Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire hosting US Air Force personnel
Iran has set out a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if its conditions are met, saying the door to diplomacy remains open but it will not surrender its rights. The plan follows a UN appearance and tensions with the United States over sanctions, blocked assets, and naval blockades. The conflict has disrupted oil flows and drawn in regional mediators.
British police have arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offences as security around RAF Fairford is stepped up. The government has authorised a US strike from the base against Iranian missile sites, while residents are evacuated and the Army disposes of suspected explosives.
NATO leaders have met in Ankara after months of U.S. threats to scale back forces in Europe and repeated U.S. demands that allies raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and U.S. troop reviews have strained transatlantic ties, while European governments are increasing procurement and planning to assume more conventional defence responsibilities.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies has found that a Russian drone campaign operated across Europe from 2024 to 2026, with HAV Dolphin docked near Hull and other vessels acting as relays. The effort targeted UK and continental sites, with officials saying Moscow acted with substantial impunity and evidence points to Putin's involvement.
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.