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Trump says US-UK relationship strained after Britain declined early role in Iran strikes
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UK PM Keir Starmer allowed bases for defensive use only, citing Iraq lessons
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Senior minister insists alliance remains strong despite Iran policy differences
U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced disappointment over what he described as a shift in relations between Washington and London following Britain’s reluctance to directly back American strikes on Iran.
In an interview with The Sun, Trump said it was “very sad” that the long-standing alliance appeared weaker than before.
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He argued that although the United States could prosecute operations in the Middle East alone, the United Kingdom should have offered more immediate support. Trump contrasted Britain’s position with that of France, which he praised for its backing.
“It’s not going to matter, but he should have helped,” Trump said, referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Starmer had earlier clarified that Britain would permit U.S. forces to use UK bases strictly for defensive purposes. Those facilities, however, were not used during the initial strike on Iran.
Reacting to Trump’s remarks, senior British minister Darren Jones defended the government’s cautious stance.
Speaking to Times Radio, he said the U.S.-UK partnership remains vital but stressed that past experiences — particularly the 2003 Iraq war — underscore the need for clear legal backing and coordinated international support before engaging in military action.