Top Minister Insists UK–US Partnership Remains Strong Despite Trump’s Criticism Over Iran Conflict
- The UK–US alliance came under strain after President Donald Trump said ties were "obviously" not what they were
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended his decision not to join the initial strikes on Iran, citing lessons from Iraq
- Cabinet minister Darren Jones insisted cooperation remained strong, with British forces still supporting US operations in the Middle East
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, March 2, 2026, that it was “very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was”.
According to the BBC, he criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, saying he had “not been helpful” and adding: “It’s a different world, actually. It’s just a much different kind of relationship that we’ve had with your country before.”
Source: Getty Images
UK minister insists cooperation continues
Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, responded by stressing that the UK was still working closely with the US.
He explained that although Britain had not joined the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, “operationally” the relationship was “the same”. He pointed to British fighter jets supporting American forces in the Middle East and ongoing collaboration on intelligence and trade.
Starmer defended decision on Iran strikes
On Monday, March 1, 2026, Sir Keir told MPs that the UK government “does not believe in regime change from the skies”. He defended his refusal to allow US forces to use British bases for the first wave of attacks on Iran.
However, he later agreed to grant access for “defensive” strikes after Iranian retaliatory attacks targeted UK citizens and interests.
Sir Keir has faced political challenges in recent weeks, including the loss of a parliamentary by-election in Greater Manchester to the Green Party.
Trump suggested that the prime minister “has got his own difficulties” and hinted that his stance on Iran might be linked to domestic politics.
Lessons from Iraq shaped UK's position
Sir Keir told MPs that his decisions were guided by the “lessons of Iraq”. He stressed the importance of ensuring a lawful basis for military action and a clear, achievable objective. “That is the principle that I applied to the decisions that I made over the weekend,” he said.
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
US objectives in Iran remain unclear
Trump initially said the aim was to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime”. Later, he stated the US sought to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities, prevent nuclear development, and weaken its support for proxy groups.
When asked about the legality of US actions, Darren Jones said:
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“It’s not for me to comment on the legal basis of actions taken by other countries. That’s for the Americans to explain and for any international court that they recognise to come to a judgement.”
Source: Getty Images
Trump kicks as UK rejects war
Legit.ng earlier reported that US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over Britain’s decision not to join military strikes against Iran.
Trump further said it was “sad to see” that relations with the UK were not what they were.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
