Britain has reportedly denied permission for the US to conduct attacks on Iran from UK military bases, causing friction with Washington. While the US President, Donald Trump, appears indifferent to international law, the UK prioritizes adherence to it.

Despite hosting numerous US troops on UK bases, the UK has historically been responsible for authorizing offensive actions from its territory by US military personnel, stemming from the 1951 NATO Status of Forces Agreement and the Visiting Forces Act.

Tensions have escalated as Trump seems irritated with the UK over the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by British police. The lack of clearance for bombers to operate from UK bases, although not vital for a mission against Iran, could strain relations between Keir Starmer and Trump, possibly due to the potential illegality of an attack on Iran without provocation.

According to the 1951 regulations, a combat mission involves armed US aircraft ready to strike another country. Any bomber departing from locations like RAF Fairford or Diego Garcia and targeting Iran would be deemed part of a combat mission.

International law holds both the state carrying out an attack and any supporting state accountable if the latter is aware of the wrongful act. In 1986, the UK sanctioned the US to bomb Libya in response to a terrorist attack in Berlin, but the current situation suggests the UK is adhering strictly to legality by allowing logistical support but not direct attacks.

The US is pressuring Iran to cease its nuclear and ballistic weapons programs, halt support for proxy forces like Hezbollah, and improve treatment of opposition demonstrators. As diplomatic talks occur, a substantial US naval presence is accumulating in the Persian Gulf, with the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R Ford leading the deployment.

Trump has threatened strikes on Iran if no agreement is reached, indicating a decision within the next ten days. The UK’s obstruction of any threat towards Iran may strain its relationship with Washington, necessitating significant diplomatic efforts to mend ties.