US President Donald Trump has once again criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over London's delay in expressing support for US-Israeli military operations against Iran.
The criticism comes as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, with pressure on Western allies to make their stance on the crisis clear.
Trump questioned the UK's actions, which are considered too slow to provide military support to Washington.
He said the United Kingdom, which was previously considered a close ally, is now only considering sending an aircraft carrier to the Middle East after the conflict has escalated.
Trump insinuated that the support that came too late is no longer needed by the United States and stressed that Washington does not need a country that only joins the conflict after the situation is in their favor.
The statement came after the UK government finally allowed the US military to use several British military bases. Among the bases involved are in Fairford, Gloucestershire and the strategic base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Initially, London reportedly refused to grant permission before finally approving it for specific defense purposes.
The UK Ministry of Defense later confirmed that several US bombers had landed at the British Royal Air Force base.
The aircraft were reported to have begun using British base facilities to conduct military operations in the Middle East.
The operation was aimed at preventing Iran from launching missile attacks that could threaten the interests of Western allies in the region.
At the same time, the UK also increased its military readiness level. The country's main aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, was reported to be on high alert for possible deployment to the Middle East.
This move is seen as London's effort to increase its military role amid rising tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also hinted at criticism of several Western allies. He stated that crises like this will show which countries are truly on the side of the United States when needed.
The statement indirectly refers to several allied countries that refuse to allow their bases to be used in military operations against Iran.
