GB News presenter Ben Leo paused his live coverage on Sunday as Donald Trump delivered an update on the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The US president spoke to reporters onboard Air Force One where he claimed they have “virtually defeated Iran”. It comes as Trump declared that, despite the UK being considered their number one ally, they did not want to join the war. In a breaking news alert, Ben began, “President Trump was talking. We understand that he was talking about Iran. This was on Air Force One. The trip from Florida. Here we go…”
Speaking on board, Trump declared: “Militarily, as far as I’m concerned, we have essentially defeated Iran. I guess they had a little bit of fight back, but not much. “We have taken out their air forces. We have taken out their navy. We have taken out their air defence. They have no air defence whatsoever.”
He continued: “We have taken out their leadership times two or three. But militarily it’s been amazing.”
Trump’s comments come as he hit out at NATO if his allies did not support him going forward in a huge blow to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The president says it would be “very bad for the future of NATO” if allies don’t help secure the Strait of Hormuz – a critical waterway for global oil shipping.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the US president says he expects China to help unblock the strait and could delay a summit with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping if it doesn’t.
Aboard Air Force One, Trump also says he is speaking to “about seven” countries about “policing” the strait, adding that he “will remember” if they do not help.
It’s understood that the UK and others are reluctant to commit warships. Sir Keir Starmer could instead sign off on mine-hunting drones.
