-Friday 🌎 World February 20, 2026
Specifically, the UK has denied permission for the use of RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, and the strategically vital Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. This decision is grounded in concerns that a pre-emptive strike would violate international law, and Britain wants no part in such an operation.
Media reports from The Times, The Guardian, BBC, Fox News, Al Jazeera, NDTV, and others confirm that the UK informed the US in advance of this stance. Britain emphasizes that its bases will only be used for defensive purposes or to protect allies—not for offensive, pre-emptive attacks.
Trump's Outburst on Truth Social: A Fiery Response
Trump reacted angrily on his Truth Social platform, calling Starmer's decision a "big mistake." In a strongly worded post, he wrote: "Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, 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 — an attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly Countries."
He further warned that Britain's position weakens NATO and could benefit adversaries like Russia and China.
Linking It to the Chagos Islands Controversy Trump escalated the issue by directly attacking the UK's Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius. Under this agreement, Britain plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory) to Mauritius while securing a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia for the joint US-UK military base—at a reported cost of up to £35 billion.
Trump posted emphatically: "DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA!" He accused Starmer of "losing control" of this critical asset and labeled the deal a "big mistake" that endangers US and UK security. Reports suggest Trump's reversal on supporting the deal stems directly from Britain's refusal to greenlight base usage for Iran operations.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford Diego Garcia, a remote atoll in the Indian Ocean, serves as a key hub for US long-range bombers (like B-2 Spirits), refueling aircraft, and naval assets. It provides unmatched reach for operations in the Middle East without relying on regional allies.
RAF Fairford in the UK hosts US heavy bombers during deployments and offers a staging point closer to Europe and the Middle East. For any sustained air campaign against Iran, these bases are crucial. The US does not need prior approval for Diego Garcia in all scenarios (per existing agreements), but written consent is required for RAF bases in the UK. Britain's outright refusal disrupts planning.
Broader US Pressure on Iran and Military Buildup
The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to force Iran into a new nuclear deal, warning that "time is running out." US forces, including carrier strike groups, bombers, and support aircraft, have surged into the Middle East and Indian Ocean regions.
If talks fail, military options—including strikes on nuclear facilities—are on the table. Britain's non-cooperation could force the US to rely more on other allies or domestic bases, complicating logistics and increasing risks.
Britain maintains it will only support actions aligned with international law and its own security interests, underscoring a more independent foreign policy under Starmer.
Impact on US-UK Relations and Global Geopolitics
This is not the first clash between Trump and Starmer, but it strikes at the heart of the transatlantic alliance and NATO commitments. Trump's repeated criticisms portray Britain as "weak," potentially straining cooperation on other fronts.
If the Chagos deal stalls or collapses due to this fallout, it could create long-term uncertainty over Diego Garcia's future—benefiting neither side amid rising threats from China in the Indo-Pacific.
Iran has vowed a "decisive" response to any attack. The world watches closely: Will Trump proceed unilaterally? Will diplomacy prevail, or will Britain reconsider under pressure? This episode highlights how even close allies prioritize their own legal and strategic red lines in a volatile global landscape.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday 🌎 World February 20, 2026
