Iran-US Tensions: As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to intensify, fresh reports suggest that President Donald Trump is actively considering military options against Tehran. The developments come amid renewed diplomatic efforts, but as Trump prepares for potential action, the UK has reportedly moved to prevent American forces from using British bases.
The United Kingdom has reportedly declined a request from the White House to allow American forces to use British military bases in the event of a strike. As per a report by The Times UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is said to be blocking Washington's request to use British bases in case it moves to attack Iran.
British Prime Minister is blocking a request by President Trump to allow American planes to use British bases to attack Iran, telling him that it would be in breach of international law. The Prime Minister has reportedly informed the US that Britain would not permit the use of its bases at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which hosts America’s fleet of heavy bombers in Europe.
Amid long-standing agreements with Washington, these bases may only be used for military operations against third countries with prior approval from the British government.
The decision is said to have prompted Trump on Wednesday to withdraw his backing for Starmer’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump referred to Iran and the potential role of the UK in any military operation. He appeared to suggest that British involvement would be lawful under international law, arguing that Iran could pose a direct threat to the UK.
“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal [on its nuclear programme], it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime,” he wrote.
“An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly countries.”
He added, “We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the UK, but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism, and other problems put before them.”
Meanwhile, as the US and Iran conclude their second round of indirect talks, Trump is reportedly continuing to assess military options against Tehran. According to The Wall Street Journal, he is considering the possibility of a strike as a means of pressuring Iran into agreeing to a nuclear deal with Washington.
“Now we may have to take it a step further or we may not,” he said. “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. You can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon.”
The report follows comments made by Trump a day earlier, in which he stated that he would determine his next course of action on Iran within ten days.
“We’re going to make a deal or get a deal one way or the other,” Trump told reporters.