Senior US commanders say forces are not yet ready for potential action against Iran as Washington weighs options. Nationwide protests persist despite a clampdown and internet limits. Officials warn retaliation is likely and more preparation is needed before any operation proceeds.

Ministers plan to end the duty to automatically house and fund asylum seekers, phasing out hotel stays from spring. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will unveil a Denmark‑style law making support discretionary, tightening eligibility while saying some help will remain.

Ministers vow to enforce sanctions at sea after dozens of suspected “shadow” tankers were tracked near UK waters. The government signals readiness to use hard power, including potential boarding and seizures, to curb sanction evasion by ships using false flags in the Channel and North Atlantic.

Britain plans further seizures of sanctions-evading ‘shadow fleet’ tankers to curb illicit oil flows. After aiding allies in the capture of a vessel off the UK coast following an Atlantic pursuit, the RAF and Royal Navy stand ready for more operations, which could be led by the UK alone.