Britain has reportedly denied the US permission to conduct attacks on Iran from UK military bases, leading to tensions with Washington. Despite US President Donald Trump’s apparent disregard for international law, the UK typically gives it more consideration.
While the UK hosts thousands of US troops on its bases, the authority to approve offensive actions from its territory has historically belonged to the UK. This authority stems from the 1951 NATO Status of Forces Agreement and the Visiting Forces Act of 1952.
Tensions have escalated due to Trump’s displeasure with the UK arresting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The lack of permission for bombers to launch operations from UK bases could strain relations between Keir Starmer and Trump. This restriction is likely due to the potential illegality of an attack on Iran, as Tehran has not targeted the US.
According to the 1951 regulations, a combat mission involves US aircraft armed and prepared to strike another country. Therefore, any bomber departing from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire or Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean towards Iran would be considered part of a combat operation.
International law states that a country supporting an attack without directly carrying it out bears responsibility if it had prior knowledge of the wrongful act. In 1986, the UK authorized the US to bomb Libya in response to a terrorist attack in Berlin.
The US is pressuring Iran to halt its nuclear and ballistic weapons programs, cease funding proxy forces like Hezbollah, and improve treatment of opposition protesters. As tensions rise, a significant US naval presence is assembling in the Persian Gulf, with the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln leading the deployment.
Trump has threatened strikes on Iran if no agreement is reached, giving Iran a timeline to comply. The UK’s obstruction of any threat towards Iran may strain relations with Washington, requiring significant diplomatic efforts to reconcile.