U.S. President Donald Trump criticised U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the U.K.’s refusal to support the initial U.S.-Israel offensive strikes on Iran, saying the U.S.-U.K. relationship was “not like it used to be”. Mr Starmer had not permitted the U.S. access to U.K. bases initially, later, permitting access for “agreed defensive purposes” only.
The relationship was the “most solid relationship of all,” Mr. Trump told The Sun newspaper, adding, “And now we have very strong relationships with other countries in Europe.” The relationship between London and Washington, which is often referred to as “special relationship” by both governments and Mr. Trump, whose mother was British, has often professed a fondness for Britain.
Trump ‘very disappointed’ with Starmer for initially blocking use of air bases
“He [Mr. Starmer] has not been helpful... I never thought I’d see that from the U.K. We love the U.K.,” Mr. Trump said as per reports.
Addressing the House of Commons on Monday (March 2, 2026) evening, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had said there was a “deliberate” decision not to get involved in the initial U.S.-Israel strike on Iran, which began on Saturday (February 28, 2026) morning, and that the U.K. preferred instead to pursue a negotiated settlement.
