Starmer, Trump seal UK-US military cooperation after dispute over Iran
World News Starmer, Trump seal UK-US military cooperation after dispute over Iran Published on March 9, 2026 By Wale Odunsi googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump discussed the operation in Iran on Sunday after the United Kingdom’s initial neutral stance on the strikes by the United States and Israel. The leaders talked about the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the UK-US “military cooperation” through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region. According to a readout from Downing Street, Starmer also shared his heartfelt condolences with President Trump and the American people over the death of U.S. soldiers in Kuwait. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); Britain had refused to join its ally after the maiden strikes in Iran on February 28. The ideal solution is to reach an agreement with Tehran where they stop pursuing nuclear weapons, Starmer argued. “I decided the UK wouldn’t take part in the first attacks on Iran by the US and Israel,” he said, explaining the decision was “deliberate” and in the best interest of the country. In his reaction, Trump criticized Starmer for Britain’s delayed participation after London announced it was sending aircraft carriers, writing: “We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won.” Starmer, however, spoke with the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, confirming British experts are working with UAE specialists on defensive operations, in addition to the RAF Typhoon jets assisting partners in the Gulf. Last week, the UK deployed HMS Dragon and Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, armed with Martlet drone-busting missiles. The assets join its earlier stationed radar systems, air defence, and F-35 jets. Defence Secretary John Healey said the deployment became necessary due to “Iran’s reckless attacks” on British interests in the region. An Iranian drone hit a UK military base in Cyprus on March 1. Don't Miss Israel plans surprises to destabilize Iran’s regime – Netanyahu You may like Israel plans surprises to destabilize Iran’s regime – Netanyahu Trump reacts as Mojtaba Khamenei selected Iran’s new Supreme Leader Iran nuclear weapon: Trump reveals when oil prices will drop Iran: Starmer told to cancel King Charles’ state visit to US after Trump’s comments Everything to know about Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei Iran declares Mojtaba Khamenei Supreme Leader