Trump speaks with UK leader after slamming him for joining war the US ‘already won’

The dispute stems in part from Britain’s decision not to participate in offensive operations against Iran.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held their first conversation since the American leader publicly criticized Britain’s response to the conflict involving Iran, Downing Street said after a call in which the two discussed developments in the Middle East and military coordination between their countries, the BBC reports.

According to a statement from the British government, the leaders addressed “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-defense of partners in the region.”

Downing Street said Starmer also conveyed condolences following the deaths of six US soldiers and that the two leaders “looked forward to speaking again soon.”

The conversation followed days of tension after Trump criticized Britain’s approach to the conflict.

The president wrote on social media that the UK was considering sending aircraft carriers to the Middle East but dismissed the idea, saying “we don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!” He also referred to Britain as “our once great ally.”

The dispute stems in part from Britain’s decision not to participate in offensive operations against Iran.

Starmer has said the UK would not take part in such actions, though London has permitted the United States to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites.

Trump has also expressed anger over the prime minister’s refusal to allow US forces to use UK facilities during the opening phase of offensive strikes.

Earlier this week, the president said he was “not happy with the UK,” adding that Starmer was “no Winston Churchill.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the government’s position, saying the prime minister was “right to stand up for Britain’s interests.” She added that Britain would not agree with the United States “on every issue.”

Iran’s ambassador in London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, warned Britain against deeper involvement, saying that “if facilities or properties or bases are used against the Iranian nation,” they would be considered “legitimate targets.”