Trump Criticises Starmer Over UK Refusal to Support Initial Strikes on Iran
US President Donald Trump has launched a strongly personal attack on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the decision not to allow the US to launch initial strikes on Iran from British bases, describing the UK leader as far from the legacy of Winston Churchill.
In a series of interviews over the past 24 hours, Trump expressed frustration that Starmer initially hesitated before allowing US forces to use Diego Garcia for operations against Iranian missile facilities. Speaking to the Sun and the Telegraph, Trump said the UK’s response had been “very uncooperative” and took far too long to grant permission, highlighting what he perceives as a strained US–UK relationship.
“This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” Trump told reporters, emphasising his disappointment with the UK’s approach compared to other allies. He contrasted Starmer unfavourably with countries like France and praised the support of the NATO secretary general, Mark Rutte.
Despite Trump’s criticism, Starmer has defended the UK’s position, stressing that decisions are guided by Britain’s national interest. In the House of Commons, he stated the UK does not endorse “regime change from the skies” and defended the choice not to participate in the initial US strikes, while confirming that the UK would permit the use of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for defensive operations. These measures are aimed at protecting British citizens, UK forces, and allied countries in the region, which have been targeted in retaliatory strikes from Iran.
“President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest. That is what I have done, and I stand by it,” Starmer said on Monday.
UK Political Reactions
The decision has sparked debate at home. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, criticised Trump’s comments, saying: “I can’t help but wonder what Churchill would have made of Trump. He certainly ain’t no Franklin D Roosevelt.”
Meanwhile, Darren Jones, the Prime Minister’s chief secretary, emphasised that the UK will act to protect British citizens rather than participate in a broader war. He stated: “The public would rightly say they don’t want to be involved in a wider war in the Middle East, but they would expect us to do whatever we can to defend British citizens.”
Trump’s Broader Criticisms
Trump also criticised other European countries for refusing to participate in US operations. He warned Spain could face trade repercussions after Madrid denied access to US bases for Iranian strikes. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office, Trump complained about the delay in coordinating British support and referred to Diego Garcia as “that stupid island”, arguing that its use would have avoided extra flight hours for US forces.
Beyond the Iran strikes, Trump raised other points of contention with Starmer, including:
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The Changos Islands deal, which he said needs revision
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North Sea oil and gas exploration
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Immigration policies, urging stricter controls on individuals he claims “hate you”
Trump also speculated that Starmer might be attempting to court Muslim voters, while falsely claiming the existence of sharia courts in London, a claim that has no basis in UK law.
Public Opinion
A recent YouGov poll shows mixed feelings among Britons regarding the US strikes:
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49% oppose US strikes on Iran, while 28% support them
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Only 32% support the US using RAF bases for targeted missile strikes, while 50% oppose any UK involvement
These figures highlight the sensitive domestic context in which Starmer must navigate US pressure while addressing public concerns over involvement in Middle Eastern military operations.
Context
The tensions come amid a broader Middle East crisis, following US-Israeli operations against Iran that have triggered retaliatory missile strikes across the region. The debate underscores the delicate balance European leaders face: supporting allies like the US while ensuring their actions align with domestic priorities and international law.
By allowing the UK bases to be used defensively but refusing offensive participation in initial strikes, Starmer has sought to maintain strategic alignment with the US without becoming directly involved in acts that could be seen as aggressive regime change.
Despite Trump’s criticism, Starmer’s approach reflects a cautious, measured strategy that prioritises British national interests and civilian protection, while maintaining the special relationship with the United States, albeit under growing strain.
