The UK is preparing an aircraft carrier for possible deployment to theMiddle East, it has been confirmed. It comes after DonaldTrumpwarned Iran that no deal to end the conflict will be made until the country's "unconditional surrender".

HMSPrince of Wales, which is based in Portsmouth, has had its 10-day notice to move slashed in half to five days. The acceleration of readiness means the aircraft carrier will be able to respond quickly if asked to mobilise. According to theRoyal Navy, the giant vessel is one of the most powerful surface warships ever made in the UK. Carrying up to 1,600 crew, she is able to embark 36 F-35 fighter jets and four Merlin helicopters, as well as move 500 miles every day. Crews have also reportedly been alerted about potential deployment as the war in Iran rages on.

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A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We have been bolstering our UK military presence in the Middle East since January, and we have already deployed capabilities to protect British people and our allies in the region, including Typhoons, F-35 jets, air defence systems and an extra 400 personnel into Cyprus.

"Since the strikes began, we’ve had British jets in the sky shooting down drowns and have sent additional assets to the region to further reinforce our air defences, including more Typhoons and Wildcat helicopters with drone busting missiles.

"HMS Prince of Wales has always been on very high readiness and we are increasing the preparedness of the carrier, reducing the time it would take to set sail for any deployment."

US PresidentDonald Trumpwrote on his Truth Social platform on Friday (March 6): "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!

"After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before."

The conflict, which began when the US andIsraellaunched an attack on Iran, has spread across the Middle East. Strikes across the Gulf have since been ignited, as well as a war between Hezbollah andIsrael.

Source: Daily Express :: World Feed