United States President Donald Trump has once again criticized Sir Keir Starmer over the United Kingdom’s role in the ongoing Middle East conflict, asserting that the US does not require allies to “join wars after we’ve already won.”
The comments came as four American bombers arrived in the UK, marking the start of US “specific defensive operations” from British bases on Saturday.
President Trump’s remarks were aimed at reports that the UK was preparing an aircraft carrier in response to the crisis.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that HMS Prince of Wales is on heightened alert and that the time needed to deploy the warship has been reduced, though no final decision has been made regarding its deployment.
Trump posted on his Truth Social account: “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. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!”
Sir Keir faced earlier criticism from Trump for denying the US permission to launch the initial wave of military action, with Trump labeling the Prime Minister as “not Winston Churchill.”
He also described Britain’s response as “very disappointing,” insisting that the US should have access to UK bases “without question or hesitation.”
The Prime Minister subsequently approved “defensive” strikes by the US on Iranian missile sites from UK bases.
Downing Street emphasized that the special relationship remains active, with intelligence sharing and ongoing collaboration between the two countries.
Following the bombers’ arrival at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that US forces had begun “specific defensive operations to prevent Iran firing missiles into the region.”
The first 146ft B-1 Lancer arrived on Friday evening, with three more following on Saturday morning. Additionally, a Merlin helicopter has been deployed for aerial surveillance, while RAF Typhoon and F-35 jets continue operations over Jordan, Qatar, and Cyprus.
Trump also issued a warning in an earlier post, suggesting that more Iranian officials could become targets, stating: “Today Iran will be hit very hard!”
Questions remain over the UK’s potential involvement, with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy hinting that RAF jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites threatening British interests.
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, indicated the possibility of further proactive strikes, noting that “campaigns and conflicts evolve over time.”
The Iranian ambassador to the UK cautioned that Britain should tread carefully before becoming further entangled in the conflict.
Meanwhile, the defence of Cyprus has drawn criticism after a UK base on the island was struck by a drone.
HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defence destroyer, is not expected to deploy to the eastern Mediterranean until next week, as it is being equipped for extended operations rather than a short-term mission.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the Prime Minister for being “too scared to make foreign interventions,” adding that the UK is “in this war whether Keir Starmer likes it or not.”
Sir Keir defended his stance on not allowing US forces to use UK bases for the initial assault, suggesting that it could have been unlawful and emphasizing the need for a “cool head.”
He later approved defensive strikes from Fairford and Diego Garcia, stating in the Sunday Mirror, “While opposition parties seek to undermine Britain on the world stage, my Labour Government is focused on protecting British people at home and abroad. At moments like this, the country needs seriousness, not political games.”
Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair reportedly expressed that the UK should have supported the US immediately, saying: “I am not saying anything that I haven’t already said to the government… I think we should have backed America from the very beginning.”
In contrast, the Lib Dems urged Starmer to resist US pressure, with Sir Ed Davey warning: “The Prime Minister must stand firm against Trump’s bullying and avoid getting sucked further into this illegal and damaging war.”
Elsewhere in the region, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE reported intercepting missiles and drones from Iran hours after the Iranian president apologized for attacks on “neighbouring countries.” Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi called on Iran’s Assembly of Experts to swiftly appoint a new supreme leader.
Meanwhile, the UK government is organizing flights from Muscat, Oman, and Dubai to evacuate personnel, with a third charter flight scheduled to depart on Sunday and commercial options planned for early next week.
