The conversation took place on Sunday, less than a day after Trump publicly criticised the British prime minister over what he described as a lack of support for the US military campaign against Iran.
Starmer had earlier faced pressure from Trump due to his initial hesitation to authorise US military operations from British bases. However, the UK prime minister has now approved “defensive” US operations targeting Iranian missile sites to be launched from UK-controlled bases.
These include RAF Fairford in the UK and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Despite earlier urging Britain to provide naval assistance, Trump later said US forces no longer required such support, remarking that the United States did not need allies to join a conflict after it had already secured victory.
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that British forces had successfully intercepted an Iranian drone. Officials also said preparations for the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales were being stepped up, although no decision has yet been taken on its deployment.
A spokesperson from Starmer’s office said the prime minister also extended condolences to Trump and the American public following the deaths of six US soldiers during the conflict.
According to the statement, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and ongoing military cooperation, including the use of Royal Air Force bases to support collective self-defence efforts with regional partners.
