© EPA/SHAWN THEW / POOL The US president accused allies of inaction.
The US President, Donald Trump, voiced concerns this Friday, stating the UK's response regarding the permission for the US to utilize British territories for targeting Iranian assets, specifically concerning the Hormuz Strait blockage, was “delayed.”
“That’s quite a late reaction, Great Britain,” Trump articulated when responding to a query from The Hill while addressing journalists outside the White House, prior to his departure for Florida over the weekend.
“I was taken aback, considering the strong relationship we share,” he continued.
“However, such a situation hadn’t arisen previously. They were, in fact, our initial ally… They hesitated to allow us access to an island – a self-designated island – to which they had relinquished rights for reasons unknown,” Trump remarked.
The Diego Garcia island, an element of the Chagos Archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean, had been transferred to Mauritius, where both the United States and Great Britain maintained a shared naval and air installation.
“Yet, this situation is unprecedented,” he reiterated. “Britain’s reaction somewhat surprised me. They should have responded with greater haste.”
Trump’s pronouncements followed an announcement from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, indicating a governmental assembly convened on Friday to deliberate on Iran’s obstruction of the Strait, along with Tehran’s aggressions against defenseless commercial ships and non-military infrastructure, inclusive of oil and gas complexes.
NATO's fate depends on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz — WP
“Ministers denounced Iran’s escalation in broadening its target list to encompass international maritime vessels. They concurred that Iran’s imprudent acts of aggression, particularly those directed at vessels flying the British flag, as well as those belonging to our close allies and collaborators in the Gulf region, pose a threat to heighten the existing regional instability and exacerbate the economic repercussions already felt within the UK and globally,” a spokesperson from Downing Street conveyed.
According to the spokesperson, the ministers affirmed that the agreement concerning the US utilization of British territories, operating within the framework of collective regional self-defense, encompasses US protective actions intended to diminish the efficacy of missile sites and capabilities employed in assaults against vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Over the recent week, Trump has consistently voiced sharp criticism towards US allies, citing their reluctance to contribute to managing the Strait.
“They express discontent over the elevated oil costs they’re compelled to bear, yet they refrain from aiding in the opening of the Strait of Hormuz – a straightforward military operation that constitutes the primary catalyst for these prices. It’s remarkably simple for them to undertake with minimal risk. COWARDS, and we WILL REMEMBER!” Trump posted on Truth Social this Friday.
These declarations were issued despite the fact that just the day before, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands had all voiced their readiness to participate in endeavors aimed at securing the unimpeded access to the Strait of Hormuz.