US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has reportedly asked the US Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to step down and take immediate retirement.

Sources have told CBS News Hegseth wants someone in the role who will bring in his and President Trump’s vision for the Army. A senior defence department official said: “We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the army.”

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has taken aim at Keir Starmer, mocking him over Britain’s stance on Iran during a White House lunch.

The US president reportedly slipped into a weak, wavering voice, joking that the UK was unable to send forces to the Middle East. He went on to quip about Britain deploying its “two old, broken-down aircraft carriers” to help re-open the Strait of Hormuz, which has been shut to shipping since the conflict erupted on February 28.

Trump claimed Starmer responded: “No, no, no, I have to ask my team. My team has to meet. We’re meeting next week.”

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