US aircraft left a UK base to carry out operations against Iran after the PM authorised allied use of the site, calling the action defensive. US officials signalled the most intense day of operations so far. Britain backs its ally while saying UK forces are not directly involved.
Donald Trump said the campaign against Iran is close to ending, claiming its capabilities are largely depleted and ruling out talks. The stance coincides with warnings that UK households may face higher costs, with petrol potentially reaching £2 a litre.
Clerics have chosen Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader after his father’s death, signalling a harder line. The move challenges Trump and could stiffen positions on sanctions, nuclear talks and regional policy.
Trump demanded Iran accept unconditional surrender. UK ministers reviewed the legal basis for involvement, with Lammy saying the RAF could lawfully act against launch sites. Oil prices rose, adding pressure at the pumps.
Trump says he will try to shape Iran’s leadership transition, dismissing the supreme leader’s son as unsuitable and urging a different choice by the clerical body. He hints further political and economic pressure could be used as the succession unfolds.
Partners in Cyprus and the Gulf criticise the UK’s response to recent regional incidents, claiming the island’s defences and British citizens were left at risk. The PM and defence secretary reject this, saying forces prioritised protection and pledging tighter coordination and readiness.
Trump mocked the PM as “no Churchill”, attacking his stance on recent operations. With regional tension rising, the UK is deploying a Royal Navy destroyer to protect RAF Akrotiri and reinforce security for personnel and assets at overseas bases.
Washington signalled a large-scale operation against Tehran following recent incidents. The US president warned of further action. The PM criticised the approach as lacking a clear plan and ruled out UK participation aimed at regime change. Some Britons have been repatriated.
Trump said the campaign to remove Iran’s leadership is “ahead of schedule” and will continue for days, urging the military and public to surrender. Tehran’s retaliatory actions tested regional defences, while Washington signalled no cease in operations despite offers of talks.
Labour suffered a major setback as the Greens won the Gorton & Denton by-election, with Labour falling to third. The result increases pressure on the PM, prompting calls to shift left and fuelling leadership speculation as the party seeks to reconnect with disaffected voters.