King Charles alludes to 9/11, Donald Trump and a fractured Britain over Iran

JAKARTA - King Charles III praised Britain's support for the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The statement came as Washington and London had different attitudes about President Donald Trump's war against Iran.

Anadolu Agency quoted Wednesday, April 29, reported that Charles said this in a joint speech at the US Congress, Tuesday.

He reminded, after the 9/11 attack, NATO for the first time used Article 5. The clause states that an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all members.

"Immediately after 9/11, when NATO used Article 5 for the first time, and the UN Security Council united against terror, we answered the call together," said King Charles.

The British king's statement stands out because it was delivered when the US and Britain had different attitudes about the Iran war.

Trump repeatedly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to join the war against Iran. He called Starmer's attitude a "big mistake".

"Unfortunately, Keir is not Winston Churchill," Trump said on March 17 while hosting Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, quoted by Anadolu Agency.

Tensions widened after Trump blocked ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, both heading to and departing from Iranian ports. Starmer's government rejected the move. But London also criticized Iran for restricting navigation on the vital route.

The British Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, called for the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened.

"Freedom of navigation must be restored in accordance with international law," he said at the UN Security Council, Monday.

Charles and Queen Camilla are in the US from April 27-30 at Trump's invitation. This is Charles' first state visit to America as king, ahead of the 250th anniversary of US independence in 2026.