US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming the US-UK relationship has weakened over the handling of recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Trump said Starmer was “not helpful” and that ties between the two allies are “not like they used to be.”
The criticism follows Starmer’s decision to allow US forces limited access to British bases while avoiding direct participation in offensive operations against Iran. Trump said Starmer took too long to approve base use, attributing the delay to legal concerns.
Starmer defended his actions in Parliament, emphasizing that Britain must act in its national interest. UK ministers stressed that initial non-involvement was deliberate, with US air forces now cleared to operate from British bases, including Diego Garcia and Gloucestershire.
The exchange highlights growing diplomatic friction as the US maintains a dominant stance in Middle East operations, while the UK prioritizes legal, strategic, and safety considerations for its citizens and interests.
