London, Feb 20: The United Kingdom has refused a U.S. request to allow former President Donald Trump to use British Royal Air Force bases — including RAF Fairford near Swindon — for potential military strikes on Iran, according to new reports.Under long-standing agreements, American aircraft could operate from RAF bases such as Fairford only with prior UK government approval — which has now not been granted amid concerns that participation in a pre-emptive attack on Iran could violate international law.
The issue has added pressure to wider diplomatic discussions between London and Washington. Trump criticised the UK decision and linked it to Britain’s controversial agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the Diego Garcia military base, to Mauritius.