Will Trump Bestow a Brexit Bonus on UK?

TEHRAN (Iran News) A working visit took place in July 2018. This trip was official but non-state. Trump met Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, not in London. This type of visit carries fewer formalities compared to a full state visit. The main purpose of the trip was primarily to discuss security and trade issues between the two countries, as well as Trump’s participation in a business forum.

The state visit occurred in June 2019. This trip was formally a state visit with all the ceremonies and extravagances that come with it. It represents the highest level of hosting a country can provide to another leader. During the visit, there were official welcome ceremonies with a ceremonial parade, a state luncheon at Buckingham Palace, and a formal banquet.

During her more than 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II granted full state visits to only three U.S. presidents: Barack Obama (2011), Donald Trump (2019) and Joe Biden (2023) – though this visit took place after the Queen’s death and was hosted by King Charles III.

Typically, each president receives only one official invitation for a state visit, usually late in their term. Trump’s invitation for a working visit in 2018 followed by a full state visit in 2019 was truly an exception.

One possible reason for this exception was the implicit reward for Brexit, Britain’s exit from the European Union and its rejection of cooperation with the euro. Although only implied, both sides clearly understood each other’s intentions.

The special and unique relationship between Britain and the U.S. (“The Special Relationship”) exists to maintain a bond vital for Britain’s security and economy, and for American influence in Europe. Brexit was a major success for the U.S., and after Brexit, Britain urgently needed to negotiate a new, significant trade agreement with the U.S. Hosting Trump appropriately could help advance this objective.

Within the framework of diplomatic considerations, British officials may have felt that a full state visit for Trump was necessary to better manage relations and influence his policies.

Thus, the two distinct invitations—a working visit and a full state visit—were highly unconventional in British royal diplomatic protocol, reflecting the strategic importance of the U.S.-U.K. relationship and likely Britain’s specific priorities at that time, particularly regarding the “reward” for Brexit.

Europe, of course, perceived this visit as a form of weakening and humiliation. It should be noted that the trip may also reflect Britain’s differing stance from its European partners in the E3 on Middle Eastern issues, especially Iran and the “trigger mechanism” (snapback sanctions).

Historically, Britain has often opposed Europe and aligned with the U.S. over the past century, creating hidden and behind-the-scenes agreements.

We must wait and carefully analyze what sparks beneath the surface may ignite this time.