Sir John Major fiercely criticized President Donald Trump for launching war against Iran without United Nations approval, warning the conflict will only deepen turmoil in the Middle East. He also condemned Sir Keir Starmer for a “demeaning” policy that involves “tiptoeing” around the US president.
Major Denounces Trump’s Unilateral Iran War Decision
In a powerful speech at King’s College London, Sir John accused Trump of bypassing international diplomacy by failing to secure a UN resolution legitimizing the Iran conflict. “No nation—except Israel—was consulted,” he declared. He warned that this reckless approach will ignite new hostilities, create fresh enmities, and radicalize a new generation.
“Hostilities won’t end when the bombing stops,” Major stated. “Old hatreds will persist, new ones will be born, and retaliation—though delayed—is inevitable.”
He sharply criticized the unclear and shifting objectives of the Iran war. “No exit strategy is known,” he said. “The president demanded surrender. He is unlikely to get it.”
Major Contrasts Trump with Past US Leadership
Reflecting on his close collaboration with George H.W. Bush during the 1990-91 Gulf War, Sir John highlighted the frank, direct dialogue that defined their alliance. “We never held back in our discussions,” he recalled.
By contrast, Major condemned today’s tendency to “tiptoe around the president” to avoid upsetting him. “Sovereign states that demean themselves become seen as subordinates, not allies,” he warned. “That is not the role for the UK.”
He urged British leaders to voice disagreements with American policy candidly, but always as supportive friends in private, not through public displays.
New Tone from America Worries Major
Sir John described a troubling shift in US policy under Trump. He highlighted the unilateral imposition of tariffs on imports from both wealthy and poor countries, ignoring Supreme Court rulings and using questionable legal powers. “This is not the America we have known,” Major stated, pointing to Trump’s dismissive stance on Europe, his bizarre Greenland ownership demand, and his claim that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was solely Europe’s problem.
Major Rebukes Trump’s Allies and NATO Critics
Major denounced US Vice President JD Vance for wildly accusing Europeans of posing a greater threat to freedom than Russia. “That was offensive and absurd,” he said. He reminded the audience that Russian troops, not Europeans, invaded Ukraine.
He recalled how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was “ambushed” during his White House visit, while Russian President Vladimir Putin received a “red-carpet reception.”
Major also condemned Vance’s dismissive remarks about NATO and the contempt shown by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth toward international law and rules of engagement. “Such disregard for law is shameful coming from lawmakers,” he asserted.
Warning on UK Populism and Brexit Fallout
Turning to domestic politics, Major cautioned against “populist insurgents” who thrive on division, inflaming grievances, and scapegoating minorities. Without naming Reform UK explicitly, he warned such “ugly politics” have no place in Britain.
“If you celebrate the poor polling for Labour and the Conservatives, beware what you wish for,” he said.
Major also called on MPs who switch parties to trigger by-elections to uphold democratic accountability. He slammed Brexit for costing the UK £100 million annually in trade and £40 billion in lost tax revenue, inflicting severe damage on British lives and livelihoods.
