Trump criticises UK over Middle East war support as aircraft carrier deployment considered

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday took aim at Britain over its role in the U.S.-led campaign against Iran, claiming the country is only now “giving serious thought” to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East — an offer he said the United States no longer needs.

Reuters, citing Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, quoted Trump writing, “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!”

The post followed a statement from the British Ministry of Defence that the aircraft carrier Prince of Wales is being prepared for possible deployment to the region, though officials stressed that no final decision has yet been made.

Trump’s remarks continue a pattern of public criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whom he has previously accused of undermining the historically close relationship between Washington and London by initially denying U.S. forces access to British bases for the opening strikes against Iran.

Starmer defended his decision, stating that any military action needed to be legally sound and carefully planned before British support could be granted.

He subsequently allowed U.S. forces to use the bases for defensive strikes targeting Iranian missiles and storage depots.

The latest clash adds to a series of disagreements between the two leaders.

Earlier this year, Starmer criticised Trump’s suggestion that the United States purchase Greenland and denounced the former president’s claims that European troops had avoided frontline combat during the Afghanistan war as “frankly appalling.”

Trump’s comments highlight ongoing tensions within the Western alliance as the Iran conflict escalates, with the United States asserting its operational independence while Britain cautiously weighs its involvement in a volatile Middle East theatre. - March 8, 2026