The UK government has blocked a request from President Donald Trump to allow American aircrafts to uses British bases to attack Iran.
Sir Keir Starmer is understood to have told Trump that the UK would not permit the use of British facilities at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, saying such action would breach international law.
RAF Fairford hosts the US Air Force’s fleet of heavy bombers stationed in Europe.
Under long-standing agreement with Washington, the bases can only be used for operations against third countries with the prior agreement of the UK government.
The Times reports, the decision is said to have prompted Trump to withdraw his support for the UK’s proposed deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Taking to his Truth Social site, he said: “Should Iran decide not to make a Deal [on its nuclear programme], 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 added: “We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the UK, but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism, and other problems put before them.”