Donald Trump confirmed he had spoken to Keir Starmer – but that he was “a little surprised” by the UK’s response
Donald Trump said he was “surprised” that it took so long for Keir Starmer to agree to let him use British air bases to strike targets to open up the Strait of Hormuz.
On his way to Palm Beach, Florida, Trump told reporters: “It’s been a very late response from the UK. A surprise because the relationship is so good. This has never happened before. They were pretty much our first ally all over the world. And they didn’t want us to us the island, the so called island, that for some reason they gave up the rights to it.”
Confirming he had spoken with Keir Starmer, he added: “I was a little surprised by the UK to be honest with you. They should have acted a lot faster.”
Trump was asked about plans to have U.S. forces further target Kharg Island in Persian Gulf, which is vital to Iran’s oil network.
He responded, “I may have a plan I may not” but said he wouldn’t tell reporters one way or the other.
“It’s certainly a place that people are talking about. But I can’t tell you that,” Trump added.
Earlier, Trump branded NATO partners as “cowards” for not directly joining operations to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer allowed the U.S. to use U.K. bases in the region for defensive operations a few days after the start of the war on Feb. 28, when Iran started launching missiles and drones around the Middle East, notably those on the other side of the Persian Gulf.
Under that agreement, US armed forces could use the bases to target Iran’s missiles and missile facilities.
HE said that Iran “from a military standpoint, they’re finished” but they’re “clogging up” the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said it would be a “simple military maneuver” to keep the vital shipping lane open but it requires help, which he described as “ships” and “volume.”
He said “it would be nice” if the countries that rely on the strait would get involved in helping to keep it open.
Asked by a reporter about the execution of three men accused of violence during Iran’s anti-government protests last year, Trump said it was “terrible.”
“These are thugs and animals and horrible people,” Trump said as he departed the White House. “Can’t hit anybody harder than we’ve hit them. But I’m not surprised, they executed three young people for protesting.”