Trump ‘not happy’ with UK as Starmer refuses to be drawn into ‘wider Middle East war’

Donald Trump has admitted he is “not happy” with the UK over its refusal to immediately send military reinforcements to the Strait of Hormuz, after Keir Starmer insisted this country would not be dragged into a “wider war” in the Middle East.

The US president insisted,”Some [countries] are very enthusiastic about it, and some aren’t,” as he spoke about proposals for the Strait at the White House.

“Some are countries that we’ve helped for many, many years,” he added.  “We’ve protected them from horrible outside sources, and they weren’t that enthusiastic. And the level of enthusiasm matters to me.”

At a press conference at Downing Street, the PM said the UK, which is considering sending ships and mine-hunting drones to the Middle East, was working with allies on a “viable plan” to reopen shipping lanes.

“While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war,” he said. “We will keep working towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region and stops the Iranian threat to its neighbours.”

It was notable that Trump did not name the countries that will participate in any operation on the Strait.

But Trump only expressed anger at Starmer’s response.

“Two weeks ago I said ‘why don’t you send some ships over’, and he [Keir Starmer] really didn’t want to do it,” he said.

“Then they tell us that we have a mine ship around, and they don’t want to do it. I think it’s terrible,” Trump added. “We requested two aircraft carriers, which they have, and he didn’t really want to do it.”

“I was not happy with the UK,” he said. “I think they’ll be involved maybe, but they should be involved enthusiastically.”

There were conflicting recollections of Sunday’s call between Trump and Starmer.

UK officials claimed the conversation had been a friendly one, while Trump claimed otherwise.

On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also said the war “is not a matter for Nato”, afterTrump said it would be “very bad for the future of Nato” if allies don’t help secure the Strait.