UK PM Keir Starmer blocks Donald Trump from using RAF bases for potential Iran strike
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has blocked Donald Trump’s request to use RAF bases for potential airstrikes on Iran, amid escalating tensions between the US and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. The decision came after Trump hinted at the need for military action if a deal with Iran failed, specifically referencing RAF Fairford in the UK and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean as potential launch points. However, Starmer’s government raised concerns about the legality of such strikes under international law, leading to a refusal to grant permission for the use of RAF bases.
The US had been preparing contingency plans for a direct military strike on Iran, deploying long-range bombers and refueling aircraft to the Middle East. Defense officials reportedly informed Trump that the US would be ready for war by Saturday, marking the largest military buildup in the region since 2003. While Diego Garcia does not require UK consent for its use, RAF bases do, and the UK’s refusal to grant permission has stalled these plans. The decision reflects a broader reluctance by the UK to support preemptive strikes on Iran, as seen in similar instances last summer.
The legal implications of such actions were also a key factor in the UK’s decision. Government lawyers reportedly warned that participating in a US strike on Iran could breach international law and potentially hold Britain responsible under a UN edict passed in 2001. The Attorney General, Lord Hermer, had previously expressed concerns about British involvement beyond defending national interests, reinforcing the UK’s cautious stance.
The situation highlights the delicate balance of power and diplomacy in the region. Iran has vowed to respond to any US attack, while the UK continues to navigate its relationship with both the US and Mauritius over the Chagos Islands. The potential for further escalation remains high, with global implications for international security and stability.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026