Donald Trump's Chilling Warning To Starmer Over Iran War Snub: 'We Will Remember'
Donald Trump has delivered a chilling warning to Keir Starmer over the prime minister’s initial refusal to let America use British air bases to bomb Iran.
The US president told the PM “we will remember” that decision as the war he launched alongside Israel continues.
Starmer turned down Trump’s request to use UK bases before the conflict began more than two weeks ago.
The prime minister relented 24 hours into the conflict after Iran launched retaliatory strikes on neighbouring countries in the Gulf.
However, US jets are only allowed to fly “defensive” operations from RAF sites as part of the agreement.
Speaking on board Air Force One on Sunday, Trump told reporters: “I don’t want them after we win the war, I want them before we start the war.
“I can say this, and I said it to them: we will remember.”
President Trump on Air Force One after he spoke to the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer,
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) March 16, 2026
"I don't want the UK after we win the war, I want them before"
"Whether we get their support or not"
"I can say this, and I said it to Keir Starmer"
"We will remember" pic.twitter.com/DUb7xxXzBM
Nevertheless, Trump has asked the UK and other countries to send warships to protect the Strait of Hormuz, where oil tankers are being attacked by the Iranians.
However, it is understood that the PM is reluctant to do so.
Trump and Starmer spoke on the phone on Sunday night.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The leaders discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to end the disruption to global shipping, which is driving up costs worldwide.
“The prime minister also expressed his condolences for the American service personnel who have lost their lives during the conflict. They agreed to keep in touch.”