'Britain backs war on Iran' and 'Trump vows to press on'

Reuters Smoke billows from Jebel Ali port after an Iranian attack.Reuters

"Britain backs war on Iran" is the headline in the Daily Telegraph, which leads with the decision to allow the US to use UK military bases to attack Tehran's missile sites. The paper says Sir Keir Starmer's previous refusal to grant such permission caused him to face pressure from some within his own party, and put him at odds with other world leaders. It adds that the initial denial led to President Trump withdrawing his support for the deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Similarly, the Times highlights claims the move "angered" Trump. It characterises Sir Keir's latest decision as a U-turn.

A photograph of a burning Dubai hotel - hit by a shot-down Iranian drone - appears on the front page of the Sun, as it reports on the British nationals "caught in the crossfire".

"Stranded" is the headline in the Daily Mirror, which reports that the government is planning "an unprecedented operation to evacuate holidaymakers and expats by land, sea or air".

According to the Daily Mail - because of closed airspace - the plans could see people driven along desert roads to Saudi Arabia, from where they could fly home. It says officials are in talks with a number of airlines, while the i Paper reports that RAF planes could be used for the operation. The Daily Star terms it "the great escape".

The Financial Times describes the second day of attacks as Iran "lashing out" at Israel and America's Gulf allies "to avenge the killing of its leader". But, the paper says, despite public messages of defiance and vengeance, the Iranians have signalled they are "open to de-escalation".

The Guardian points out that President Trump is "prepared to talk to what is left" of the country's leadership. However, US intelligence officials cited in the international edition of the New York Times say the White House's ability to influence what comes next is "limited".

One official report on what might happen after the Ayatollah's death suggests that "a complete change in government is unlikely" - with the paper saying that Trump has "set in motion events that could be hard to control and that could leave Iran in chaos for some time".

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