A senior US security official appointed by Trump issues an open letter claiming the case for military action against Iran was false, urging the President to end the campaign. He resigns from his counterterror role amid mounting controversy.

Britain is negotiating a Royal Navy role with allies to end a Gulf oil blockade and reopen a vital shipping lane. Minehunting ships and interceptor drones are being readied, with the PM insisting any involvement stays limited. The UK is coordinating closely with the US, France and Gulf partners.

The PM will unveil help with energy bills, starting with support for households using heating oil, and a wider scheme to follow. The UK is preparing to deploy drones and uncrewed boats to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Disrupted routes are pushing up prices of fresh produce.

The US and Israel have intensified military operations targeting Iranian sites around Tehran, seeking a breakthrough after weeks of confrontation. The UK coordinates with allies on diplomacy and calls for restraint.