US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for withholding full support during the ongoing conflict with Iran, describing the leader as ‘unhelpful’ and lamenting the deterioration of the historic US-UK ‘special relationship.’
Fractured Alliance Amid Escalating Conflict
Trump highlighted the shift, stating, ‘This was the most solid relationship of all. And now we have very strong relationships with other countries in Europe. I never thought I’d see that from the UK. We love the UK.’ He described the current state as ‘not like it used to be’ and labeled the breakdown ‘very sad.’
The tensions follow US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes triggered widespread chaos, with Iran retaliating via missile attacks on Dubai, Jordan, Israel, and Qatar.
Starmer initially declined to endorse the US-Israel operation but later permitted the use of British military bases for defensive purposes. Trump remains unimpressed, noting, ‘It’s a different world, actually. It’s just a much different kind of relationship that we’ve had with your country before. It’s very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was.’
Criticism of UK Policies
Trump expressed bewilderment over the changes, saying, ‘The people of the UK, who I have a great relationship with, who I love, are sorry to hear it also… I don’t get it. But you know what? I just… I wish him a lot of luck.’
He also targeted UK immigration policies, observing, ‘It’s also not such a recognisable country. London is a very different place, with a terrible mayor. Stop people from coming in from foreign lands who hate you.’
Offering direct advice amid Labour’s polling struggles, Trump recommended, ‘Two very simple things. Open up the North Sea. Immediately. Your energy prices are through the roof. And stop people from coming in from foreign lands who hate you.’
Confidence in Military Dominance
On the broader war effort, Trump asserted, ‘I can tell you that we’re doing very well… it’s a very dominant power. We are a very dominant power over and above everybody, and we’re doing very well.’
