LONDON: US President Donald Trump expressed regret over what he described as a cooling of the historically strong US-UK relationship, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s initial hesitation to grant military support for strikes against Iran.
In interviews with British media outlets, Trump praised France for its cooperation and noted that he had not anticipated a change in what he called “the most solid” partnership.
“It’s very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was,” Trump said, adding that Britain should have acted more promptly to support US operations, according to Reuters.
Starmer, however, maintained that Britain’s national interest and adherence to international law guided his decisions. He confirmed that while the UK allowed the US to use British bases for defensive purposes, it would not participate in offensive strikes.
Speaking in parliament, Starmer emphasized lessons learned from the 2003 Iraq invasion, noting, “We all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons. Any UK action must have a lawful basis and a clearly thought-out plan.”
The British Prime Minister authorized limited US use of the Diego Garcia base on Sunday, citing the need to protect the 300,000 Britons in the region amid Iranian drone and missile attacks.
Opposition parties and figures like Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the decision as a delayed response, but Starmer defended it as a measured and lawful approach.
Senior minister Darren Jones told Times Radio that while the US-UK alliance remains vital, Britain must carefully weigh international alignment and legality before military involvement.
Starmer’s office reiterated that bilateral relations with the US, including with Trump, remain strong despite disagreements over timing and strategy.
Trump also criticized the deal Starmer negotiated regarding the Chagos Islands, where Diego Garcia is located, though he acknowledged that allowing US operations from the base was strategically beneficial.
The dispute comes in the context of ongoing US and Israeli air strikes against Iran, which have heightened regional tensions following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Starmer vowed to continue defending British nationals and allies while refraining from “regime change from the skies.”
