President Donald Trump sharply criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the United Kingdom’s response to the conflict involving Iran, accusing the U.K. of considering joining the effort after the United States had already achieved its objectives. The remarks added new tension to the relationship between two long-standing allies as military activity continues in the Middle East.
Trump criticizes U.K. response to Iran conflict
Trump posted his criticism on Truth Social Saturday, claiming Britain was moving too late to support U.S. military actions in the region.
“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!”
His comments came after reports that the United Kingdom was preparing military assets for possible deployment to the Middle East.
U.K. places carrier on readiness
According to Britain’s Ministry of Defence, one of the country’s two aircraft carriers has been placed on advanced readiness at Portsmouth, England, in case it is needed for operations in the region.
The British destroyer HMS Dragon is also preparing to depart Portsmouth for Cyprus after previous delays.
Officials said the moves are part of precautionary military planning as tensions rise in the region.
Starmer says U.K. role is defensive
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom was not involved in the initial strikes carried out by the United States and Israel but is operating defensively in the region.
In a televised address to the British public, Starmer condemned what he described as “indiscriminate” attacks by Iran and emphasized the importance of stopping missile threats.
“The only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source,” Starmer said.
He added that the United Kingdom agreed to a U.S. request allowing American forces to use British bases in the region for what he described as a limited purpose.
Trump says Britain acted too slowly
Trump also expressed frustration in comments to the British newspaper The Telegraph, saying he was disappointed with Starmer’s response.
According to Trump, it took too long for the British government to approve the use of its bases to support U.S. operations.
The dispute highlights differing approaches between the two governments regarding the pace and scope of involvement in the conflict.
British forces increase regional presence
Despite not participating in the initial strikes, Britain has increased its military presence in the Middle East.
British fighter jets are currently conducting patrol flights over Jordan, Cyprus, and Qatar to strengthen regional defenses.
The Ministry of Defence also said a Merlin helicopter is being deployed to provide additional airborne surveillance.
Starmer stresses caution and diplomacy
Starmer has repeatedly emphasized that the U.K. must act cautiously when considering military involvement.
Speaking in Parliament, he warned against repeating mistakes made during the Iraq War.
“We all remember the mistakes of Iraq, and we have learned those lessons,” Starmer said.
He added that any military action by Britain must have a lawful basis and a clear strategy.
“This government does not believe in regime change from the skies,” Starmer said.
Instead, the British government continues to support negotiations aimed at persuading Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Political reaction in Britain
Trump’s criticism also sparked reactions in British politics.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss shared Trump’s comments on social media platform X, calling them “justified and damning.”
Starmer’s office has not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks.
