Former President Donald Trump has claimed he "saved" Britain from a nuclear attack by launching strikes against Iran, while also renewing his criticism of the United Kingdom for refusing to fully join the conflict. In a television interview, Trump asserted that if Iran had possessed a nuclear weapon, it would be more likely to use it in Europe than in America.
"I'm saving your country from a problem because they would use it," Trump stated, referring to Iran's potential missile capabilities. The remarks come as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and gas. The US and Israeli offensive against Iran aimed to prevent the country from developing a nuclear weapon.
Trump also criticized the UK's position during former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, when the UK initially refused to participate in the US-Israeli offensive. While Starmer later authorized forces for "defensive" strikes, the UK did not commit naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran blockaded in response to the attacks. Trump previously branded Starmer "no Churchill" and claimed a British offer to send an aircraft carrier came too late, a claim denied by ministers. "Don't forget, you get a big percentage of your oil from the Strait of Hormuz, and you weren't there to help me," Trump said.
The former president suggested that economic pressure on Tehran would eventually force the regime to dismantle its nuclear program or collapse. He also hinted that the US might withdraw support for the UK on the issue of the Falkland Islands, a traditional area of US neutrality, following recent claims on the territory by Argentine President Javier Milei.
Criticism of UK Immigration and London Mayor
Trump also warned that the UK is heading for "disaster" if it does not address immigration. "If you don't stop people pouring into your country from all over the world, you're not going to have a country left," he said. He described London as a "much different place" than it was 15 or 20 years ago, citing high crime rates and asserting that there are areas in London and Paris where the police are afraid to go.
He reignited his feud with London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, calling him a "nasty guy" and a "very bad mayor." Trump reiterated claims that immigration has created "no-go" zones in the city. A source close to Mayor Khan responded by stating that Trump "just can't comprehend our success" and that crime rates are down across London, with violent crime lower than in major US cities. The source described London as a "diverse, multi-cultural and thriving global city."
The public disagreement between Trump and Khan dates back to 2015 and has intensified in recent years, with Trump making unsubstantiated claims about London wanting to go to Sharia law under Khan's leadership.
Comments on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
During the interview, Trump also commented on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, calling them "very terrible" to Prince William and stating they would "never speak to them again." He attributed the rift within the Royal Family largely to Meghan Markle, calling her a "horrible influence" on her husband and accusing her of having a "horrible" influence. Trump said he would not have welcomed the couple back to the UK if he were King Charles, stating they had done "too many horrible things."