By Andrew Kariuki

Donald Trump has criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over Britain’s refusal to join U.S. military action against Iran, deepening divisions between Washington and its NATO allies.

The U.S. president dismissed Starmer’s stance, saying he was “not Winston Churchill,” in reference to the former British wartime leader associated with the phrase “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Trump has also widened his criticism to other NATO allies, describing some as “cowards” and “useless” for declining to participate in the Iran operation.

Despite the sharp political differences, Trump has maintained a warm relationship with the British monarchy, particularly King Charles III, following his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

The visit had initially drawn concern from some UK opposition figures, who feared potential diplomatic missteps. However, the engagements proceeded with limited friction, marked largely by cordial exchanges.

During a state dinner, Trump remarked that “Charles agrees with me, even more than I do” on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and suggested that the monarch would have supported his positions on other geopolitical issues.

Buckingham Palace later responded cautiously, reiterating that the King remains guided by the UK government’s established policy on nuclear non-proliferation.

The developments highlight a growing divide between the United States and its traditional allies on foreign policy, even as longstanding diplomatic ties, particularly with the British monarchy, remain intact.