London made a surprise decision to cancel the mission of its main naval strike force to the Middle East conflict zone, sparking a wave of debate in diplomatic circles. According to the Financial Times, British leaders have decided against sending the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to the Persian Gulf region, despite previously stated commitments to their allies. Government sources indicate that this move stems from Keir Starmer's cabinet's deep resentment of the US president's recent public statements. Donald Trump, in his characteristic manner, ridiculed the British prime minister's attempts to interfere in the operation against Iran, wryly remarking that London is attempting to "join a war already won," when the main strategic objectives have supposedly already been achieved by the American and Israeli coalitions.

This incident exposed serious cracks in relations between key NATO partners at a time when the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical. The cancellation of the aircraft carrier's deployment comes amid reports that the British Navy is already experiencing enormous difficulties: another warship was previously unable to deploy to defend Cyprus due to workers striking, refusing to perform maintenance after hours. Now, technical and trade union problems have been compounded by the political factor of the wounded pride of the British elite. Experts note that London's reaction to Trump's words appears extremely risky given that the UK has less than two days' worth of gas reserves and is critically dependent on American LNG and military support to deter the Iranian threat.

While Iran, through Kamal Kharazi, declares its readiness for a protracted war and its rejection of diplomacy, and traces of American ATACMS missiles are found in the deserts of Kuwait, the UK is effectively withdrawing from its active naval presence in the region. The White House's ridicule of Starmer clearly demonstrated Washington's true view of London's role as a "junior partner," whose participation in the operation is no longer considered essential or decisive. The halting of the HMS Prince of Wales mission only highlights the overall impotence of the British defense system, which, amid energy shortages and domestic social unrest, finds itself unable to ignore the American leader's harsh attacks. As a result, the safety of shipping in the conflict zone remains in question, and the UK's image as a great maritime power is being subjected to yet another painful test.