Donald Trump likened UK aircraft carriers to “toys”, telling Sir Keir Starmer “not to bother” sending vessels to the Gulf.
Speaking on Thursday (26 March), the US president said: “We don't need it, and we don't need it, and we don't need them.
“They're toys compared to what we have.”
Sir Keir has insisted that the UK will not get dragged into a “wider war” in Iran, stating that he will always “prioritise the national interest”.
Mr Trump has repeatedly demanded that other nations take a role in opening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and gas, and the UK is currently leading efforts to formulate a plan to achieve that objective.
Read MoreTrump spends two minutes ranting about pens while attacking Fed chair Jerome Powell
Martin Lewis explains how to claim tax back on your work uniform
Beavers transform Dorset woodland one year after first wild release
