Britain does not grant US permission for use of military bases for attacks on Iran

According to official sources, London has not authorised the use of RAF Fairford bases in Gloucestershire, or strategic base on Diego Garcia Island, located in the Indian Ocean and managed by Britain in the Chagos Islands. These bases were used earlier by the United States for military operations in the Middle East.

Reports from the newspaper “The Times” suggest that US President Donald Trump's recent criticism of British Prime Minister Cair Starmer's deal on the Chagos Islands may be linked to the fact that Britain has not given permission to use bases, which could be used to attack Iran.

President Trump has warned that within the next “10 days, it will become clear whether the US will reach an agreement with Iran on its nuclear programme or take military action. Washington has stepped up military presence in the region, moving warships and planes, movement similar to possible attack scenarios.

On the other hand, positive developments have been reported in talks between American and Iranian negotiators in Switzerland. The British government has declared it supports the diplomatic process and has stressed that its priority remains regional security and preventing Iran's nuclear weapons equipment.

A British government spokesman did not prefer to comment further. “As usual, we don't comment on operational issues”. He added that Iran should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, and that Britain is working with allies for that purpose.

Under existing agreements, the US must pre-empt permission to use British military bases for combat operations. In the past, the RAF Fairford base and other objects on British territory were used by the United States, but with London's full approval. The issue of base use is also closely related to international law. According to the latter, a state supporting a military action by another country, being aware of the circumstances, may be considered co-aware of the consequences, writes A2 CNN.

Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, while mentioning diplomacy options and the threat of military force. Britain's decision not to give permission at this stage shows London's caution to avoid direct involvement in a new conflict in the Middle East.