US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States does not require Britain to send aircraft carriers to the Middle East amid the ongoing war with Iran.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump argued that American forces no longer need British naval support, responding to reports that the UK was preparing one of its carriers for possible deployment.
His statement came shortly after the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that HMS Prince of Wales, one of Britain’s two main carriers, had been placed on “high readiness.”
“The United Kingdom, once our greatest ally, is finally considering sending two carriers to the Middle East,” Trump wrote. “That’s fine, Prime Minister Starmer, but we don’t need them anymore. We’ll remember. We don’t need allies who join wars after we’ve already won.”
Trump’s description of Britain as a “once great ally” highlights the strain in US–UK relations since his return to office last year. The tension has grown as Washington and Israel continue strikes against Iran in a conflict that began on 28 February.
The fighting has spread instability across the region, with Iran launching retaliatory attacks against US partners. Current estimates suggest at least 1,332 deaths inside Iran, while the US has confirmed six service members killed. Casualties have also been reported in Lebanon, Kuwait, the UAE, and Iraq.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has gradually increased its role in the crisis, though many observers argue the war violates international law. On Saturday, the Defence Ministry said Britain had allowed US forces to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for “limited defensive purposes,” despite earlier reports that Starmer initially resisted granting access.
Starmer initially appeared hesitant about Britain’s involvement, issuing a joint statement with France and Germany that any actions would be defensive. “We will take steps to protect our interests and those of our allies, including proportionate defensive measures to neutralize Iran’s missile and drone capabilities,” the statement read.
In Parliament, Starmer said, “We are not joining the US and Israeli offensive strikes,” emphasizing the need to safeguard British lives and national interests.
Public opinion in Britain remains skeptical. A Survation poll of 1,045 adults found 43% viewed the war as unjustifiable, while 56% supported Starmer’s initial refusal to allow US use of British bases. Thousands of protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in London on Saturday to denounce the escalating conflict.
Trump has continued to criticize Starmer, telling German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office that he was “not happy with the UK.”
He added, “This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with.” Trump has often praised Churchill, reinstating his bust in the Oval Office last year.
He has also condemned Starmer’s 2024 decision to hand the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, calling it “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY.” Despite the handover, the US and UK still operate their base on Diego Garcia.
Relations were further strained when Trump told Fox News that NATO allies had “stayed off the front lines” in Afghanistan, remarks Starmer described as “insulting and appalling.”
Recently, Trump’s administration has shifted diplomatic focus toward countries outside Europe. At a summit of right-wing Latin American leaders, Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised regional partners, noting that “at times, traditional allies may not be there when needed, but these nations have stood with us.”
