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Donald Trump described British warships as “toys” compared to US vessels
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The US president criticised Nato allies for lack of involvement in strikes on Iran
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Sir Keir Starmer said he is “unapologetic” about staying focused on UK interests
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Starmer also warned of a “war on two fronts” against Russia and Iran
US President Donald Trump has again lashed out at Nato allies, dismissing British aircraft carriers as “toys” and accusing European partners of avoiding involvement in the conflict with Iran.
Speaking at the White House, Trump claimed the UK had offered to send warships “when the war is over”, prompting him to respond: “Don’t bother, we don’t need it.”
The comments mark the latest deterioration in relations between Trump and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has refused to allow UK bases to be used for offensive strikes against Iran. Downing Street has denied that any formal request for UK carriers was made.
UK Military Response
Despite the criticism, the UK has deployed the warship HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean after an Iranian-made missile was launched from Lebanon toward a British RAF base in Cyprus. Officials are also considering sending a vessel to the Strait of Hormuz to assist with mine-clearing operations and help keep commercial shipping lanes open.
Trump also derided Iran’s missile launch toward the UK-US base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The US president has previously been critical of the UK’s agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Starmer’s Response
Sir Keir told MPs he would not react directly to Trump’s insults, describing them as an attempt “to put pressure on me”. He said he remained “utterly focused” on his responsibilities, a stance he said was “unapologetic”.
Speaking at a Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Finland, the Prime Minister warned that the West faces a “war on two fronts” — in Ukraine and the Middle East. He said the threat from Russia “has not gone away” and has in fact grown.
The JEF, a UK-led military coalition of 10 northern European nations, will hold exercises involving the Ukrainian navy for the first time later this year.
