Donald Trump has criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for deciding not to join the United States in strikes against Iran. In a telephonic interview with British newspaper The Sun on Monday, Trump expressed disappointment over the United Kingdom’s decision and suggested that Starmer may be trying to appeal to Muslim voters in the country.

Speaking to The Sun, Trump said he was surprised by Britain’s stand. Referring to Starmer, he said, “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.”

The US President also indicated that political considerations could be behind the UK Prime Minister’s decision. When asked about accusations that Starmer was pandering to Muslim voters by not backing American strikes in Iran, Trump responded, “it could be.”

Trump further commented on changes in Britain, particularly London. He said, “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 also added that Britain is “not such a recognisable country” anymore.

The remarks come amid tensions between the two allies after the UK chose not to take part in the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran. On Monday, Starmer delivered an oral statement in the House of Commons explaining the UK’s position.

Starmer said, “The United Kingdom was not involved in the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran. That decision was deliberate. We believe that the best path for the region is through a negotiated settlement, one in which Iran agrees to abandon its aspiration to develop a nuclear weapon and ceases its destabilising activities across the Middle East. That has been the longstanding position of successive British governments.”

He also addressed President Trump’s disagreement with the UK’s stance. Starmer stated, “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 judgment I made. I stand by it.”

In his address, Starmer criticised Iran’s actions and described the country as a threat to the UK’s partners, interests and allies. However, he made it clear that Britain’s involvement was limited to defensive measures.

He explained that the United States had sought permission to use British bases. Starmer said, “The United States requested permission to use British bases for that specific, limited defensive purpose. They have the capabilities required to prevent Iranian missiles from killing civilians, British nationals, or our allies in countries that played no part in the initial strike.”

Clarifying the UK’s role, he added, “To be clear: the use of British bases is strictly limited to agreed defensive purposes. The UK has not joined the US offensive operations. Our action is rooted in the principle of collective self-defence of longstanding friends and in the protection of British lives. We have published a summary of our legal position, which sets this out clearly. We will keep this decision under review.”

The developments follow a major escalation in West Asia. A full-scale conflict erupted after a large military offensive was launched on February 28. In a coordinated operation named Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran. The targets included key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure and leadership compounds.

In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting US assets and allies across the region. The strikes affected countries including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The conflict has widened, increasing risks for civilians and expatriates.

As fighting continues, world leaders and international bodies have called for de-escalation. However, there is no clear sign of an immediate end to the conflict.