Britain has decisively denied the US permission to carry out attacks on Iran from UK military bases, leading to tensions with Washington. While the US President, Donald Trump, appears unconcerned about international norms, the UK places greater emphasis on adhering to them.
Despite hosting thousands of US troops on UK bases, the authority to approve offensive actions from its soil has traditionally belonged to the UK. This stems from the 1951 NATO Status of Forces Agreement and the subsequent Visiting Forces Act.
Recent tensions have escalated due to President Trump’s displeasure over the UK’s arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. This situation may compel the US to seek FBI involvement regarding individuals named in the Epstein Files.
The refusal to allow bombers to launch operations from UK bases, though not crucial for a mission against Iran, could strain relations between Keir Starmer and Trump. The prohibition likely arises from concerns that an attack on Iran without provocation could be unlawful.
Under the 1951 regulations, a combat mission involves US aircraft armed and prepared to strike another nation. Consequently, any bomber departing from locations like RAF Fairford or Diego Garcia and heading towards Iran would be considered part of a combat mission.
According to international law, a state that supports an attack is equally culpable if it had prior knowledge of the wrongful act. In 1986, the UK authorized the US to launch an attack on Libya following a terrorist incident in Berlin, demonstrating a clear legal precedent.
The current situation differs as the UK government is likely prioritizing legality by permitting logistical support but denying authorization for the attack itself. The US is pressuring Iran to cease nuclear and ballistic weapons development, discontinue support for proxy forces like Hezbollah, and improve treatment of opposition protesters.
Amid ongoing talks in Geneva, a significant US naval presence is amassing in the Persian Gulf, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R Ford. Trump has threatened strikes on Iran if an agreement is not reached within a timeframe of approximately ten days.
The UK’s perceived obstruction of any threat towards Iran has strained relations with Washington, potentially necessitating significant diplomatic efforts to mend ties.