Trump calls UK move to allow US to use bases ‘a very late response’ 

President Trump criticized the United Kingdom for a “late” response in authorizing the use of British bases for U.S. strikes against Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump on Friday criticized the United Kingdom’s decision to grant the U.S. military access to British bases for strikes against Iranian targets as “a very late response,” expressing surprise at the delay despite the “good” relationship between the two nations. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump specifically referenced the recent transfer of Diego Garcia to Mauritius, noting, “They didn’t want us to use the island, the so-called island which for some reason they gave up rights to it.” 

While U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office confirmed that ministers have now agreed to allow U.S. defensive operations to “degrade the missile sites and capabilities” threatening the Strait of Hormuz, the President continued his week-long rhetorical assault on allies, labeling those hesitant to police the shipping lane as “COWARDS” in a Truth Social post. Despite the President’s sharp rebuke that the U.K. “should have acted a lot faster,” the move follows a broader commitment from several international partners, including Japan and France, to assist in keeping the Strait open amid rising oil prices and Iranian aggression.

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