U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States does not require military assistance from the United Kingdom in the ongoing conflict with Iran, escalating tensions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the allies’ role in the war.
In a March 7 post on Truth Social, Trump said the U.S. and Israeli forces were already overwhelming Iran’s military as the conflict entered its second week. He suggested Washington no longer needed British support, despite reports that the UK was considering deploying additional naval assets to the region.
“Our once great ally, maybe the greatest of them all, is giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers,” Trump wrote. “That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — but we will remember.”
The statement followed comments from the UK Ministry of Defence that it was preparing the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales for a potential deployment to the Middle East, although British officials said no final decision had been made.
Tensions Over Use of UK Bases
The remarks mark the latest dispute between Washington and London after Starmer initially declined to allow U.S. forces to use British bases for strikes on Iran. The British leader defended the decision, saying any military action needed to be carefully considered and legally justified.
Starmer later authorized the limited use of UK bases for defensive operations targeting Iranian missile stockpiles and launch sites.
Trump criticized the timing of Britain’s support in his social media post, writing that the United States does not need partners who “join wars after we’ve already won.”
Tribute to Fallen U.S. Service Members
Earlier on March 7, Trump attended a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base honoring six American service members killed in Kuwait during Iran’s initial retaliatory strikes following the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
Trump was joined by First Lady Melania Trump as well as federal and state officials to pay tribute to the soldiers.
The fallen service members were identified as Maj. Jeffery R. O’Brien of Iowa, Capt. Cody A. Khork of Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan of California, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor of Minnesota, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens of Nebraska, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady of Iowa, all members of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines.
“They’re great heroes in our country, and we’re going to keep it that way,” Trump said.
U.S. Rejects Kurdish Involvement
Trump also indicated that the United States does not plan to involve Kurdish forces in the conflict, warning that expanding the number of actors in the war could complicate the situation.
“We don’t want to make the war any more complex than it already is,” the president told reporters aboard Air Force One.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that position in discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who said Washington denied rumors that it was seeking to mobilize Kurdish forces against Iran.
The Kurdistan Regional Government had earlier issued a statement denying involvement in any plan to send Kurdish fighters into Iran.
Regional Tensions Continue
The conflict has also affected neighboring countries, including Turkey, which reported earlier this week that its NATO air defense systems intercepted an Iranian missile entering Turkish airspace.
According to Turkish communications chief Burhanettin Duran, the country is prepared to respond to any further attacks in accordance with international law.
