Trump Blasts UK’s Starmer for Refusing to Join Iran Strikes, Suggests PM Is ‘Pandering’ to Muslim Voters
President Donald Trump is publicly attacking British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the United Kingdom refused to join U.S. strikes on Iran, accusing the Labour leader of appeasing Muslim voters instead of standing with America.
In a phone interview with The Sun on Monday, Trump expressed frustration over Britain’s decision not to participate in the initial wave of U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The president suggested Starmer’s reluctance was politically motivated.
When asked whether Starmer was pandering to Muslim voters in the UK, Trump replied, “It could be.”
“He has not been helpful. I never thought I’d see that. I never thought I’d see that from the UK. We love the UK,” Trump said, according to The Sun.
Trump went further, criticizing London itself. “London is a very different place, with a terrible Mayor. You have a terrible Mayor there, some terrible people. But it’s a very different place,” he added, suggesting Britain is “not such a recognisable country” anymore.
The remarks mark a sharp escalation in transatlantic tensions as conflict in West Asia intensifies. The United Kingdom declined to join Operation Epic Fury — also referred to as Roaring Lion — the coordinated U.S.-Israeli military offensive launched on February 28 targeting Iranian military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and senior leadership compounds.
Iran has since retaliated with ballistic missile and drone strikes aimed at U.S. assets and regional allies, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, raising fears of a broader regional war.
Addressing Parliament on Monday, Starmer defended his decision in an oral statement to the House of Commons. “That decision was deliberate,” he said, confirming that Britain was not involved in the initial offensive strikes.
Starmer maintained that the UK believes a negotiated settlement remains the best path forward, one in which Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions and halts destabilizing activities across the region. He acknowledged Trump’s criticism but stood firm.
“President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to join the initial strikes. But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest, and that is the judgement I made. I stand by it,” Starmer told lawmakers.
The British prime minister confirmed that the U.S. had requested permission to use British bases for defensive purposes. He emphasized that the UK’s involvement is limited strictly to defensive operations aimed at protecting civilians and British nationals, not offensive military action.
“Our action is rooted in the principle of collective self-defence of longstanding friends and in the protection of British lives,” Starmer said, adding that the government has published a summary of its legal position and will keep the decision under review.
As fighting continues and diplomatic channels remain strained, world leaders are urging de-escalation. But with Trump openly criticizing one of America’s closest allies, the widening political rift now mirrors the growing military one.
