U.S. President Donald Trump criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for withholding military backing during U.S. strikes on Iran, calling the shift in U.S.-UK relations 'very sad.' In an interview with The Sun, Trump said the once-solid alliance had deteriorated, contrasting Britain's stance with France's support. He emphasized the U.S. didn't need British help but argued London should have offered backing.

Starmer later permitted U.S. use of British bases for defensive strikes after they were not used in the initial offensive. Trump said this change came too late and suggested London had become 'much different from others' among European allies. The president expressed surprise at Starmer's position, stating, 'He has not been helpful' and 'I never thought I'd see that from the U.K.'

Beyond the Iran dispute, Trump offered broader criticism of Britain under Starmer's leadership, targeting London's transformation and Mayor Sadiq Khan. He called for reopening North Sea energy exploration to address high prices and urged stricter immigration controls. The president also revisited the controversial Chagos Islands deal, calling it 'the woke island.'