US position, confirmed by the State Department, continues to support the UK-Mauritius agreement. Both countries are expected to maintain close cooperation on security arrangements for Diego Garcia in the coming months.

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