US President Donald Trump has launched deeply personal and increasingly strong criticisms against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European allies for their hesitant stance on supporting initial US military strikes against Iran. Trump specifically attacked Starmer's refusal to allow the immediate use of British bases for offensive actions, telling reporters, “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.” This remark came as part of a series of condemnations from Trump over a 24-hour period, underlining his frustration with Western allies not unequivocally backing US action in the Middle East.

Starmer, however, defended his decision, stating it was his duty to act in Britain's national interest. He expressed doubt about the legality and wisdom of the US action in Tehran, emphasizing that the UK did not believe in “regime change from the skies.” He maintained that the UK would allow the use of British bases, specifically Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, only for defensive actions aimed at protecting British citizens, forces, and allied countries in the Middle East, which have faced retaliatory strikes from Iran. Starmer's position, consistent with his past views on international law, sought to avoid the mistakes of past conflicts, particularly the Iraq War.

The shadow of the Iraq War weighs heavily on Westminster's current approach to the Middle East crisis. Labour MP Calvin Bailey, a former wing commander, highlighted the parallels with 2003, emphasizing the need for a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan. He suggested that lessons from the Chilcot inquiry, detailed in “The Good Operation” manual, were guiding Starmer's decisions. This includes the initial denial for offensive strikes and the later permission for specific, limited defensive purposes, which Bailey noted as being entirely consistent with Chilcot's recommendations.

Trump's frustration extended beyond the UK to other European nations. He fiercely criticized Spain for prohibiting the US from using its territory for attacks on Iran, threatening to cut off all trade with the country. Trump called Spain “terrible” and “uncooperative,” suggesting, “we’re going to cut off all trade.” The implementation of such a threat, however, would be complicated by Spain's membership in the European Union, which allows free movement of goods among its 27 member states. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after meeting Trump, reminded him that Spain is part of the EU, and any trade deals with the bloc must include Spain. In 2025, US exports to Spain were approximately $26 billion, with imports from Spain around $21 billion.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had previously labeled the US and Israel's attacks on Iran as an “unjustified, dangerous military intervention” violating international law. Officials in Madrid argued that allowing the use of their bases for such operations would violate the United Nations charter. Domestically, public opinion in the UK largely opposed the US strikes, with a YouGov poll showing 49% against and only 28% in favor. The poll also indicated that 50% of Britons opposed the US using RAF bases for attacks, even if targets were restricted to missile sites.

Despite Trump’s criticisms, which also included urging Starmer to change course on issues like the Changos Islands deal, North Sea oil and gas, and immigration, Starmer’s stance might have strengthened his position domestically. Labour figures, including those who opposed the Iraq War, offered cautious praise for Starmer's measured approach, seeing it as a principled stand. The episode highlights the complex geopolitical landscape and the careful balance Western allies must strike between alliance obligations and national interests, particularly when historical lessons cast long shadows over present decisions.