Trump: 'I Am Very Disappointed in Starmer over Iran'
•March 2, 2026
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Why It Matters
The episode spotlights strains in the US–UK special relationship and could complicate future joint military planning, raise questions about legal limits on bases like Diego Garcia, and fuel domestic political scrutiny of Starmer’s foreign-policy judgment.
Summary
Former President Donald Trump told the speaker he was “very disappointed” in UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for initially withholding permission to use the UK-administered Diego Garcia base for strikes in Iran. Trump said the delay set US operations back, calling Starmer’s stance “woke” and accusing him of effectively ceding sovereignty to Mauritius. The exchange followed a phone call Trump described as brief and blunt, with the president and his generals reportedly frustrated at the UK’s hesitation after less than 48 hours of conflict. The dispute highlights tensions over legal and diplomatic constraints on allied military cooperation.
Original Description
Donald Trump has told The Telegraph he is “very disappointed” in Sir Keir Starmer for blocking him from using Diego Garcia to carry out strikes on Iran.
Britain had denied the US permission to conduct strikes from bases such as Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, citing international law. However, the Prime Minister relented on Sunday night and said he would allow the US access to Diego Garcia for “specific and limited defensive purposes”.
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