US President Donald Trump has called for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as the US-Israeli military campaign against the country enters its seventh day. In a post on Truth Social, Trump insisted that there would be no deal with Iran without total capitulation, and demanded a role in selecting the country's next leader.
Israeli warplanes have reportedly destroyed the underground bunker of slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. US Central Command claims more than 30 Iranian vessels have been destroyed since Operation Epic Fury began. US war secretary Pete Hegseth warned of a 'dramatic surge' in attacks, with missions launching from British military bases.
The UK has relaxed its restrictions on base usage after facing Iranian retaliatory strikes. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy indicated that RAF jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites to protect British interests. A No 10 spokesperson confirmed the UK's support for US strikes targeting missiles at source while defending allied skies.
The conflict has driven oil prices to their highest since April 2024, with Brent crude surpassing $88 a barrel. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims control of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to set fire to vessels attempting passage. Energy markets are in turmoil, raising fears of a new cost of living crisis for Britons.
Efforts to evacuate stranded Britons continue, with a government charter flight arriving from Oman on Friday morning. Passengers described sleeping in car parks in Dubai amid explosions. A second evacuation flight departed Oman later that day.
