UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has cancelled a planned trip to Washington DC to meet his counterpart Marco Rubio as tensions rise between Iran and Israel. A Cobra meeting is expected to discuss the UK response to the situation this afternoon.

Fears of a full-scale conflict have been heightened by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of 'severe punishment' and reports of drone launches in response. UK officials have confirmed that the UK was not involved in the recent actions but is closely monitoring the situation.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for all parties to 'step back and reduce tensions urgently' to prioritize stability in the Middle East. The UK is prepared to take diplomatic steps to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, including the use of the UN snapback mechanism to re-impose international sanctions.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch refrained from condemning Israel's actions, emphasizing that Iran poses a threat to the UK and should not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. She also advocated for increased defense spending and energy security.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey stressed the need for international leadership from the UK government to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions through diplomacy. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.