Trump tells Starmer aircraft carriers not needed, accuses him of joining war US ‘already won’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over Britain’s possible decision to deploy aircraft carriers to the Middle East during tensions involving Iran.

The United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, targeting key military and political establishments across the country. In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting US and UK military bases, escalating tensions across the region.

Trump criticizes Keir Starmer over aircraft carrier deployment

Trump publicly criticized Starmer in a post on Truth Social after reports that the UK was considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East.

Trump wrote that the UK, which he described as a “once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all,” was “finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East.” He added, “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’s remarks came after the UK Ministry of Defense said one of Britain’s two aircraft carriers had been placed on advanced readiness in Portsmouth, England, for possible mobilization to the Middle East. 

A British destroyer, HMS Dragon, was also waiting in Portsmouth and preparing to leave for Cyprus after delays. Trump later told the Telegraph that he was “very disappointed” in Starmer and claimed the prime minister took “far too long” to approve the use of British bases by the US during operations in the region.

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss reposted Trump’s Truth Social comments on X and described them as “justified and damning.” 

Starmer outlines UK’s defensive role in the region

Starmer said that although the UK was not involved in the strikes against Iran, it was “operating defensively in the region.”

In a message to the British public, he condemned what he described as “indiscriminate” Iranian attacks following US strikes and stated that “the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source.”

The prime minister said Britain had agreed to the US’ request to use British bases for a limited purpose related to operations in the region. According to its Ministry of Defense, British fighter jets were flying over Jordan, Cyprus and Qatar to strengthen regional defense, and a Merlin helicopter was being deployed for additional airborne surveillance.

Starmer also emphasized that his government was focused on calm and responsible leadership. He said the situation required deploying military and diplomatic strength to protect British people while remaining committed to national values and principles.

He added that the UK’s longstanding position is that the best solution is a negotiated settlement with Iran in which the country gives up its nuclear ambitions.

Starmer also confirmed that the UK chose not to join the initial coordinated strikes carried out by the US and Israel. Speaking in Parliament, he said the UK had learned lessons from the Iraq war and insisted that any British action must have a lawful basis and a well-considered plan, adding that his government does not believe in “regime change from the skies.”