Donald Trump said he was 'very disappointed' with Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the British leader initially blocked the United States from using British military bases to launch strikes against Iran. The American president suggested the refusal was unprecedented and criticized Sir Keir for taking too long to approve the request.

Sir Keir later confirmed that American forces would be allowed to operate from British bases for what he described as specific and limited defensive purposes, following missile and drone attacks by Iran across the region. He said the decision was aimed at protecting British nationals and allies, stressing that British forces would not directly take part in the strikes.

The move has sparked political turmoil at home, with opposition figures accusing the government of weakness and some Labour members expressing anger over any support for military action. The decision comes amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East, including retaliatory strikes and attacks near British facilities, raising concerns for hundreds of thousands of British citizens in the region.