Washington, 08 March (H.S.): President Donald Trump unleashed a blistering rebuke against British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, dismissing potential UK aircraft carrier deployments to the Middle East as superfluous in the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

In a pointed Truth Social post, Trump declared the United Kingdom—once hailed as America's greatest ally—is now contemplating sending two carriers, including the HMS Prince of Wales, but 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!

The remarks, issued amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, underscore deepening fissures in the transatlantic alliance, with Trump accusing London of tardy support following initial US strikes on Iranian targets that began on February 28.

The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed heightened readiness for HMS Prince of Wales, placing it on five days' notice to sail while deploying Typhoon jets, F-35s, and additional assets to bolster regional defenses.

No deployment decision has been finalized, though US forces have begun utilizing British bases at RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for limited defensive operations against Iranian missile threats.

Starmer has staunchly defended his cautious approach, insisting any action must be legal and well planned after initially blocking offensive US use of UK facilities. He later authorized defensive strikes on Iranian depots and launchers, emphasizing protection of British lives and allies amid Iran's retaliatory barrages.

Trump, undeterred, has repeatedly lambasted Starmer, likening him unfavorably to Winston Churchill and claiming the prime minister has ruined historic US-UK ties.

The spat unfolds as Operation Epic Fury—Trump's term for the Iran offensive—progresses ahead of schedule, with the president rating it 15 out of 10 despite persistent explosions in Dubai, Doha, and beyond.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology to neighbors hours after deadly strikes, yet Trump branded Tehran the Loser of the Middle East and vowed further action. Analysts warn the rift could strain NATO cohesion, with Starmer facing domestic mockery for a TikTok video touting Britain's response.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar