Trump Expresses Disappointment Over UK-US Ties Following Airbase Dispute

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump said he is “very sad” that relations between Washington and London are “not what it was,” following a disagreement with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the use of UK airbases in strikes against Iran. Trump had criticized Starmer for taking “far too long” to grant permission for American forces to operate from British soil.

In a phone interview published Tuesday, Trump remarked: “It’s a different world, actually. It’s just a much different kind of relationship that we’ve had with your country before. It’s very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was.”

He contrasted Starmer’s approach with France’s backing of the operation and the support shown by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Referring to the British leader, Trump said: “He has not been helpful. I never thought I’d see that. I never thought I’d see that from the UK. We love the UK.”

Starmer had earlier defended his initial refusal to allow British bases to be used in the first wave of strikes, stating that the UK does not support “regime change from the skies.” He later explained that developments on Sunday — including what he described as Iran’s “outrageous” response — altered the situation, as it posed a threat to British citizens and allies.

That same day, a drone heading toward a British military base in Cyprus was intercepted.

Following these events, Starmer approved the US request to use UK bases for “defensive” strikes targeting Iranian missile sites.

Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the government’s handling of the matter, accusing it of being “too scared” to adopt a firmer position toward Iran.

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