Trump Criticizes UK's Military Support and NATO's Role in Middle East Conflict

During a televised Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom's military support in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the US-Israeli Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Referring to a ballistic missile strike from Iran aimed at the Diego Garcia military base, he stated, "They shot the now famous island that the UK was very afraid to give us because they didn't want to get dragged in, but we don't want to get dragged into their wars either."

The President also expressed dissatisfaction with NATO's involvement, saying he was "very disappointed" in the alliance. He remarked, "[Some nations] actually made a statement, a couple of them, that we want to get involved when the war is over. No, you're supposed to get involved when the war's beginning, or even before it begins."

Additionally, Trump criticized the UK's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, commenting, "We had the UK say - this is three weeks ago - we'll send our aircraft carriers, which aren't the best aircraft carriers, by the way. They're toys compared to what we have."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted the success of Operation Epic Fury, stating, "Twenty-seven days ago, Iran had a modern military. Never in recorded history has a nation's military been so quickly and effectively neutralized. This is stuff for the history books. This is stuff for legacy."

Special envoy Steve Witkoff reported that Iranian negotiators claimed the country had enough uranium to make 11 atomic bombs. He added, "Finally, we have told Iran one last thing: don't miscalculate again."

The US has proposed a 15-point peace plan to end the conflict with Iran, which includes dismantling Iran's nuclear program and effectively handing over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also commented on Iran's military capabilities, stating, "They're great negotiators. Lousy fighters, but great negotiators."

Regarding NATO's response to the conflict, Trump said, "That's why I'm so disappointed in NATO - because this was a test for them. This was a test."

He warned Iran of severe consequences if it does not agree to a new nuclear treaty, stating, "We'll see if they want to do it. If they don't, it'll be their worst nightmare."

Trump claimed that Iran has 22 "mine droppers" that it could use on the Strait of Hormuz and stated that US forces have struck all of these devices.

He further criticized NATO, saying, "We're very disappointed with NATO. NATO has done absolutely nothing... We'll come to their rescue, but they will never come to ours."

The President emphasized the need for Iran to "get serious soon" on negotiating a deal to end the war.

Trump also mentioned that the US has put forward a 15-point proposal to end the war in the Middle East, but Iranian state media have reported that Iran has rejected the plan.