Newsroom
The United States may ask the United Kingdom to allow American refueling aircraft to operate from Britain’s military base in Cyprus, as former President Donald Trump considers launching strikes on Iran in response to the escalating war with Israel.
According to a report by Sky News, the Pentagon has already moved B-52 bombers and fighter jets to Diego Garcia, a British base in the Indian Ocean. At the same time, U.S. refueling planes have been deployed to Spain and Greece.
RAF Akrotiri, Britain’s base in southern Cyprus, has recently been reinforced with 14 Typhoon fighter jets and two British refueling aircraft. The U.S. military is now reportedly eyeing Akrotiri as a potential launch point for operations targeting Iran. However, under current agreements, any use of the base by American forces would require the green light from the British government.
UK officials do not believe Trump has made a final call on launching strikes but say they are preparing for all possible scenarios.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has sent three squadrons of fighter jets to the Middle East, and an American aircraft carrier is expected to arrive in the region within days.
The developments come as Israel pushes for a strong U.S. response to Iranian involvement in the ongoing conflict and as regional tensions show no sign of easing.
