The US-Israel war on Iran has entered its seventh day, triggering widespread political, economic, and security ramifications across the Middle East and beyond. In the United Kingdom, details leaked from a top-secret national security meeting on the US-Israel attacks on Iran have been condemned as an “absolute travesty” by David Lammy, who called for an investigation. Reports suggested cabinet divisions over allowing the US to use British bases for strikes against Iran, with Keir Starmer reportedly suggesting their use for defensive strikes, while other prominent Labour figures like Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves, Yvette Cooper, and Shabana Mahmood expressed opposition. Permission for the bases to be used was reportedly granted after Iran's retaliatory attacks. Lammy emphasized cabinet unity, asserting a commitment to defending allies without offensive involvement. The seriousness of such a leak was underscored by the 2019 dismissal of then-defence secretary Gavin Williamson over a similar incident. Later, Lammy clarified that UK forces striking Iranian missile sites would be legal, despite an initial barring of UK base use, though he mistakenly stated Cyprus was a NATO member. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also supported RAF strikes on Iranian missile launch sites, arguing it's essential to protect service personnel and sometimes proactive measures are necessary.

The conflict has seen significant escalation across the Middle East. Bahrain reported missile strikes on two hotels in its capital, Manama, causing material damage. Saudi Arabia intercepted three drones near Riyadh, and Dubai residents received phone alerts to take immediate shelter. Donald Trump warned Iran's military to surrender or face “guaranteed death” and declared that the US has “only just begun.” Israel announced the war was entering its “next phase,” launching more airstrikes in Tehran and Beirut, where an unprecedented evacuation order was issued. Kuwait reported 67 soldiers injured and 13 fatalities, including US service members, from over 600 missile and drone attacks. Azerbaijan withdrew diplomats from Iran after drone attacks near its border and vowed retaliation. Unverified social media footage claimed a friendly fire incident involving Kuwaiti jets mistakenly shooting down American F-15s.

US military posture has intensified, with a massive Iranian drone carrier reportedly destroyed. US B-2 stealth bombers have landed at UK bases, signaling an imminent “big one” attack as warned by Trump, who believes the “big wave has not even happened.” European nations are also ramping up security; Europol warned of an elevated threat of terrorism and violent extremism, increased cyberattacks on EU infrastructure, and the spread of disinformation. Iran-linked proxy networks and criminal groups are believed to be operating in Europe. Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Ministry noted a possible