President Donald Trump lashed out at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday, declaring him "no Churchill" while standing next to a bust of the iconic wartime leader in the Oval Office. The remarks came during a bilateral meeting with Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin, where Trump expressed disappointment over Starmer's reluctance to fully support the U.S.-led military operation against Iran.

Trump pointed to the bust of Winston Churchill, which he restored to the Oval Office after former President Barack Obama removed it, and said, "Unfortunately, Keir is not Winston Churchill." He added, "I'm disappointed with Keir. I like him. I think he's a nice man, but I'm disappointed." Trump criticized Starmer for offering British aircraft carriers only "after the war is won," stating, "We want things sent before the war, not after the war is won."

The comments highlight growing frustration from Trump as key NATO allies, including the UK, have hesitated to join the U.S. and Israel in Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Earlier this month, Trump first voiced similar sentiments, saying, "This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with" and noting the UK had been "very, very uncooperative" over the use of bases like Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands for initial strikes.

Starmer initially blocked U.S. access to Diego Garcia and RAF bases for offensive operations, citing Britain's national interest and international law, but later permitted their use for defensive strikes following U.S. complaints. The UK has deployed HMS Dragon and Wildcat helicopters to protect RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus after Iranian drone attacks but has not committed warships to the Eastern Mediterranean or offensive action.

The conflict escalated after Israel killed top Iranian officials, prompting Iranian missile barrages and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route. U.S. forces have conducted strikes, knocking out much of Iran's navy, air force, and radar defenses, though four American soldiers died in a drone attack. Trump posted on Truth Social that NATO allies informed the U.S. they would not get involved, declaring, "WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!"

Starmer has defended his stance, emphasizing protection of British lives and noting that U.S. planes now operate from UK bases as evidence of the ongoing special relationship. Public opinion in the UK largely opposes the U.S. strikes, according to polls. The spat underscores strains in transatlantic ties amid the war's economic fallout, including rising oil prices and market volatility.