Trump Says UK-US Relations “Very Sad” Amid Tensions Over Iran Strikes

US President Donald Trump has expressed disappointment over the current state of relations between the United States and the United Kingdom, calling the historical alliance “not like it used to be.” His comments follow a diplomatic disagreement regarding US and Israeli strikes against Iran, in which the UK initially refused to participate in the offensive.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told parliament on Monday that his government “does not believe in regime change from the skies” and initially declined any role in the US-led actions. He later granted limited permission for the use of two UK military bases for defensive purposes, including RAF facilities in Gloucestershire and the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, following Iranian missile activity that put British interests at risk.

Trump, speaking to The Sun, criticised Starmer’s initial refusal, describing it as “very disappointing” and saying the UK had “not been helpful.” He highlighted that US relations with other European nations, including France and Germany, were “very strong” while lamenting the perceived decline in the so-called “special relationship” with Britain, which has historically been grounded in defence cooperation and intelligence sharing.

Also Read: Indian Embassy In Muscat Issues Oman Visa Advisory Amid Rising Iran-Israel-US Tensions

Government minister Darren Jones defended Starmer’s decision, explaining that UK involvement in military action must have a “legal basis” and a “clear plan” aligned with national interests. Starmer’s office reiterated that the decision came after Iranian missile strikes threatened British citizens and assets, while clarifying that US bombers were not using the RAF base at Akrotiri in Cyprus, which had been recently targeted by an unmanned drone.

The controversy reflects lingering sensitivity in the UK over military engagements abroad, particularly the 2003 Iraq war, which remains a politically and emotionally charged reference point. An official inquiry later concluded that former Prime Minister Tony Blair had acted on flawed intelligence in joining the conflict, resulting in significant UK casualties.

Analysts note that Starmer faces a “tight diplomatic tightrope.” Evie Aspinall of the British Foreign Policy Group said the UK must balance supporting the US to protect security interests and demonstrate European value while remaining cautious of engagement in conflicts that could escalate global insecurity, especially given perceptions of US unpredictability.

Also Read: MEA Advises Stranded Foreign Nationals In India To Approach FRRO Amid US-Iran Tensions