Reeves: Student Loans Not Top Priority

0:00On March 17, President Donald Trump sharply criticized British Prime Minister Kier Starmer today for not sending warships to help reopen the straight of Hormuz. The vital shipping channel carries about one-fifth of the world's oil, but has been blocked by Iranian missile and drone attacks following strikes by. The United States and Israel. Trump called Starmer disappointing during a press event in the Oval Office and said he is no Winston Churchill. Trump claimed Starmer had offered two aircraft carriers, but only after the conflict was over, which was too late. He also took shots at Labour's immigration policies and their support for wind turbines that he said harm birds. This came amid growing frustration as Trump pushes European allies to join efforts to secure the straight. Meanwhile, Starmer hosted Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky and NATO Chief Mark Rutsay at Downing Street, stressing the need to keep focus on the fight against Russia's invasion. He made clear the United Kingdom wants to avoid a wider war in the Middle East.

1:04France and Germany have similarly turned down active involvement right now. France's President Emmanuel Macron rejected calls for a joint operation, saying his country is not part of the conflict, but might help escort ships. Later, when things calm down, Trump fired back on social media, calling NATO a one-way street in predicting Macron's quick exit from office. EU-formed policy chief Kaja Callis noted how wars are hard to stop once they start. Tensions between the United States and its allies show no signs of easing as the straight remains closed and global oil flows hang in the balance.