The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has accused the United Kingdom of taking “far too long” to allow American forces to use British airbases in military operations against Iran.
In comments to the Daily Telegraph, Trump also said he was “very disappointed” in the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, over the UK government’s proposed agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The arrangement is designed to safeguard the long-term future of the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
Dispute over use of UK airbases
Although Starmer and his ministers did not publicly oppose the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, the UK initially declined to allow American forces to operate from Diego Garcia or other British bases. Government sources cited concerns over the legality of the strikes under international law.
Following a wave of retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Middle East — including one that struck a UK airbase in Cyprus — Starmer reversed the position and authorised US access.
Trump argued the delay was unprecedented in modern Anglo-American relations.
“It took far too much time,” he said. “That’s probably never happened between our countries before. It sounds like he was worried about the legality.”The US president suggested Britain should have immediately granted permission, accusing Iran of responsibility for numerous casualties, including British victims of past attacks. He did not provide specific details to support the claim.
Tensions over the Chagos Islands deal
The disagreement extends beyond military cooperation. The UK government has been advancing legislation to formalise the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while securing continued joint use of the Diego Garcia base.
The proposal has had a complicated reception in Washington. While previously describing it as the “best” arrangement available, Trump later criticised the move, calling it a mistake and characterising it as overly conciliatory.
“All of a sudden [Mauritius] was claiming ownership,” Trump said. “He should have fought it out and owned it.”The legislation to complete the transfer is currently paused at its final parliamentary stage. Starmer has stated the agreement will not proceed without US backing.
Scope of the Iran operation
Trump described the military campaign against Iran as progressing faster than expected.
“We always anticipated four weeks,” he said. “We also anticipated two to three weeks to take out some of the leadership, but we’ve taken out all of it in one day.”He has offered mixed messages about the strategic objective of the operation — at times suggesting the goal is to encourage popular uprising within Iran, while also leaving open the possibility of negotiations with successors to Iran’s supreme leadership.
Read More: Trump says ‘likely more’ deaths of US troops to come before Iran conflict ends
FAQs
Why did the UK initially refuse US access to its airbases?
The British government cited concerns about the legality of the initial strikes under international law. Under UK constitutional practice, military cooperation must comply with domestic and international legal obligations.
Why is Diego Garcia strategically important?
Diego Garcia hosts a major joint UK-US military base in the Indian Ocean. Its location allows rapid deployment across the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia, making it a critical logistics and air operations hub.
What is the Chagos Islands dispute about?
Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, which were separated from it by the UK before Mauritian independence. International legal bodies have previously questioned the legality of Britain’s continued control. The proposed deal would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia for continued military use.
Has the US always opposed the Chagos deal?
No. Trump initially described the agreement as the best available option before later criticising it. The US State Department has previously supported maintaining uninterrupted access to Diego Garcia regardless of sovereignty arrangements.
What are the stated goals of the strikes on Iran?
Trump has been unclear. He has mentioned weakening Iranian leadership, encouraging internal political change, and potentially engaging in talks with successors to the country’s leadership.
Conclusion
Trump’s remarks highlight emerging strains in the traditionally close US–UK alliance. The dispute reflects deeper tensions over legal oversight, sovereignty questions in the Indian Ocean, and strategic coordination during rapidly escalating military conflict.
While both governments continue to emphasise the strength of their partnership, disagreements over the timing of military cooperation and the future of the Chagos Islands underscore the delicate balance between legal caution, geopolitical strategy, and domestic political pressures on both sides of the Atlantic.
