
Independent Front Page 3rd of March 2026
Trump said a larger phase of the US campaign against Iran is imminent, predicting further operations. Energy prices rose and markets wobbled on supply fears, underscoring wider regional risks.

Trump said a larger phase of the US campaign against Iran is imminent, predicting further operations. Energy prices rose and markets wobbled on supply fears, underscoring wider regional risks.
Britain is preparing a potential mass evacuation of nationals across the Gulf after airspace closures amid rising regional tensions. Over 94,000 have contacted officials and are urged to register with embassies and follow shelter-in-place guidance while plans are readied to bring people home.
Trump said the campaign to remove Iran’s leadership is “ahead of schedule” and will continue for days, urging the military and public to surrender. Tehran’s retaliatory actions tested regional defences, while Washington signalled no cease in operations despite offers of talks.
Britain has cleared the US to use UK bases for a military operation against Iran, aiming to protect nationals and deter further incidents. No 10 is planning a mass evacuation from the Gulf. Ministers warn of a jump in oil prices, though Washington signals talks to reduce tensions are still possible.
Ministers are drawing up a large-scale evacuation for UK holidaymakers and expats in the Middle East after a wave of cross-border incidents. The PM has cleared US aircraft to use British bases, saying this will help deter further launches while prioritising getting citizens home safely.
Ministers are preparing a mass evacuation of Britons from Gulf states, using air and land corridors via Saudi Arabia amid regional unrest. The PM has allowed an ally to use UK bases for operations, and the FCDO has registered 94,000 nationals for assistance.
Britain is organising the evacuation of around 94,000 nationals from the Middle East amid escalating tensions. The PM has approved US use of UK bases for operations in response.
Officials are preparing contingency plans to evacuate UK nationals from parts of the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. The MoD is readying routes from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. The PM has authorised the US to use British bases for defensive operations.
Regional tensions intensified after a second day of military action struck targets in Iran, including Tehran, with civilian casualties reported. Oil prices jumped and risks to Gulf shipping grew. An emergency UN meeting convened as Washington indicated it remained open to talks.
Iran launched coordinated operations across the Gulf after the killing of a senior cleric, causing fires in the UAE and leaving US personnel dead, officials said. RAF jets intercepted uncrewed aircraft as Tehran reshuffled its leadership amid escalating regional tension.
Three US troops were killed as incidents escalated across the Middle East. With casualties across several states, flights were grounded and tourist evacuations planned. The US president signalled talks and claimed naval targets were destroyed, while the UK reviews its threat level.
Iran mounted retaliatory operations against Israel and US Gulf partners after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leaving three US troops dead and five injured. The US said its campaign is ahead of schedule, while disrupted shipping routes threaten higher global energy prices.