Why a Remote UK Base Makes US-Iran Standoff So Difficult for Starmer
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be relieved by US President Donald Trump's move to delay a decision for now on striking Iran, giving the British leader more time to address the vexing issue of providing military support.
The standoff between Washington and Tehran this week drew a fresh spotlight on a remote Indian Ocean base controlled by Britain that has long provided a key staging point for American bombers and other military assets. If the US were to launch an attack on Iranian nuclear sites from Diego Garcia, the UK would have to quickly decide to back the mission or risk a rift with its closest ally.
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