Trump Denounces UK and Spain Over Iran Stance

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday publicly criticized the governments of the United Kingdom and Spain for not fully supporting his administration’s recent actions against Iran, and threatened potential economic repercussions.

Criticism of the United Kingdom

Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the UK’s response, stating, “I’m not happy with the UK,” and characterizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “not Winston Churchill.” This criticism stems from the UK’s decision not to directly participate in the assault on Iran launched by the US and Israel on Saturday.

Even as the UK allowed US fighter jets to use two of its air bases – one in Gloucestershire, England, and the other at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean – for a “specific and limited defensive purpose,” it prohibited the use of its bases in Cyprus. Trump noted the logistical challenges this created, stating, “It’s taken three, four days for us to work out where we can land. There would have been much more convenient landing there, as opposed to flying many extra hours,” referencing the longer flight to Diego Garcia.

Trump also criticized Starmer’s decision to return the Chagos Islands, where Diego Garcia is located, to Mauritius, instead of maintaining a lease agreement with the UK. He described the islands as “stupid islands” and lamented the potential loss of the base.

Criticism of Spain

Trump voiced strong disapproval of Spain, accusing the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of being “grossly incompetent and uncooperative” by not allowing the United States to utilize Spanish bases for attacks against Iran. He announced his intention to instruct Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to suspend “all dealings” with Spain, though the specific agreements affected remain unclear. CBS19 News

International Response

The criticisms come amid a broader international response to the US-led actions against Iran. Reports indicate that France is also hesitant to fully back the US campaign.

Key Takeaways

• President Trump has publicly criticized the UK and Spain for their responses to the recent US actions against Iran.
• The UK allowed limited use of its air bases but restricted access to bases in Cyprus.
• Trump threatened to end “all trade” with Spain due to its refusal to allow the use of its bases.
• The criticisms highlight growing tensions between the US and its allies over the handling of the situation with Iran.