Overview
- President Donald Trump mocked Prime Minister Keir Starmer for delayed backing in the Iran war, saying "we don't need them" and warning "we will remember."
- The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the United States used British bases for "specific defensive operations" after an initial hold on permissions.
- US long-range bombers arrived at RAF Fairford, and British fighter jets are operating in the region to counter drones and missiles.
- The BBC reported a shortened readiness period for the carrier HMS Prince of Wales, though no decision has been made to send a carrier to the conflict area.
- Starmer has ruled out direct strikes on Iran, a stance shaped by public sensitivities over the 2003 Iraq invasion and current domestic political pressures.