LONDON: U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the second time this week, expressing disappointment over what he sees as a weakening of the historic “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The tension arose after Britain initially declined to support U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Starmer said the UK did not participate in the assault on Tehran because any military involvement required a clear and carefully considered plan. He also stressed that he did not support “regime change from the skies.”
However, Britain later permitted the U.S. to use its military bases for what Starmer described as limited, defensive strikes aimed at reducing Iran’s capabilities. This decision followed Iranian drone and missile attacks on U.S. allies in the region. A British base in Cyprus was also targeted by a drone, reportedly linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Trump said he did not require Britain’s backing but found the delay disappointing. In interviews with British newspapers, he suggested the relationship was no longer as strong as before and praised France and Germany instead. Meanwhile, Starmer faces criticism at home from both left and right over his handling of the crisis.
