Trump lashes out at UK's Starmer for not supporting Iran war: 'A big mistake'

2026-03-17 - 23:29

US President Donald Trump lashed out Tuesday at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not supporting his war against Iran, calling it "a big mistake." Asked if his opinion changed about Starmer, Trump told reporters at the White House, "Well, he hasn't been supportive. And I think it's a big mistake. You know, they make a lot of money on trade with the United States." Aircraft carrier dispute "I was disappointed, because Keir was willing to send two aircraft carriers after we won," said Trump, adding that he told the premier to send "a couple of mine sweepers. We don't need your aircraft carriers." "Unfortunately, Keir is not Winston Churchill," he added, invoking the wartime British leader who was a staunch US ally. Broader criticism Trump criticized Starmer's immigration and energy policies as a "disaster." "You've allowed millions and millions and millions of people to come into your country, that shouldn't be there. And by the way, that's all over Europe," he added, expanding his criticism beyond the Iran war to domestic UK policies. UK position The UK has maintained a cautious stance on the US-Israeli war against Iran, with Starmer emphasizing that "focus must remain on Ukraine" despite the Middle East conflict. Britain has not joined the military campaign and has instead focused on supporting Ukraine with a new £3 billion annual aid package through 2030/31. Conflict context The US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has expanded to include a ground offensive in Lebanon that has displaced over one million people. Trump's criticism of Starmer highlights growing strains among Western allies over the war.