UK defense ministry responds on whether it fears Trump retaliation over Iran
UK Defence Secretary John Healey (Photo: Getty Images)
The UK is not afraid of retaliation from US President Donald Trump over its position on the war in Iran. London remains a key partner of Washington and is preparing for a sharp increase in investment in its own army, according to an interview with John Healey on SkyNews.
During the London Defense Conference, a journalist asked the minister about Trump's intention to conduct an inspection into which US allies helped in the confrontation with Iran and how. Since the UK was not very eager to join the fight, in the SkyNews correspondent's view, revenge from the American president should be expected.
However, Healey replied that he disagrees with such an approach to the issue of alliance. He also cited Trump's own words on Europe's efforts to help Ukraine.
Healey said that, first of all, this was entirely consistent with what President Trump had said, namely that the US wanted to see every NATO member step up and do more in NATO regarding Ukraine in terms of defense spending. He also said that, secondly, their actions in support of both their own forces and those of their allies in some US operations targeting Iranian missile facilities had been an important part of bringing that conflict to a ceasefire.
The Defense Minister also is not worried about the hypothetical withdrawal of US forces from military bases in the UK or from Diego Garcia (a British Overseas Territory in the Indian Ocean). Healey said that Britain is itself strengthening its military presence there.
He also noted that currently over 1,000 British servicemembers are defending allied interests in the region. The minister is confident that the presence of US bases in Britain is mutually beneficial.
"I would always argue for the principle of our alliances, the principle that NATO is founded on that no nation, however strong, can be strengthened if it works alongside allies and in cooperation," the head of the Ministry of Defense emphasised.
Relations between NATO and the US: who is in charge?
Despite all the rumors of friction with Trump, Healey calls the US the most important partner. The military relationship between Washington and London remains the deepest in the world, as does that of the entire Alliance.
"I would say the US is absolutely our most important military and security ally. I would say it's our most important ally within the NATO alliance as a whole," the official stated.
At the same time, Healey added, Europe must take on more responsibility, and Great Britain aspires to be a leader in this process.
Record defense budget: 2.6% of GDP
Healey also informed that Britain intends to spend more money on its army. As early as next year, the country will meet the NATO target of spending 2.6% of GDP. Healey called these difficult decisions necessary.
"Defense is our first duty and the public recognize, I think, that we're in an era of new threats. It requires that fresh investment in defense, and I want to make sure that that is about reinforcing and transforming our armed forces, but also growing our economy and creating new jobs right across the UK as well," Healey said.
What is known about the situation in Iran
US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will be opened soon, with or without Iran. Trump called the issue of Tehran's uranium enrichment the most important issue in future negotiations.
Meanwhile, Spain refuses to help Trump with the Strait of Hormuz. The country stated that ensuring free navigation through the strait falls outside NATO's scope.
We also wrote that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already discussed the details of opening the Strait of Hormuz with Trump. London intends to create a coalition of the willing to avoid a final split within the Alliance.
