The United Kingdom has not granted approval for the United States to conduct air strikes against Iran from British military installations, including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. This lack of permission comes amid concerns that such operations could violate international law.
Under existing agreements between the US and UK, military operations from these bases require advance consent from the British government. The US military had planned to utilize these sites, along with other air bases in the UK hosting American warplanes, for potential strikes on Iran.
This development follows recent discussions between US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister regarding the Iran crisis. President Trump had publicly expressed the potential necessity of using Diego Garcia and Fairford for military action against Iran, citing the regime's instability. Despite these statements, the UK government maintains its commitment to its deal with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, which secures access to Diego Garcia for 100 years.