The UK government, led by Keir Starmer, has rejected a US request to use British Royal Air Force bases for possible military operations against Iran. This decision is expected to increase tensions between the UK and the US, particularly concerning the implications for the Chagos Archipelago, amid rising military tensions between the US and Iran that have created a backdrop of near-war conditions in the Middle East.

The British government justified its refusal by citing concerns that participation in such attacks could violate international law. Reports indicate that the UK specifically denied the use of RAF Fairford near Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, military bases that have been jointly utilized by the UK and the US for various operations. Any formal authorization for military action necessitates adherence to legal and procedural norms.

In light of this development, the British government has reaffirmed its commitment to rigorously observing international law and its own policies before engaging in any military action. This stance may signify a shift in UK foreign policy, showing a willingness to prioritize legal considerations over military alliances, which could have significant ramifications for future UK-US relations and stability in the region.