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Pete Hegseth Launches Thinly-Veiled Attack On UK Over Iran 'Hand-Wringing'

Pete Hegseth Launches Thinly-Veiled Attack On UK Over Iran 'Hand-Wringing'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Monday, March 2, 2026, in Washington. American defence secretary Pete Hegseth has attacked America’s “traditional allies” for “hemming and hawing about the use of force” amid the US - Israeli strikes on Iran. Israel and the US launched “pre-emptive” strikes to stop Iran acquiring nuclear weapons on Saturday. Hegseth’s comments appeared to be a thinly-veiled swipe at Keir Starmer, who initially refused to let America use UK bases to launch their attacks. Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” by the prime minister’s decision, prompting Starmer to hit back at him in the Commons. Hegseth joined in with this condemnation during a press conference on Monday. “ Israel has clear missions as well for which we are grateful,” he said. “Capable partners are good partners. “Unlike so many of traditional allies who wring their hands and clutch their pearls, hemming and hawing about the use of force. “America, regardless of what so called international institutions say, is unleashing the most lethal and precise air fire campaign in history.” Starmer announced on Sunday night that the UK would allow the US to use British bases to target Iranian weapons storage depots and missile launch sites. He said he was “protecting British interests and British lives” after Iran launched missile attacks on countries across the Middle East. Speaking in the Commons, the prime minister said: “President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes. “But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest. That is what I’ve done, and I stand by it.” Related... Hegseth: We're Hitting Iran 'Unapologetically' Donald Trump Says He's 'Very Disappointed' In Keir Starmer Over Iran What You Need To Know About The US-Israeli Strikes On Iran – And The UK's Role In The Chaos