UK withholds permission for US strikes as Diego Garcia emerges in dispute over Chagos deal

The British government has not given permission for the US to use UK military bases to support potential US strikes on Iran, and diego garcia is central to arguments about the islands' strategic value. The question has heightened after comments from US President Donald Trump and diplomatic moves over the Chagos Islands.

Government stance and official lines

The British government has said it has not granted permission for US forces to use UK bases in support of possible strikes on Iran. A UK government spokesperson said: "As routine, we do not comment on operational matters. " The same spokesperson added: "There is a political process ongoing between the US and Iran, which the UK supports. Iran must never be able to develop a nuclear weapon, and our priority is security in the region. "

Trump, Sir Keir Starmer and the Chagos deal

US President Donald Trump has expressed his opposition to Sir Keir Starmer's deal to hand the Chagos Islands over to Mauritius and lease back a joint UK-US military base. Sir Keir spoke to Trump over the phone on Tuesday, after the US government gave its formal support for the Chagos deal. The Times reports the pair discussed Trump's ultimatum to Iran over its nuclear programme, and Trump made his statement attacking the Chagos deal the next day.

US pressure on Iran and diplomatic talks in Switzerland

The US has been pressuring Iran to agree to curb its nuclear programme and has threatened possible strikes if Iran fails to do so. Washington has moved warships, aircraft and other military assets to the region in preparation for a possible strike. At the same time, some progress has been reported at talks between American and Iranian negotiators in Switzerland. On Thursday, Trump said the world would find out "over the next, probably, 10 days" whether the US would reach a deal with Iran or take military action.