Iran launched a retaliatory assault on a US air base in Qatar
The UK has lifted recommendation for its residents to shelter in place in Qatar after Iran launched a retaliatory assault on a US navy base there. Iran launched a missile assault on the bottom after America’s strikes on its nuclear amenities on Saturday.
Nevertheless, US President Donald Trump appeared to react positively, calling the transfer “a really weak response” and thanking Tehran “for giving us early discover” to keep away from any casualties. He then claimed Israel and Iran had agreed a “full and complete ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours.
Iran’s overseas minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X there was “NO ‘settlement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of navy operations”. However he mentioned Iran had “no intention” of continuous assaults if Israel stopped its “unlawful aggression towards the Iranian individuals” by 4am Tehran time (2am BST), round 1 / 4 of an hour earlier than his publish.
He added a “last determination” on ending navy operations could be made later. The Israeli UN mission mentioned it had no touch upon the president’s publish whereas airstrikes focused Tehran forward of Mr Araghchi’s deadline.
Iran earlier responded with a warning to individuals within the Israeli metropolis of Ramat Gan that it could goal “navy infrastructure” within the space. International Secretary David Lammy had urged Iran to “take the off ramp” and return to the negotiating desk with the US after American B-2 stealth bombers and a salvo of submarine-launched missiles hit Iran’s nuclear amenities on Saturday night time.
However after a US safety alert, the International Workplace suggested British nationals to “shelter in place” and Qatar shut its airspace as a precaution. The assaults got here shortly after.
Armed forces minister Luke Pollard mentioned the UK was monitoring the “fast-changing scenario” carefully and that “the UK Authorities totally condemns any escalation”. “Drive safety now’s at its highest state throughout all deployed items within the Center East,” he advised the Commons.
“The extra RAF Storm jets introduced by the Prime Minister have now arrived within the area to strengthen our posture, deter threats and reassure our companions, and I need to be clear, we is not going to rule out sending additional capabilities if they’re required,” Mr Pollard mentioned.
In the meantime, the UK began evacuating Britons from Israel, with the primary group of 63 flown again through Cyprus and as a consequence of return to the UK on Monday. Downing Road mentioned “round 1,000” individuals had requested a seat on an evacuation flight – 1 / 4 of the 4,000 who had registered their presence in Israel or Palestine with the International Workplace.
The Authorities has withdrawn employees from its embassy in Iran and it’s working “remotely”, Mr Lammy advised MPs. The International Secretary beforehand spoke of a two-week window for a diplomatic resolution after Mr Trump’s obvious determination final week to delay US navy motion.
On Monday, he mentioned the window had “narrowed” however advised MPs the necessity for a diplomatic resolution remained. Mr Lammy mentioned: “My message for Tehran was clear, take the off ramp, dial this factor down, and negotiate with america severely and instantly.
“The choice is an much more damaging and far-reaching battle, which might have unpredictable penalties.”
Downing Road had mentioned that stopping Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb was a “good factor” for the UK, however declined to touch upon whether or not the US strikes complied with worldwide regulation. In the meantime, oil costs reached their highest stage for practically six months over fears a regional battle might prohibit provide, particularly if Iran determined to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr Lammy advised MPs the Authorities was “carefully monitoring” the power markets and urged Iran to maintain the Strait of Hormuz open, saying a blockade could be “a monumental act of financial self-harm” and make reaching a diplomatic resolution even more durable.
