WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the United Kingdom’s response to the ongoing Iran conflict, saying he was “not happy” and “very surprised” by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s reluctance to commit military support.
Trump said the UK “should be involved enthusiastically” in efforts to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has effectively restricted shipping, disrupting global oil and gas flows and driving up energy prices.
“I was very surprised with the UK,” Trump told reporters, recounting a recent conversation with Starmer. “I said, why don’t you send some ships over? And he really didn’t want to do it.”
The US president argued that allies benefiting from global energy security should contribute more actively to safeguarding the vital maritime route. He suggested that countries participating in efforts to secure the strait would face “very few shots” from Iran, downplaying the risks of escalation.
Trump also expressed frustration over Starmer’s decision-making process, criticizing the British leader for consulting advisers before committing to military action. “You don’t need to meet with your team,” Trump said. “You’re the Prime Minister, you can make your own decision.”
The remarks came after Starmer reiterated that the UK would not be drawn into a “wider war” in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for caution and a legal basis before deploying forces. Speaking at Downing Street, the British leader stressed that his priority is to see “an end to this war as quickly as possible.”
Tensions have escalated in the region since the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Tehran. The situation has led to significant disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage through which roughly 20 million barrels of oil flow daily under normal conditions.
Trump’s criticism also comes amid warnings from former UK military officials that Royal Navy vessels could face serious threats if deployed to the region. Despite these concerns, the US has continued to push allies to contribute naval assets to secure shipping lanes and restore stability to global energy markets.
In his remarks, Trump also drew comparisons to US support for European security, particularly in the context of NATO and the war in Ukraine. He argued that the United States has long shouldered a disproportionate burden in defending its allies and expects reciprocal support in strategic operations such as securing the Strait of Hormuz.
“We’ve been with you. You’re our oldest ally,” Trump said, underscoring the historical ties between Washington and London while expressing disappointment over what he views as insufficient cooperation.
The president maintained an optimistic outlook on the economic impact of the conflict, stating that oil prices would fall “very, very rapidly” once the war ends. However, analysts remain cautious, noting that continued instability in the Gulf region could prolong disruptions to global energy supplies.
The exchange highlights growing friction between the US and some of its closest allies over how to respond to the escalating crisis with Iran. While Washington is pressing for a more assertive multinational effort to secure key shipping routes, European leaders appear wary of deeper military involvement that could widen the conflict.
As diplomatic and military tensions persist, the future of coordinated international action in the region remains uncertain, with the Strait of Hormuz continuing to serve as a critical flashpoint in both geopolitical and economic terms.
