Trump Says UK Not Needed in Iran War as Middle East Tensions Escalate

United States President Donald Trump has said that the United States does not need support from the United Kingdom in the ongoing war with Iran, after reports suggested that Britain was considering deploying aircraft carriers to the Middle East. 

Trump accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of contemplating joining a war after victory had already been achieved, adding that Washington would remember the decision.

UK Military Readiness and War Strategy Differences

Reports said that the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales had been placed on advanced readiness for possible deployment. 

However, the UK government clarified that it had not committed to offensive military action and was pursuing a policy aimed at reducing regional escalation. 

British authorities have allowed the United States to use facilities such as RAF Fairford for defensive operations connected to the conflict.

Middle East War Escalates With Airstrikes and Missile Attacks

The war involving U.S.-backed Israel against Iran continued into its second week, with intensified strikes across the region. Video footage confirmed by international media showed large flames rising from an oil depot in southern Tehran following reported airstrikes.

Civilian Casualties and Regional Security Impact

The conflict has also produced civilian casualties outside the main battle zones. In Dubai, a driver was killed after debris from intercepted missile fragments fell on a vehicle in the Al Barsha district. Officials in United Arab Emirates said the incident occurred during defensive aerial interception operations.

Gulf States Warn of Wider Conflict

Missile and drone threats were also reported in other Gulf countries. Authorities in Qatar said they intercepted a missile attack targeting the country. 

Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani warned in a phone conversation with Trump that the escalation could have dangerous consequences and said Qatar would defend itself if attacked.

Diplomatic Evacuations Continue

The government of Spain evacuated remaining embassy staff from Tehran. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed that the ambassador and essential personnel had safely crossed into Azerbaijan.

Attacks Spread to Lebanon and Northern Israel

Israeli airstrikes continued in southern Beirut, reportedly killing at least two people in Kafr Rumman in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it launched rocket and artillery attacks targeting northern Nahariya near the border.

Global Concern Over Possible Spillover Effects

The Houthi movement was also mentioned in reports regarding drone activity linked to the wider regional conflict. Analysts warn that continued escalation could trigger broader geopolitical instability across the Middle East, with global oil prices likely to fluctuate depending on the intensity of military operations.

Drone Attack Reported Near Peshmerga Base in Iraq

A drone strike was reported near a base of the Peshmerga forces in northern Iraq. The information was confirmed by a field reporter, who said the drone landed close to the security installation but details about casualties or damage were not immediately available.

CENTCOM Rejects Claims of US Soldiers Captured by Iran

The United States Central Command has denied reports claiming that American soldiers were captured by Iran since the start of the conflict. Military officials described the Iranian allegation as false, calling it another example of misinformation amid the ongoing war.

Spain Withdraws Remaining Diplomatic Staff From Tehran

The government of Spain announced the evacuation of the last remaining staff members from its embassy in Tehran. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the ambassador and essential personnel had safely crossed into neighbouring Azerbaijan. The evacuation was carried out after renewed airstrikes on Iranian territory.

Israeli Strikes Continue in Southern Lebanon

Israeli forces carried out what was described as a heavy attack on the Haret Hreik neighbourhood in southern Beirut. 

Lebanon’s health authorities confirmed that at least two people were killed in an airstrike targeting the town of Kafr Rumman in southern Lebanon after Israeli operations expanded to multiple areas.

Hezbollah Reports Rocket and Artillery Attacks

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks targeting the northern Israeli coastal city of Nahariya. The group said it fired a rocket salvo around 10:40 p.m. local time and later launched artillery fire at Israeli forces near the Lebanese border village of Aitaroun.

Ukraine Offers Assistance Against Iranian Drone Threats

The government of Ukraine renewed its offer to help Gulf countries counter Iranian-designed drone attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country has extensive experience in dealing with Iranian-origin drone systems and is ready to provide technical and operational support if requested by partners, including Saudi Arabia.

US Approves Large-Scale Arms Sale to Israel

The administration of President Trump approved the sale of more than 20,000 bombs to Israel, bypassing the usual congressional review process by declaring an emergency situation. 

The total value of the weapons package is estimated at about $650 million, with additional munitions worth nearly $298 million expected to be purchased through direct commercial channels.

Oman Calls for Diplomatic Efforts to End the War

Oman urged regional and international actors to intensify diplomatic pressure to end the war and contain its wider consequences. 

Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi said the current crisis requires coordinated global action, describing peace as a priority for Arab and regional stability.