The UK is refusing to grant permission to the US to use British bases to strike Iran, according to The Times.
US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of support for the UK plans to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean — which includes the key Diego Garcia airfield — stems from the British refusal, reports the UK paper.
According to the report, US plans included the use of Diego Garcia and the RAF Fairford base in England, both of which can only be used to strike if the UK government agrees. British PM Keir Starmer is concerned the Iran strike might violate international law.
Last night, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Diego Garcia might be needed were Iran not to agree to a deal, “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.”
“Prime Minister Starmer should not lose control, for any reason, of Diego Garcia,” Trump stressed.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, February 19, 2026
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