US President Donald Trump has described British warships as 'toys' in his latest criticism of Nato allies for their lack of involvement in the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump claimed he told the UK: 'Don't bother, we don't need it.'
Trump alleged he had requested two aircraft carriers from the UK, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially rejected and then offered to send. Downing Street has denied that any request was made or denied. Starmer has said he would not permit UK bases to be used for offensive strikes against Iran, though bases like Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands can be used for defensive operations.
The UK has deployed HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean after an Iranian-made missile was launched from Lebanon at the UK's RAF base in Cyprus. Officials are also considering sending a Royal Navy vessel to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed due to the conflict, affecting global energy supplies.
Trump also mocked the launch of an Iranian missile towards Diego Garcia, which the UK has agreed to hand over to Mauritius. He said Iran fired 'one missile 2,500 miles' and criticised the UK for being reluctant to involve the US in its disputes. Trump expressed disappointment with Nato allies, saying they want to help only after the war ends.
Starmer, speaking at a Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Finland, warned that the threat from Russia has grown and that the West faces a 'war on two fronts' in Ukraine and Iran. He confirmed the Ukrainian navy would join a JEF exercise for the first time, highlighting Kyiv's expertise in countering drone warfare.
