According to a report in The Times today, the UK is withholding permission for bases such as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, home to US heavy bombers and the joint US-UK facility at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, citing compliance with international law that could hold supporters accountable for wrongful acts. This decision has prompted Trump to withdraw US support for the UK's deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move he criticized as "giving away" a strategic asset.
In a statement on Truth Social on February 18, 2026, Trump warned: “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.” (Read More)
