London, Britain – British press reports have revealed signs of a serious diplomatic and military crisis between Downing Street and the White House. This comes after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected a request from US President Donald Trump to use Royal Air Force bases for launching military strikes against Iran.
Details of the military and political conflict
According to The Times and The Daily Telegraph, Britain refusal comes at a time of heightened nuclear tensions with Tehran. London informed Washington that it would not participate in any preemptive strikes against Iran. The government fears it would violate international law.
The United States insists on using British bases, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. It also wants to use air bases in Europe. Washington wants to conduct combat sorties and refueling operations from these bases.
Trump’s response was the “Chagos Paper”
In response to Britain’s stance, President Trump withdrew his support for the agreement brokered by Starmer to transfer ownership of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The agreement is now effectively dead.
These moves come amid reports of US preparations for a direct attack. These preparations include the deployment of long-range strategic bombers and refueling aircraft to the region.
The Telegraph quoted officials as saying that US forces will be “combat-ready” by next Saturday.
This US military buildup is the largest in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
