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Leaders discuss Middle East crisis in first conversation since Trump's rebuke
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone for the first time since Trump publicly criticized Britain's response to the Iran conflict, Downing Street confirmed on Monday.
Call focuses on regional security and military cooperation
A Downing Street statement said the two leaders addressed the evolving situation in the Middle East and ongoing UK-US military collaboration. The discussion included the use of Royal Air Force bases to support defensive operations in the region.
Starmer also extended condolences to Trump and the American people following the deaths of six US service members in recent attacks.
Trump's criticism and UK's defensive stance
Trump had earlier dismissed Britain's potential deployment of aircraft carriers to the Middle East, posting on social media that the US "doesn't need people that join wars after we've already won." He described the UK as "our once great ally" and expressed frustration over Starmer's refusal to allow US offensive strikes from British bases.
Starmer has maintained that the UK will not participate in offensive actions but has permitted the US to use British facilities for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the decision, stating the government would "stand up for Britain's interests" and not "outsource" its foreign policy.
"It is our job as the UK government to decide what's in the UK national interest, and that doesn't mean simply agreeing with other countries."
Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secretary
Divided reactions from UK political figures
Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, who led the UK into the 2003 Iraq War, argued at a private event that Britain should have supported the US strikes from the outset, calling the US an "indispensable cornerstone" of UK security. Cooper, who served as a junior minister during Blair's premiership, acknowledged the need to "learn lessons" from past conflicts, emphasizing decisions must prioritize British citizens.
Reform UK's Robert Jenrick criticized Starmer's handling of the situation, claiming his "vacillation" had "damaged relations with the US significantly." Meanwhile, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused the government of a "dereliction of duty" for not deploying warships to Cyprus or the Middle East ahead of the conflict.
Military deployments and Iranian warnings
The UK has sent RAF jets to the region to intercept missiles and drones launched by Iran at allied nations. The aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has been placed on high alert, though the government has not confirmed plans to deploy it. HMS Dragon, equipped with air defense systems, is set to sail to the Mediterranean next week to reinforce security at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Iran's ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, warned Britain to exercise caution, stating that any facilities used against Iran would be considered "legitimate targets." Cooper confirmed the UK would provide defensive support to partner countries where British citizens are present.
Calls to cancel royal visit amid diplomatic tensions
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the cancellation of King Charles's upcoming state visit to the US, arguing that it would be perceived as a "diplomatic coup" for Trump, who has "repeatedly insulted and damaged our country." Davey linked the conflict to rising energy costs for British households.
