US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over what he described as a delay in permitting American forces to use British military bases for strikes targeting Iran. The remarks came during an interview with the Daily Telegraph, as tensions continue to rise amid escalating military activity in the region.
Trump criticises delay over base access
Trump said he was "very disappointed" with Starmer's initial decision to block the US from operating out of British bases. According to the US president, the approval process took longer than expected, particularly concerning strategic locations such as the Chagos Islands.
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"That's probably never happened between our countries before," Trump was quoted as saying by Independent, adding, "It sounds like he was worried about the legality."
Starmer later announced on Sunday that US forces would be allowed to operate from British bases, though only in a limited capacity focused on targeting missile sites.
Focus on Diego Garcia and regional tensions
Trump specifically pointed to complications surrounding Diego Garcia, a key military facility in the Chagos Islands, during his interview. The decision came amid heightened security concerns following Iranian actions in the region.
The situation intensified after an attack on a Royal Air Force airfield in Cyprus, where an “unmanned drone” struck the runway at RAF Akrotiri.
Political pressure grows in the UK
The UK government is now facing mounting criticism from opposition leaders. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said, "It took Iranian missiles hitting allies in the Middle East and a UK base in Cyprus before Starmer finally approved the use of our bases, and this morning the Foreign Secretary still can’t say if the Labour government supports the action against Iran."
Officials are also monitoring the safety of British nationals abroad. Around 300,000 Britons are believed to be in affected countries, with 102,000 registered with the Foreign Office for updates as authorities consider options, including a possible mass evacuation.
