U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States no longer needs British military assistance to fight its war with Iran, after London considered deploying two aircraft carriers to the Middle East.
Trump criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for delaying support during the initial stages of the conflict.
Trump took to Truth Social to comment on Britain’s planned deployment of the Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. He said the U.S. can succeed without British help, noting that the delay in support would not be forgotten.
“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 wrote.
He also suggested that the historically close U.S.-UK alliance has been damaged under Starmer’s leadership, a continuation of his repeated criticisms of the British prime minister.
Britain’s deliberation over deployment
The British Ministry of Defence confirmed preparations for the Prince of Wales carrier’s possible Middle East deployment but said no final decision had been made. Starmer has defended his initial refusal to allow U.S. forces to use British bases for offensive strikes on Iran, stating the need to ensure any military action is legal and well-planned.
Later, Starmer permitted U.S. forces to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles, signaling conditional support.
Trump’s criticism is part of a broader pattern of tension between the allies. Earlier this year, he clashed with Starmer over European troops’ involvement in Afghanistan and criticized the prime minister for blocking the U.S.’s initial plans in Iran.
The president’s remarks highlight lingering friction in coordination between the U.S. and the UK amid the escalating Iran conflict.
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