Trump Criticizes Starmer for UK's Refusal to Support Strikes on Iran
Donald Trump has once again lashed out at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over London's refusal to support offensive strikes on Iran, stating that the relationship between the two countries is "clearly not what it once was."
In an interview with The Sun, the American president unfavorably compared Starmer's stance to the support he said was provided by France and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for the operations.
"He hasn’t been helpful. I never thought I’d see this. I never thought I’d see this from the UK. We love the UK," Trump said, adding that this is "a totally different world" and "totally different relationships."
Starmer: "We Remember the Lessons of Iraq"
Earlier, Starmer made his strongest statement to date regarding Trump's actions in Iran. The Prime Minister emphasized that the UK does not believe in "regime change from the skies" and defended his decision not to allow the use of British bases for offensive operations.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Starmer questioned the legality of US actions in Tehran. "We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and have learned from them. Any UK action must always have a legal basis and a well-thought-out plan," he stated, explaining the principles guiding his decisions over the past weekend.
However, the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK will permit the use of its bases for defensive actions—protecting allied forces and states in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East that have faced retaliatory strikes from Iran following the US-Israeli operation.
Defense Yes, Offense No
The Prime Minister’s Chief Secretary, Darren Jones, confirmed that London has no intention of participating in offensive operations.
"The President’s disappointment, as far as can be judged from his statements, stems from the fact that we did not participate in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran. But, as the Prime Minister stated yesterday in the House of Commons, we will deploy British armed forces only when it serves British interests, has a clear plan, and a legal basis," Jones explained.
He added that the UK is now involved in defensive operations but has no intention of being drawn into a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Specific Steps by London
According to The Guardian, Starmer revealed that the Royal Air Force intercepted an Iranian drone heading toward a coalition base in Iraq, where British troops are stationed. Additionally, two drones were directed at the British airbase Akrotiri in Cyprus—attacks that occurred even before London’s Sunday statement on providing bases for defensive purposes.
It is expected that the UK will allow the US to use Fairford base in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands to strike so-called "missile cities" in Iran—facilities where high-speed ballistic missiles, Tehran’s most dangerous weapons, are stored and could be launched.
Trump Expands List of Grievances
Beyond Iran, Trump demanded that Starmer change course on several other issues: reconsider the Chagos Islands deal (previously supported by the US itself), ramp up oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, and toughen immigration policies.
When asked if Starmer was trying to win the support of Muslim voters, Trump replied that it "might be" the case. Darren Jones rejected this interpretation, stating that the UK acts in the interests of all British citizens regardless of their faith.
As a reminder, the first wave of US-Israeli strikes on Iran was carried out on Saturday, February 28. During the operation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders of the country were killed. In response, Iran launched a series of missile and drone strikes on targets in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and Oman.
