U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke by phone on Sunday as tensions between Washington and Westminster deepened over the conflict involving Iran. The call came less than a day after Trump criticised Britain’s response to U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.
According to Downing Street, the two leaders discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East and military cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom, including the use of British airbases for regional defence operations. Starmer also expressed condolences over the deaths of several U.S. service members killed during the ongoing crisis.
The call followed a week of sharp criticism from Trump, who accused the British government of failing to support the U.S. campaign against Iran strongly enough. The U.S. president said he was “not happy with the UK” and suggested Britain had tried to join the conflict only after Washington had already secured victory.
Trump also criticised Starmer personally, saying the British leader was “no Winston Churchill”, as tensions between the two allies became increasingly public.
The dispute began after Britain declined to take part in the initial U.S.-led strikes on Iranian targets. The British government said any decision to join military action must have a clear legal basis and a defined strategy.
Despite refusing to participate in the wider offensive campaign, Westminster later approved the limited use of British airbases for defensive operations supporting allied forces in the region. British fighter jets have also been deployed to intercept Iranian missiles and drones targeting allied countries.
Speaking on Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the prime minister’s approach, saying Starmer was right to prioritise Britain’s interests.
She said that while the United States remains one of the UK’s closest allies, the two countries will not necessarily agree on every foreign policy decision. Cooper added that Britain would continue providing defensive support when Iranian attacks threaten partner countries where British citizens are living.
Trump reportedly lashed out at Netanyahu on Monday over Israel's escalation in Lebanon, describing the Israeli leader as "crazy" and warning that furt...
The launch ceremony marking the commissioning of the modernised Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line was held at Akhalkalaki station in Georgia on 2 J...
When Armenians vote on 7 June, they will be voting in an election shaped by months of political change and a rapidly deepening relationship with the E...
Okinawa lost transport links and suffered widespread power outages on Monday (1 June) as Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought destructive winds and he...
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said on Monday that his government would begin legal proceedings to remove President Tamás Sulyok if he contin...
Trump reportedly lashed out at Netanyahu on Monday over Israel's escalation in Lebanon, describing the Israeli leader as "crazy" and warning that further military action would deepen Israel's international isolation, according to a report by Axios.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 2 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Denmark’s Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen said on Monday (1 June) she has agreed to form a new centre-left coalition government, securing a third consecutive term as prime minister amid heightened diplomatic tensions with the United States over Greenland.
Iran really wanted to make a deal with the U.S. and that it would be a good one for Washington and its allies, President Donald Trump said on Monday.
Okinawa lost transport links and suffered widespread power outages on Monday (1 June) as Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought destructive winds and heavy rain to Japan's south-western islands.
Competing narratives continue to shape perceptions of the war in Ukraine, with Russian leadership suggesting a possible end phase while Ukrainian officials warn of renewed large-scale attacks and ongoing escalation risks.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with Lebanese President and Israeli Prime Minister on efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon. According to a U.S. official, Washington has proposed a plan aimed at achieving a gradual de-escalation of hostilities.
Unsealed records from the U.S. Department of Justice have renewed scrutiny of lawyer Robert Amsterdam after documents revealed communications between his law firm and Jeffrey Epstein's office. The disclosures have drawn attention because of Amsterdam's prominent role in Armenia.
When Armenians vote on 7 June, they will be voting in an election shaped by months of political change and a rapidly deepening relationship with the European Union. The result may not only determine who governs Armenia but also the future direction of the country's geopolitical alignment.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said on Monday that his government would begin legal proceedings to remove President Tamás Sulyok if he continues to reject calls to resign.
Hundreds of people were left homeless after a massive fire in Indonesia's capital Jakarta affected more than 300 houses, according to state-run media on Tuesday.
Competing narratives continue to shape perceptions of the war in Ukraine, with Russian leadership suggesting a possible end phase while Ukrainian officials warn of renewed large-scale attacks and ongoing escalation risks.
Russian drones and missiles pounded the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities early on Tuesday, killing at least 11 people and wounding more than 100, authorities said, following days of warnings about Moscow's plans for a major assault.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 2 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment