by Hwang Yoonju
Published 24 Apr.2026 02:56(KST)
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 23rd (local time) that his appeal for allied support regarding the Iran war was a test.
In an interview with the BBC in the UK that day, President Trump was asked why allied involvement was necessary in the Iran war. He replied, "I wanted to see whether they would participate," and added, "My appeal for their support was a kind of test."
President Trump emphasized, "I did not need their help at all, but they should have been involved," and added, "We completely annihilated the Iranian military."
Previously, President Trump had requested that allies send warships to escort vessels after Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. At that time, when the UK and other major allies showed a passive response, he criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
President Trump was also asked whether his remarks on 'civilization extinction' implied the use of nuclear weapons. He responded, "The other side is desperate to negotiate," and added, "Whatever I say or do seems to be effective."
On the 7th, the day of the deadline for negotiations with Iran, President Trump posted a message on Truth Social stating, "Tonight, an entire civilization could disappear and never return," which drew criticism. Some speculated that this hinted at the possible use of nuclear weapons.
Regarding the upcoming state visit of King Charles III of the UK to the United States scheduled for April 27-30, President Trump said, "It will help restore relations between the two countries," and added, "He (Charles III) is a brave and excellent person."
However, regarding British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he argued, "Relations can only be restored if he changes his position on immigration policy."
Prime Minister Starmer is facing a political crisis in the UK after appointing Peter Mandelson, who has been linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as the ambassador to the United States. President Trump mocked Starmer's decision by posting on Truth Social that the appointment of Mandelson was "a very poor choice."
When asked what this post meant, President Trump said, "If he opens up the North Sea and strengthens immigration policy (which he does not do now), relations can be restored," and added, "If he does not do so, I believe he will have no chance (to restore relations with the United States)."
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