US President Donald Trump has said the historic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is “not like it used to be,” following tensions over US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
In an interview with The Sun, Trump criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for initially refusing to allow the US to use British military bases in the conflict.
“This was the most solid relationship of all,” Trump said, adding that Washington now has strong ties with countries such as France and Germany. He described Starmer’s stance as “not helpful” and “very disappointing,” though he later called the UK’s limited approval for base use “useful.”
Starmer defended his decision in Parliament, saying he acted in Britain’s national interest. He later approved US use of UK bases for a “specific and limited defensive purpose” after Iranian missile activity posed risks to British interests.
The prime minister stressed that British bases in Cyprus were not being used by US bombers and said any UK involvement must be lawful and carefully planned, referencing lessons from the Iraq war.
Tensions remain high as both leaders exchange sharp remarks amid the escalating Middle East conflict.
