US President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that US-Israeli military operations have inflicted “virtually everything … knocked out” of Iran’s defence capabilities, asserting that Iran’s navy, air force, radar and air-defence systems have been disabled amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Trump made the remarks in the Oval Office during a press session with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, defending the strikes as necessary to pre-empt what he described as an imminent threat from Iran. He denied that Israel had forced the United States into war, insisting that he acted to prevent a potentially planned Iranian attack on the United States. Trump admitted uncertainty about Iran’s post-conflict leadership and acknowledged the absence of a clear “day-after” plan.
Trump’s comments came amid soaring tensions with European allies, particularly the UK. He openly criticised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, saying he was “not happy with the UK” and that Starmer was “not Winston Churchill” for initially resisting US requests to use British military bases in support of offensive operations against Iran. Trump said Starmer had been “very uncooperative” and lamented that the “special relationship” between the US and UK was “not what it was,” highlighting London’s hesitancy over involvement and legal concerns. Starmer later allowed limited UK base use for defensive strikes against Iranian missile infrastructure but stopped short of broader offensive participation.
The diplomatic spat underscores the growing strain between Washington and London as the Middle East conflict deepens. While Trump’s narrative emphasises military success, critics question both the legality and strategic planning of the campaign, and allies like Starmer have insisted on adherence to international law and careful strategic considerations.
