Chris Mason: Trump calls Starmer as US and Europe diverge on Iran strikes

Chris Mason: Trump calls Starmer as US and Europe diverge on Iran strikes

The recent telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was reportedly short and initiated by the White House. According to the official summary released by Downing Street, the discussion covered the situation in the Middle East in broad terms, avoiding detailed disclosures. Notably, the UK, alongside France and Germany, has neither participated in nor endorsed the military strikes carried out by the US and Israel against Iran.

Sir Keir Starmer has consistently condemned Iran’s actions, particularly its retaliatory attacks on Israel and several Gulf countries hosting US military bases over the recent weekend. He made it clear that British aircraft operating in the region are there solely for defensive purposes, acting within international law to protect allies under threat from Iranian strikes.

Political responses within the UK have largely split along party lines. Conservative and Reform UK members criticize Sir Keir for what they see as a lack of robust support for the US, including not making British bases available to American forces. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party have openly questioned the prudence of President Trump’s approach to the conflict.

The government is also deeply concerned about the safety of British nationals in the Middle East, including travelers passing through major regional airports. To address this, the Foreign Office has implemented a “Register Your Presence” system for Britons in the area, enabling authorities to monitor their whereabouts and maintain communication. There are additional worries about potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global trade and oil shipments near Iran, and the broader economic consequences such blockades might trigger, including impacts on inflation, interest rates, and fuel prices. After a turbulent start to 2026 on multiple fronts—whether international developments in places like Venezuela and Greenland or domestic political challenges—the current Middle East crisis stands out as a critical moment with significant and unpredictable implications

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