Trump Says U.S.-UK Relationship Has Deteriorated After Starmer Hesitates on Iran Strikes

U.S. President Donald Trump said the long-standing U.S.-UK relationship has weakened after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially declined to provide full military backing for American strikes against Iran. In an interview with The Sun, Trump described the shift as “very sad,” adding that ties between the two allies are “not what they once were.”

Trump emphasized that while the United States did not require Britain’s assistance to conduct military operations in the Middle East, he believed the UK should have offered immediate support. “It’s not going to matter, but he should have helped,” Trump said, expressing disappointment in Starmer’s decision not to allow British bases to be used during the initial phase of the Iran operation. Starmer later confirmed that the UK would permit the U.S. to use its military bases for defensive strikes.

The U.S. president contrasted Britain’s response with that of other European allies, praising France and suggesting London’s position had been “much different from others.” Trump added that he was surprised by Starmer’s reluctance, stating, “I never thought I’d see that from the U.K. We love the U.K.”

Beyond the dispute over Iran, Trump broadened his criticism to include domestic issues under Starmer’s leadership. He argued that London has “changed for the worse,” criticized Mayor Sadiq Khan, and urged the British government to reopen North Sea energy exploration to address rising energy prices. Trump also called for stricter immigration controls, warning that Britain should prevent the entry of individuals who “hate you.”

Additionally, Trump revisited the controversial Chagos Islands deal, which involves transferring sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, labeling it “the woke island.”

The comments highlight growing tensions in U.S.-UK foreign policy coordination, particularly regarding Iran, defense cooperation, energy security, and immigration policy.