Donald Trump has described British aircraft carriers as “toys” in his latest criticism of Nato allies over their involvement in US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Speaking at the White House, the US president said he told the UK: “Don’t bother, we don’t need it.”
Trump claimed he had requested two carriers from the UK, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially rejected and later offered to send after the conflict. Downing Street has denied that any request was made or refused. Starmer has said UK bases, including Diego Garcia, may be used for defensive strikes only.
The UK has deployed HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean after an Iranian missile was launched at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Officials are also considering sending a vessel to the Strait of Hormuz to support mine-clearing operations amid the closure of the Gulf route.
Trump also mocked the launch of an Iranian missile towards Diego Garcia, which the UK has agreed to lease to Mauritius. He said the UK was “very afraid to give us” the island, adding: “We don’t want to get dragged into their wars either.”
Starmer, visiting Finland for a Joint Expeditionary Force summit, declined to respond directly to Trump’s insults, saying he remained focused on his job. He warned that the threat from Russia had grown, as the West faces a “war on two fronts” in Ukraine and Iran.
