Trump Pressures Andy Burnham Over UK Base Access for Iran Strikes

President Donald Trump is pressuring British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to ensure American forces maintain access to United Kingdom military bases for strikes against Iran. This demand follows a July 20, 2026, phone call between the two leaders, during which they discussed trade, North Sea oil, and the demining of the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington is specifically requesting continued use of RAF Fairford and the base at Diego Garcia. This diplomatic pressure follows a period of deterioration in bilateral relations under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had rejected previous U.S. requests to utilize Diego Garcia for Iranian strikes.

Burnham has not yet stated his final decision publicly. His position is expected to be influenced by internal opposition within the Labour Party and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who has previously opposed the use of British territory to support the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.