WASHINGTON – US president Donald Trump has lashed out at Britain after its Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK will not be dragged into a wider war with Iran.
The row erupted over tensions in the crucial oil shipping lane known as the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump wants allies to help patrol the narrow waterway as fears grow that Iran could disrupt global oil supplies.
But Starmer drew a line.
Starmer insisted the UK will not be pulled into a broader Middle East conflict, despite mounting pressure from Washington.
“While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war. We will keep working towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region and stop the Iranian threat to its neighbours,” Starmer said.
“I want to see an end to this war as quickly as possible, because the longer it goes on, the more dangerous the situation becomes, and the worse it is for the cost of living back here at home.
Starmer added: “It’s a discussion; we’re not at the point of decisions yet. It’s obviously a difficult question, that goes without saying, in relation to how you safeguard maritime traffic … But we are discussing that with the US, with Gulf partners and with Europeans.
“We cannot allow the war in the Gulf to turn into a windfall for Putin. Now it’s clear the US operation has massively weakened the military capability of the abhorrent regime in Iran. The question is, what comes next?”
That refusal sparked anger in the White House.
Trump said he was “not happy” with Britain and warned the situation could be “very bad for the future of” NATO if allies fail to step up.
Trump argues that nations benefiting from oil flowing through the strait should help defend it.
The channel is one of the world’s most vital energy routes, carrying a huge share of global oil shipments every day.
If it closes, markets could be thrown into chaos.
So far, several European governments have also been reluctant to join any expanded military mission in the region.
For now, Britain is sticking to its stance — backing diplomacy while avoiding a direct role in a wider war.
