Overview
- Permission covers a specific mission to destroy Iranian missile launchers and depots after regional strikes endangered UK nationals, with at least 200,000 Britons in the area.
- British jets are flying coordinated defensive sorties that have intercepted Iranian attacks, and the UK will bring Ukrainian and British counter‑drone expertise to assist Gulf partners.
- Downing Street says the step is grounded in collective self‑defence and will publish a summary of its legal advice, while insisting the UK will not join offensive strikes.
- Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford are identified in reporting as likely launch points for US operations targeting Iranian missile infrastructure.
- A drone hit RAF Akrotiri’s runway in Cyprus with limited damage, and pressure is growing for parliamentary scrutiny as the Liberal Democrats and Greens call for a Commons vote.