How it unfolded
On March 23, 2026, tensions between the United States and Iran escalated significantly, prompting a crucial discussion between former President Donald Trump and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer. This conversation took place at 10 Downing Street, where Starmer was under pressure to respond to the ongoing conflict that had begun with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The situation was further complicated by Trump’s recent social media activity, particularly a video shared on Truth Social that mocked Starmer’s reaction to a call from him.
In the lead-up to their conversation, Starmer expressed concerns about the implications of the war, particularly regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil transport, with 20 percent of the world’s oil passing through it. The closure had already led to a significant increase in oil prices, affecting economies worldwide. During their discussion, both leaders acknowledged the importance of reopening the Strait for global energy stability.
Trump’s approach was aggressive; he threatened to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants if the Strait was not reopened within 48 hours. This ultimatum underscored the urgency of the situation, as more than 2,000 people had already lost their lives in the conflict. In a surprising move, Trump later announced that he would postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, contingent upon the success of ongoing discussions.
Starmer’s initial reluctance to support US military actions was evident when he rejected a request for British bases to be used for strikes on Iran. However, under the mounting pressure of the situation, he later authorized the use of these bases, indicating a shift in his stance. This decision came amid accusations from Trump that NATO allies, including Starmer, were displaying cowardice by not supporting US efforts in the war.
Trump’s military spending plan, dubbed the ‘Bloody New Deal,’ proposed a defense budget increase of $600 billion, bringing the total to $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027. If approved, this budget could increase military spending by 66 percent and potentially add $6 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Such an increase could fund significant social programs, including 750,000 new registered nurses or 11.5 million new public housing units.
As the situation develops, Trump’s comments have led to threats of retaliation from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Starmer’s apprehension was palpable, as he reportedly asked, “What if Donald shouts at me?” during discussions with his aides, reflecting the high stakes of the conversation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether the call between Trump and Starmer occurred before or after the Truth Social skit was posted. The ongoing talks between the US and Iran also lack confirmed details, leaving many uncertainties in the air as the world watches closely.
The sequence of events matters significantly for both leaders; for Trump, it is a test of his foreign policy approach and military strategy, while for Starmer, it represents a critical moment in his leadership and the UK’s role in international conflicts. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for global energy stability and the geopolitical balance in the Middle East.