Tensions appear to be rising between the United States and the United Kingdom after President Donald Trump publicly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer over Britain’s response to recent US-Israeli military strikes on Iran.
In an interview with The Sun, Trump said he was “sad to see” the longstanding alliance between Washington and London weaken, describing Starmer as “not helpful” during what he called a critical moment. “It’s just a much different kind of relationship… It’s very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was,” Trump said in a telephone interview, adding, “We love the UK.”
The dispute follows coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian missile launch sites and storage facilities. While Starmer later granted permission for American forces to use British military bases for what he termed a “specific and limited defensive purpose,” he made clear that the UK would not participate in direct offensive operations against the Iranian government.
Speaking separately to The Telegraph, Trump said Starmer “took far too long” to approve access to British bases. He expressed frustration that the British leader initially withheld consent, suggesting the delay stemmed from concerns about the legality of the operation.
Addressing the UK Parliament, Starmer defended his decision, insisting it was his duty to act in Britain’s national interest. He maintained that the UK’s choice not to join the “initial” strikes was deliberate and carefully assessed, despite Washington’s dissatisfaction.
Government minister Darren Jones also backed the Prime Minister’s stance, stating that Britain would only support military action where there is a “legal basis” and a “clear plan” aligned with national interests.
“That’s why we were not involved in the initial strikes in Iran,” Jones said. “But it is also why we’ve consented to American air forces using our air bases and for British jets to be in the sky in order to defend British citizens who are currently in the region.”
Two UK bases — one in Gloucestershire, western England, and the joint UK-US facility on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean — have reportedly been cleared for American use.
Downing Street said Starmer authorised the move after Iranian missile activity over the weekend placed British interests and citizens at risk. Reflecting on past military interventions, the Prime Minister told Parliament: “We all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learnt those lessons.”
The public exchange underscores growing diplomatic friction between two nations traditionally viewed as close allies, as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
