• The UK has not granted the US permission to use RAF bases for strikes on Iran.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer blocked Trump’s request amid legal concerns.
• This decision raised tensions between the US and the UK regarding military cooperation.
• Trump criticized the UK for withholding support over potential nuclear threats from Iran.
• The US is preparing military assets in the region for a potential strike on Iran.

The UK government has denied the United States permission to use British military bases, specifically RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia, for potential strikes against Iran. This refusal has heightened tensions with Washington, following American military escalation in the Middle East. President Donald Trump criticized this decision, claiming it could hinder efforts to address threats from Iran, which he described as a "highly unstable and dangerous regime," according to aa and bbc.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration cited legal concerns as the main reason for withholding permission. Government lawyers raised issues about the legality of participating in strikes that could breach international law. The UK’s long-standing position is that it must legally justify military involvement, especially in a situation involving potential attacks on Iran's nuclear capabilities, according to India Times and bbc.

Trump's criticism intensified following a phone call with Starmer about the UK's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, along with a lease-back of the Diego Garcia base. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump warned that a failure to act against Iran could lead to dire threats against the UK and its allies, thus justifying US military action from the British bases if needed, as mentioned by India Times and aa.

The escalation of military assets in the region by the US has been noted, with many analysts indicating that preparations for potential strikes by the Pentagon could be indicative of a looming crisis. However, Starmer’s government remains cautious, indicating it does not support any acts of pre-emptive military action against Iran without a solid international legal framework, as reported by bbc and India Times.

As tensions remain high, the UK’s continued refusal to authorize the use of its bases underscores ongoing diplomatic strains, with implications for international law and military collaboration between the two nations, according to aa, bbc, and India Times.