UK Puts Aircraft Carrier on High Alert for Rapid Deployment
Previously, the vessel’s “notice to sail” allowed 14 days for mobilization. The accelerated schedule has sparked speculation that the carrier could be sent to the Mediterranean to safeguard British interests amid the ongoing Middle East tensions.
On Saturday night, US President Donald Trump criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for not deploying the carriers earlier. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said: “The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East.” He 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 UK government has not engaged in offensive operations against Iran nor committed to doing so, though it has faced criticism for allegedly acting too slowly to protect Cyprus from potential drone and missile threats.
Sir Keir responded by rejecting claims that Britain was unprepared, noting that assets had been pre-deployed to the region earlier this year, particularly in Qatar and Cyprus, alongside US and allied forces. Defence officials confirmed that roughly 400 additional UK personnel have recently been sent to bolster air defence operations at UK bases in Cyprus.
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