President Trump Calls Prime Minister Keir Starmer After Criticising His Iran Response, Discusses RAF Bases

US President Donald Trump phoned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after publicly criticising the UK’s initial refusal to allow US strikes from British bases.

“- Published Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have spoken for the first time since the US president angrily criticised the UK's Iran response”

BBC

News reports said Trump had criticised Starmer for initially refusing US requests to use British bases for strikes related to the US‑Israeli campaign in Iran.

BBC

The row generated public tension between the leaders.

Trump accused Britain of "join[ing] wars after we’ve already won" and called Starmer "not Winston Churchill."

Downing Street framed the call as a discussion of Middle East developments and military cooperation.

Following the call, Starmer agreed to limited use of RAF Fairford and the Diego Garcia base, and US bombers began operating from those sites.

Downing Street said the leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, military cooperation and the use of RAF bases to support collective self‑defence.

News18

Starmer offered condolences for six US service personnel killed in the conflict.

News18 reported both leaders said they looked forward to speaking again soon.

Starmer defended the policy change as having a lawful basis prompted by Iranian strikes on UK allies and interests.

“- Published Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have spoken for the first time since the US president angrily criticised the UK's Iran response”

BBC

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK will not join offensive action but will provide defensive support to protect partners and British citizens.

The BBC noted that RAF jets have been deployed to intercept missiles and drones.

Downplaying the row, the UK government said the leaders discussed using RAF bases to support collective self-defence.

Starmer offered condolences for six US service members killed in the conflict.

Both said they looked forward to speaking again soon.

The BBC reported the carrier HMS Prince of Wales was put on advanced readiness.

The BBC said HMS Dragon was being sent to bolster security around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

News18

The BBC reported a small drone caused minimal damage to RAF Akrotiri’s runway.

The BBC said former PM Tony Blair urged backing the US while opposition and Reform UK figures accused the government of damaging relations and failing to position ships promptly.

The BBC reported Iran’s ambassador warned the UK against further involvement, saying bases used against Iran could be treated as legitimate targets.

News18 said the UK government downplayed the row and said leaders discussed using RAF bases to support collective self‑defence.

News18 said Starmer offered condolences for six US service members killed in the conflict and that both leaders said they looked forward to speaking again soon.