Britain Refuses to Allow US Use of Its Military Bases to Attack Iran
Britain has reportedly refused to grant the United States access to its military bases for use in a potential strike against Iran, including the strategic facility at Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, Indian Ocean. The report was published by The Times on Thursday, 19 February 2026, citing multiple sources.
The refusal emerged amid growing diplomatic tensions between Washington and London over the future of the base. The previous day, US President Donald Trump criticised the British government over the Diego Garcia lease agreement. He stated the island could be needed to counter “attacks” from Iran should nuclear negotiations fail, and urged Britain not to relinquish control of the territory.
According to reports, London’s stance prompted Trump to withdraw his support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The British government has thus far withheld permission for use of the base over concerns that such action could violate international law and give rise to legal consequences should an attack on Iran actually take place.
Beyond Diego Garcia, US military plans reportedly also involve RAF Fairford, an air base in England frequently used for the deployment of US Air Force heavy bombers.
On Thursday, the British Foreign Office defended the agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. London affirmed that on 5 February, Trump had conveyed to Starmer that the agreement represented the best option achievable.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of State announced it would hold negotiations with Mauritius from 23 to 25 February to underscore the importance of Diego Garcia to US national security.
Previously, on 3 October 2024, Britain agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands — including Diego Garcia — to Mauritius. Under the agreement, Britain would provide financial support and infrastructure investment to Mauritius, whilst retaining control of the military base at Diego Garcia for 99 years.
Mauritius has long contested British sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution urging Britain to end its control over the archipelago.