Starmer Rejects Trump’s Criticism on Iran War, UK North Sea Energy Policy
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated he would not be “diverted or deflected” from acting in the “best national interest” following critical remarks by former US President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sir Keir reaffirmed his decision to keep the UK out of the conflict with Iran, which began in late February.
Trump had previously criticised what he perceived as insufficient UK support for the US in its military strikes against Iran. The US and Israel initiated wide-ranging strikes on 28 February, killing Iran's Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians, including 110 children at a primary school on the first day of the war. Trump also pressed Starmer to “open the North Sea” for increased oil and gas extraction, stating that only then could the Prime Minister “recover” politically.
Sir Keir responded, “I’m here to serve the British people always, to have their interests and to make sure that I make the right decisions for them.” He reiterated his government's refusal to be drawn into the Iran war or the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling these decisions vital for UK national interest. “That is my duty. I will stick to it, and I’m not going to be diverted or deflected from that by what anybody else says,” he added.
Trump had earlier announced the US would maintain its blockade on Iranian ports until a resolution to the conflict was reached. He also claimed, “We’ve wiped Iran’s military out. I didn’t need anybody,” regarding US actions. Sir Keir has consistently advocated for investment in renewables as the pathway to energy resilience, opposing expanded North Sea extraction.
The appointment of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US has also drawn Trump’s disapproval, describing it as “a really bad pick.” A House of Commons foreign affairs committee is currently reviewing the vetting process for the role.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are scheduled for a four-day state visit to the US, commencing on Monday, which Trump suggested could help repair UK-US relations. The King will meet Trump at the White House and deliver an address to Congress. The Foreign Office indicated the visit would commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence.