Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that he believes King Charles III would have supported him in the military conflict against Iran, contrasting the monarch's hypothetical stance with that of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump implied that the King would have been more forthcoming with military assistance than the current UK leader has been, marking another critical dig at Starmer over Britain's role in the Middle East.
Trump's Comments on Royal Support and Political Tensions
Speaking candidly, Trump stated, 'I think he [Charles] would have taken a very different stand [on the war in Iran], but he doesn’t do that. I mean, he’s a great gentleman.' This remark underscores Trump's ongoing frustration with Starmer, whom he has repeatedly lambasted for refusing demands for greater UK involvement in the region. Most recently, Trump has called on the UK and other allies to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway closed by Iran to disrupt oil and vital product supplies, sparking global economic concerns.
Impact on UK-US Relations and Royal Diplomacy
There have been mounting worries that King Charles's upcoming visit to the United States could be overshadowed by the tensions between Trump and Starmer regarding the UK's participation in the war. However, Trump dismissed these concerns, insisting that Charles has 'nothing to do with' his fallout with Starmer. He added, 'I like him [the King]. I always liked him as a prince. He’s a good man, a great representative for your country.' Trump's admiration for the British Royal Family is well-documented, including his deep respect for the late Queen Elizabeth II, whom he met twice, and his visibly touched state visit last September.
Trump's latest compliments for the King may foster hopes that the royal visit could help mend some of the damage inflicted on the UK-US relationship. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds emphasized the 'deep and special partnership' between the two nations, noting on Politico's Westminster Insider podcast that King Charles is a 'significant and subtle diplomat' as head of state. When asked if the King would need such skills in the US, Thomas-Symonds affirmed, 'I think he displays them on every occasion you see him on the world stage.'
Trump's Address and Global Repercussions
In a recent address to the nation, Trump claimed to have achieved near-victory in Iran, predicting that only two to three more strikes would be necessary. He vowed to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Ages' if it did not agree to a deal, though he provided no specifics on potential terms. Notably, Trump was uncharacteristically low-energy during the speech and failed to reveal any major developments, leaving questions unanswered about the deployment of ground troop reinforcements sent to the Middle East.
Furthermore, Trump did little to calm global oil markets, which have been rattled by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He urged countries like the UK, which 'can't get fuel,' to find 'courage' and 'go to the Strait and just take it.' Shortly after his remarks, Brent crude oil surged by 5 percent to $106 a barrel, highlighting the volatile economic impact of the ongoing conflict and Trump's provocative statements.
