Keir Starmer reacts as he meets student researchers at Tyndall National Institute in Cork last Friday. A close ally of Donald Trump has compared Keir Starmer to a nun over the prime minister’s reluctance to let the US use British military bases to attack Iran . Senator John Kennedy said the UK was being “run by idiots” and insisted America does not actually need Britain’s help to conduct the war. His comments came amid rising tensions between Starmer and Trump, who spoke on the phone on Sunday night. A Downing Street spokesperson said the pair “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 PM is understood to be reluctant to agree to Trump’s latest request for the UK and other countries to send warships to the region to protect oil tankers trying to make their way through the Strait. Speaking on US television, Kennedy said: “The United Kingdom was founded by geniuses, but at the moment it’s being run by idiots.” He added: “I’m not a big fan of prime minister Starmer. Now he says ‘you can use our bases’. Thank you very much, it’s a little late. We don’t need you. “He also is trying to give President Trump advice about how to conduct the war. That’s a little but like seeking the advice of a nun about sex.” US Senator John Kennedy: “The United Kingdom is being run by idiots. “Taking advice from Keir Starmer is like asking a nun about sex.” pic.twitter.com/WzdS8ZuC2b — Peter Lloyd (@Suffragent_) March 13, 2026 Starmer initially refused Trump’s request for American jets to use RAF bases to carry out attacks on Iranian targets at the start of the war more than two weeks ago. The PM subsequently U-turned by allowing UK bases to be used, but only for “defensive” strikes on missile launch sites and storage depots. Related... Starmer Vows To Help Struggling Brits 'Whatever Challenges Lie Ahead' Amid Iran Chaos Iranian Spokesperson Sends UK Bleak Warning Over Helping Trump Keep Hormuz Open Piers Morgan Rips Into Donald Trump For Thinking He Could 'Pull A Venezuela' In Iran