Keir Starmer speaks with Donald Trump after US President's blistering attacks on PM

Their conversation comes after President Trump described the UK as "our once great ally".

Sir Keir also offered "his heartfelt condolences" with President Trump and the American people over the death of six American soldiers in the conflict.

The spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.

"The leaders began by discussing the latest situation in the Middle East and the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region.

"The Prime Minister also shared his heartfelt condolences with President Trump and the American people following the deaths of six US soldiers.

"They looked forward to speaking again soon."

Sir Keir’s decision not to grant permission for the first wave of military action prompted a raft of criticism from Mr Trump in recent days, including a personal attack on the Prime Minister as being "not Winston Churchill."

The Prime Minister has now granted permission for "defensive" US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.

After reports that the UK was preparing an aircraft carrier to go to the Middle East, President Trump posted on Saturday that the UK was "initially giving thought" to sending two but said "we don’t need them any longer."

He added: "But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!"

Speaking to GB News, Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer, said Sir Keir had not been "humiliated" in the exchange.

He said: "I found in this job it's best not to focus on social media posts, to focus on substance

However, the Labour minister conceded there was "clearly a disagreement between our two countries".

However, Mr Falconer said the spat was "part of a much wider, deeper relationship", adding: "There is an important relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, which continues."

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said "sometimes we will disagree" as both countries act in their national interest.

She told Sky News: "We disagreed on the initial strikes that took place, and whether the UK should provide the basing support for them, but that is a legitimate thing for the UK Prime Minister to do."

Asked why the UK does not respond to the US president by telling him he is wrong, she said: "Keir Starmer’s style of doing politics is obviously very different, and I think that kind of calm, cool-headed approach to these big, serious, international issues… I really think that is right.

"We’re not going to do things in terms of the rhetoric or hyperbole, we’re going to do things on really practical, calm, steady decision-making. Because I think that is actually the British character more widely...to do things in a serious and steady way."

Downing Street also confirmed Sir Keir spoke to the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this afternoon.

A spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister began by condemning the indiscriminate attacks by Iran across the region and thanked His Highness for his nation’s continued support for British nationals currently in the UAE.

"The UK Government was working closely with commercial airlines and the UAE to increase capacity on routes back to the UK to assist those who wished to leave, the Prime Minister added.

"In addition to the RAF Typhoon jets that had been deployed to support partners in the Gulf, British counter drone advisers had also been working closely with UAE military specialists to support defensive operations in the region, the Prime Minister updated.

“The leaders agreed to stay in close touch."