Largest island of the Chagos Archipelago; site of a UK–US military base since the 1970s
The Pentagon inspector general has reported that Operation Epic Fury has cost $33.4 billion from 28 February to 30 June, including $22.3 billion on expended munitions. The report has found strategic inventory shortfalls, industrial bottlenecks for resupply, and millions in damage to aircraft, drones and diplomatic facilities.
The UK prime minister heads to New York for the UN General Assembly to press for closer UK-US cooperation on AI, Ukraine air defences, and safeguarding critical infrastructure, while managing a complex relationship with President Trump. Talks follow a string of calls and a cautious but optimistic tone about the special relationship.
The Guardian and BBC Business report that, at the UN, Burnham and Trump have forged a warmer rapport, with Trump praising Burnham as a “natural businessperson” while pressing a hard line on Iran and critiquing the UK’s Chagos Islands deal. Burnham has urged de-escalation in Iran and signaled a push for global AI safety standards as part of a broader UK role in international diplomacy.
Britain has reaffirmed its support for US defensive operations from British bases amid the Iran war, while avoiding offensive action. Tehran has warned the UK and promised retaliatory steps, as US strikes target Iranian facilities. UK says it will defend itself, its allies, and free shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rashad Sultanov has been arrested in Cyprus as part of Britain’s first overseas National Security Act investigation into incidents at RAF Akrotiri, with extradition proceedings underway. He is alleged to have conducted hostile surveillance and shared information with the IRGC. Authorities emphasise that the act can be applied overseas to protect British bases.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has made a brief port call at Laem Chabang, Thailand, allowing about 5,000 sailors and Marines to rest after a record, months-long deployment supporting US operations against Iran. Thai authorities are managing transport, security and restrictions in Pattaya while US officials deny widespread failures in shipboard conditions.
The US-SOUTHCOM operation has interdicted and sunk a floating refueling vessel linked to the Los Choneros criminal network. Crew members were removed and handed to Ecuadorian authorities as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt narco-trafficking networks in the Eastern Pacific.
The Pentagon inspector general has released a report detailing the costs of the Iran war in lives, money and damage. The document covers April 1 to June 30 and shows damage to US bases across the region, hundreds of damaged aircraft, and thousands of drones and missiles shot down. It notes logistical challenges, evacuations, and large-scale defense spending, with figures including roughly $184 million in damage to diplomatic facilities and $33.4 billion in overall costs for the period.