Donald Trump said on Tuesday that King Charles III did not want Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, introducing the sensitive issue during a White House state dinner held in honour of the visiting royal.

The remarks came on the second day of the King’s four-day visit to the United States, at a time of heightened tensions over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Tensions Over Iran War

Trump has repeatedly criticised Keir Starmer for what he describes as insufficient British support in the Iran war.

“We’re doing a little Middle East work right now and we’re doing very well,” Trump said during the dinner.

He added that Iran had been “militarily defeated” and insisted it would never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, saying King Charles agreed with that position.

King Charles Avoids Comment

In his own remarks, King Charles did not address Iran or the conflict. As a constitutional monarch, he does not speak on behalf of the British government on policy matters.

Requests for comment from Buckingham Palace were not immediately answered.

Earlier Speech Focuses on Alliances

Speaking earlier before Congress, the King avoided direct mention of the Iran war but emphasised the importance of alliances, including continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

He also highlighted the risks of isolationism and the need for international cooperation.

Longstanding Nuclear Concerns

Both the United States and Britain have long maintained that Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons.

Iran, however, denies seeking such weapons and says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, including energy production, under its rights as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

(with inputs from Reuters)