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Trump criticizes UK over delayed military support
US President Donald Trump has publicly rebuked UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, claiming Britain's offer to deploy aircraft carriers to the Middle East comes "a little bit late" as US and Israeli forces continue strikes against Iran.
Social media clash escalates diplomatic friction
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump wrote: "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. That's OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don't need them any longer-but we will remember."
He added: "We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!"
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated his stance, stating the carriers would have been more useful "two weeks ago." When pressed on whether US allies should do more, he replied: "I couldn't care less. They can do whatever they want. The loyal ones are already in."
UK defends stance on Iran strikes
The UK government has maintained it will not participate in the broader US-Israeli offensive campaign, emphasizing its focus on defensive operations. Earlier this week, Starmer told MPs: "President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest."
Starmer later authorized limited US use of British bases-RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean-for "specific defensive operations" against Iranian missile sites. He clarified the UK "does not believe in regime change from the skies."
"At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games."
Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
Military readiness and political fallout
The Ministry of Defence confirmed one of the UK's two aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales, has been placed on five-day readiness notice, fueling speculation of a potential deployment to the Mediterranean. However, government insiders downplayed the likelihood of immediate action. The UK's other carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, remains unavailable for the foreseeable future.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of "sitting on the fence," telling the Conservative Spring conference: "We are in this war whether Keir Starmer likes it or not."
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy will deploy HMS Dragon, an air-defense warship, to the Mediterranean next week to secure the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, after it was targeted by drones.
Alliance strains and historical echoes
Trump's remarks reflect growing frustration with the UK's cautious approach. Earlier this week, he told reporters he was "not happy with the UK" over its initial refusal to allow US strikes from British bases, which he claimed forced American planes to fly "many extra hours." He also compared Starmer unfavorably to Winston Churchill.
Starmer, however, insisted the "special relationship" remains intact, citing ongoing intelligence-sharing. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who led the UK into the Iraq War, weighed in privately, calling the US an "indispensable cornerstone" of British security and urging allies to "show up" regardless of leadership.
What's next
The UK's defense posture will face further scrutiny as tensions persist. A US B-1 bomber was spotted landing at RAF Fairford on Friday, underscoring the base's role in current operations. Analysts suggest the diplomatic rift may deepen if the UK continues to limit its military involvement in the region.
