US military

Some 3,000 US troops are currently stationed across Israel, whose duties include operating air defense systems, serving as pilots and support crews, handling logistics and headquarters operations.

With the US military's complete withdrawal from Iraq, Baghdad projects a celebratory sense of “sovereignty” despite Iranian-backed militias retaining power there.

A longstanding agreement with the US allows Washington to use the base without prior authorisation during peacetime, but requires Portugal to give approval once hostilities begin.

US President Donald Trump's administration is deliberating on how to approach the Iran war, now in its eighth month, as US midterm elections approach in November.

Some Iraqi security officials say the US pullout also risks giving new life to ISIS fighters, who, despite the defeat of their self-proclaimed caliphate nearly a decade ago, retain a cell network.

Until Burnham's remarks, Britain had not linked the incident to Iran, though counter-terrorism police have said their investigation included the possibility of foreign state involvement.

Hegseth will give a speech on Wednesday in front of hundreds of junior officers and enlisted officials, updating them on his priorities for the military.

A British farmer who dialed emergency services told the BBC on Monday that she saw a "large group of hooded and masked men" near RAF Fairford.

In comments to reporters on Saturday, Trump said that he "rejected their deal" and added that Iran should "immediately open the Hormuz Strait ... because they have no money coming in."

The Senate voted 50 to 49 to reject the resolution, which had passed the House of Representatives in July. The vote was largely along party lines.