US President, Donald Trump has said Britain is considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East but insisted the United States does not need British assistance to win the ongoing war with Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested the United Kingdom was only now thinking about deploying naval forces after the conflict had largely been decided.
“The United Kingdom, our once great ally, maybe the greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East,” Trump wrote.
“That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer. But we will remember. We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won.”
Trump’s remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and London after Britain initially blocked the use of its military bases for US strikes on Iran.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had earlier defended the decision, saying the government needed to ensure that any military action was legal and carefully planned before granting support.
Britain later allowed US forces to use its bases for what officials described as defensive operations targeting Iranian missile depots and launchers.
The dispute highlights growing strain in the relationship between the two allies. Trump has repeatedly criticised Starmer in recent days, suggesting the British leader damaged the traditionally close partnership between the two countries.
Britain’s defence ministry said it is preparing the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales for possible deployment to the Middle East, although officials said no final decision has yet been made.
Responding to Trump’s comments, British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government would focus on practical decisions rather than political rhetoric.Politics
She said British leaders prefer calm and steady decision-making rather than reacting to social media statements.
Relations between the two countries have already faced tension this year over several issues, including Trump’s proposal to purchase Greenland and his criticism of European troops’ role in the war in Afghanistan.