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Conservatives have demanded that Sir Keir Starmer’s Government support the US if war breaks out in the Middle East, as speculation grows of a major attack on Iran. The Prime Minister has refused to give the US permission to use British air bases in any strike on Iran, according to reports.

But Conservatives said they backed action to stop Iran from gaining nuclear weapons. The US is likely to use air bases at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, and in Diego Garcia as part of a military assault on Iran, where security forces loyal to the self-styled Islamic government are thought to have killed more than 36,000 protesters in recent weeks. Sir Keir’s refusal to help is said to have prompted Donald Trump’s statement this week condemning Britain’s plans to hand the Chagos Islands, which include the Diego Garcia military base, to Mauritius.

James Cartlidge, the Conservative Shadow Defence Secretary, said: “Iran’s nuclear programme has been a grave threat to Britain and our allies. That is why Conservatives supported the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last summer. Iran must never obtain a nuclear bomb.

“While speculative, if the US judges that further action is needed to deal with that specific threat, and if again we believe such action is in our national interest and to protect vital UK security interests, then we should grant the use of our bases if and where required, including RAF bases in the UK, and Diego Garcia.”

The UK is yet to give permission for the US to use British bases, because of fears that an attack on Iran would be a breach of international law, according to reports.

Any US action would be prompted by fears that Iran is pressing ahead with plans to create nuclear weapons. Mr Trump has also threatened the Iranian government with serious consequences if it kills protestors.

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Speaking at the first-ever meeting of his new Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, Mr Trump warned Iran it has 10 days to agree to deal on nuclear weapons.

He said: “We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal … you’re going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days”.

He also stated that he expects UK bases to be used in any potential attack. He said on social media on Wednesday: “Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the airfield located in Fairford in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime. An attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly countries.”

He added: “We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the UK, but they have to remain strong in the face of wokeism, and other problems put before them.”

The US has built up its forces in the Middle East in recent weeks, moving aircraft carriers, fighter jets, submarines and other resources to the region.