Trump criticizes Starmer over delayed approval of base access in Iran strikes
Donald Trump expressed surprise at United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's "very late response" after ministers agreed to allow US forces to use British military bases for operations targeting Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The President stated that Britain should have acted significantly faster in permitting Washington access, describing it as a U-turn following Iran shifting its focus from nuclear ambitions toward regional strike capabilities.
Key Points
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1US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at, but did not stop, United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's delayed agreement on Friday (Mar 21) to allow US military use of British bases.
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2The UK agreed that its armed forces could be used for 'defensive operations' targeting Iranian missile sites threatening the Strait of Hormuz following a late decision by ministers in London and Washington.
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3Trump criticized Rishi Sunak's response as being too slow, stating he was surprised but acknowledging it is not his place to stop UK Prime Minister from making decisions on military bases.
Developments
US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the United Kingdom's delayed approval for American military use in British bases following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed 1,300 people. Downing Street confirmed Cabinet ministers approved expanded access to degrade Iranian missile sites threatening shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Washington urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to act sooner than expected given their strong relationship.
US President Donald Trump criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling his government's decision late and stating Britain should have acted faster. This follows a shift from previously allowing only limited access for targeting British interests in Iran sites threatening ships near the Strait of Hormuz to now permitting broader defensive operations against those missile installations.
US President Donald Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's "very late" decision, calling it an unprecedented delay despite their strong relationship. Downing Street subsequently approved expanded US access to British bases specifically degrading Iranian missile sites threatening ships in the Strait of Hormuz after previously restricting use solely for threats against Britain itself.