Overview
- The prime minister told the Commons the UK will not join offensive action, saying British jets are conducting coordinated defensive operations that have intercepted Iranian strikes.
- Downing Street published a summary legal rationale setting out a collective self-defence basis for permitting US operations targeting Iranian missile launchers and stockpiles.
- Media reports identify Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford as likely operating locations for the US, while Starmer said British bases in Cyprus are not being used by US bombers.
- An Iranian-made drone struck RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus with limited damage and no casualties, which the government believes was launched before Sunday’s announcement; families were moved as a precaution and two further drones were later intercepted, officials said.
- Donald Trump said he was very disappointed by the initial UK refusal and that approval took too long, as opposition parties pressed for a Commons vote and some MPs demanded greater transparency.