Starmer, Trump Speak After Iran Row Over UK Refusal To Join Initial US Strikes

March 09, 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump have held their first conversation since tensions erupted over Britain’s refusal to participate in the initial US offensive strikes against Iran.

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Downing Street confirmed that the two leaders spoke about the escalating situation in the Middle East and ongoing military coordination between the UK and the United States.

According to a statement from No 10, the discussion included cooperation through the use of British airbases to support defensive operations in the region.

“The leaders began by discussing the latest situation in the Middle East and the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region,” the statement said.

During the call, Starmer also expressed condolences to the United States following the deaths of six American soldiers during the conflict.

The conversation comes after Trump publicly criticised Britain for refusing a US request to allow its bases to be used for the opening wave of offensive strikes on Iran.

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The UK government instead agreed to permit American forces to use British facilities only for defensive strikes aimed at intercepting Iranian missiles.

Trump voiced his frustration over the decision, suggesting the UK was hesitant to fully support the United States in the conflict.

minister during Blair’s government when Britain joined the Iraq war, said policymakers must learn lessons from that conflict.

She said those lessons included recognising that every decision about military involvement must prioritise the interests and safety of British citizens.

Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, warned Britain to be “very careful” about expanding its involvement in the war.

Mousavi cautioned that if British military bases or facilities were used in attacks against Iran, they could be treated as “legitimate targets.”