Published：Feb 18, 00:05Last updated：Feb 22, 04:02

UK Bars US Use of Military Bases for Iran Strike Amid Chagos Islands and Legal Disputes

Feb. 18, 2026 00:05

The United States plans to negotiate with Mauritius regarding a military base on the Chagos Archipelago. The US State Department highlighted the strategic importance of the military facilities on February 18, 2026. The negotiations are part of broader discussions involving the US, UK, and Mauritius, with reports and images accompanying the news.

Summarized

32News

20Media

Feb. 21, 2026 06:03

The UK government is restricting the use of two key bases in its territory for US-led attacks on Iran. These bases include Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in the UK. Despite US deployment of bombers like B-2 and B-52, the UK maintains sovereignty over these bases. On February 18, Trump expressed opposition to the UK's decision to lease Diego Garcia to Mauritius for 99 years. The UK is cautious about US military actions against Iran.

Feb. 22, 2026 04:02

The US president has informed the UK that it is making a 'big mistake' by transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The statement was made in the context of the UK’s decision, and the US is willing to use military force to secure the base if necessary. The incident was reported on February 22, 2026.

Diplomatic tensions have intensified as the UK has formally refused to allow the US to use its military bases—including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in the UK—for potential strikes against Iran. This decision, confirmed between February 19-22, 2026, comes amid a broader dispute over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands and mounting legal and political crises involving Chagossian islanders’ rights. The move has drawn sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has linked the sovereignty issue to US military strategy and threatened further action.
TASS+2

🇬🇧 UK Blocks US Military Access Over Iran Tensions

The UK government has officially declined US requests to use its bases, including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, for any US-led attacks on Iran. British authorities cited concerns that such actions would violate international law, emphasizing the need for explicit UK approval under existing agreements. Despite the US deployment of strategic bombers like the B-2 and B-52, the UK maintains sovereignty and control over these bases. This marks a significant assertion of British autonomy in defense relations with the US.
TASS+2

🇺🇸 Trump’s Policy Shifts and Chagos Criticism

President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over the UK’s refusal, initially criticizing the UK for returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and threatening to use UK bases regardless if Iran does not agree to negotiations. Trump later showed some understanding of the sovereignty agreement but warned the UK it was making a "big mistake" and even suggested the US might use force to secure Diego Garcia if necessary. The Chagos issue has become deeply entwined with US-UK military cooperation and broader Western security concerns.
Huanqiu+2

⚖️ Legal Crisis: Chagossians’ Rights and Emergency Ruling

Amid the geopolitical standoff, a judge issued a temporary injunction to halt the UK government’s removal of Chagossians who landed on their islands. This emergency ruling, delivered under extraordinary circumstances, underscores the ongoing humanitarian and legal complexities surrounding the future of the Chagos Archipelago and its people. The UK faces mounting legal challenges as it navigates both international obligations and domestic pressures.
The Independent+1

📝 Timeline of Recent Developments

Date	Event
May 2025	UK and Mauritius sign Chagos sovereignty transfer agreement
Feb 2026	UK begins formal transfer of Chagos sovereignty to Mauritius
Feb 18-22, 2026	UK refuses US use of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for Iran strike; Trump criticizes UK
Feb 19, 2026	Judge issues emergency injunction to halt removal of Chagossians
Chosun Ilbo+2