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Starmer and Trump Hold First Call After Dispute Over UK Iran Policy

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Keir Starmer and Donald Trump spoke by phone on March 8, 2026
  • This was their first conversation since Trump’s criticism of the UK’s Iran policy
  • Downing Street said the leaders discussed Middle East security and military cooperation

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump held a phone conversation on March 8, 2026, following public disagreement over the United Kingdom’s position on military action involving Iran.

This call marked the first direct discussion between the UK Prime Minister and the US President since Trump publicly criticised the UK’s initial refusal to allow the use of British bases for US operations against Iran.

Downing Street stated that the two leaders addressed current developments in the Middle East and reviewed aspects of military cooperation, including the use of Royal Air Force bases to support the collective self-defence of regional partners.

Before the call, Donald Trump had repeatedly made public statements criticising Starmer’s approach to the situation, including references to the UK’s role in previous conflicts and comments on social media about the timing of British support.

What the numbers show

  • The phone call took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026
  • This was the first conversation between Starmer and Trump since the criticism over Iran policy
  • Trump’s public comments on the issue were made in early March 2026

Trump’s social media posts described the United Kingdom as “our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all,” and indicated that the US would remember the lack of British support during the initial stages of the military action.

Downing Street’s statement on the call highlighted discussions about the use of RAF bases, which were mentioned as part of ongoing support for collective defence efforts in the region.

Trump’s earlier criticism included remarks comparing Starmer to previous British leaders and questioning the timing of the UK’s involvement in the military response to Iran.

The diplomatic exchange followed several days of public statements and online posts by Trump, which focused on the UK’s initial decision regarding US requests for military base access.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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