UK Faces US Audit Over Iran War Support; Melania Trump Denies Epstein Link

The UK faces a US audit over its Iran war support amid rising tensions. Melania Trump denies Epstein links. Royal Navy thwarts Russian submarine spying. Rising oil prices and energy policy impact OpenAI's UK investment.

US Audit of UK Iran War Contribution

The Times reports that the United Kingdom may face a "reckoning" from the United States, as the White House has indicated it will "audit" Britain's contribution to the Iran war effort alongside those of other NATO members. Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened punitive measures against allies he believes did not participate adequately. Downing Street has responded by stating it "doesn't recognise" this account.

The Times also highlights remarks by Sir Keir Starmer, which it describes as his strongest criticism yet of the US president. Starmer stated that people are "fed up" with how US actions are contributing to rising household bills.

Impact of Strait of Hormuz Closure on Oil Prices

The Financial Times focuses on the effect of the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz on oil prices, noting that some benchmarks surpassed $100 per barrel yesterday. The paper quotes a former energy adviser to US President Joe Biden who warned that if the situation persists "for a few more days," markets might conclude the Strait is "closed indefinitely."

interviewed an oil tanker worker stranded in the Strait, who reported that 90% of the crew on their vessel are unwilling to traverse the Strait due to safety concerns.

The headline on the front page of the Financial Times reads: “Oil prices spike above $100 a barrel as shut strait strains fragile ceasefire”. — "Oil prices spike above $100 a barrel as shut strait strains fragile ceasefire" warns the Financial Times, which says "only a handful" of ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the announcement of a ceasefire on Wednesday. The paper says the continued closure of the waterway "remains one of the thorniest issues for both sides to resolve", with a former energy adviser telling the publication: "This is not just about high prices. This is about an actual physical shortage which is playing out."

Melania Trump Denies Epstein Victim Claims

The Daily Telegraph leads with Melania Trump's unexpected speech denying she was a victim of Jeffrey Epstein or had any relationship with him. The paper notes that the first lady's intervention "seemingly came out of the blue with little explanation or context from the White House."

The headline on the front page of the Telegraph reads: “I have no relationship with Epstein”. — In addition to Melania Trump, the front page of the Telegraph considers Russian ships in the Channel, indicating that the Royal Navy has been "barred" from seizing sanctioned tankers amid fears it would breach international law. A Russian warship and two sanctioned vessels were "allowed" to pass through the channel despite a pledge from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to "go after" sanctioned ships, the paper initially reported on Thursday. It says that since then, three more Russian ships have passed through the Channel, and Defence Secretary John Healey says Russia ran a "secret submarine operation" in British waters. This is also the focus of the paper's cartoon, which jokes: "There are Russian submarines in UK waters. We had hoped the sewage would keep them away."

Russian Submarine Operations in UK Waters

The Daily Mirror's front page headline, "We see you, Vlad," refers to Russian President Vladimir Putin and reports that the Royal Navy "foiled three Russian submarines spying on Britain's vital undersea cables."

The i Paper carries a similar lead, stating that the Iran war has "emboldened" Moscow. It quotes Defence Secretary John Healey, who said Russia is using the Middle East conflict as a "distraction." The paper also reports that a "blacklisted" ship carrying fuel, food, and spare parts for the Russian military is believed to have passed through the Channel, suggesting Kremlin emboldenment due to the Iran conflict.

The headline on the front page of the i Paper reads: “Russia used the Channel to move 'war supplies' - as threat to UK from Putin escalates”. — The i Paper says a "blacklisted" ship carrying fuel, food and spare parts for the Russian military is believed to have travelled through the Channel, suggesting the "distraction" of the war in Iran has emboldened the Kremlin. On the submarine operation reported by the defence secretary, the paper says the submarines were trying to spy on underwater data cables in UK waters. No damage was done, according to Healey, but he warned that Moscow posed a "primary threat to UK security". The Russian embassy in London denied Healey's allegations.

The Independent leads with Healey's announcement on Thursday, reporting that the Russian vessels involved in the secret submarine operation included an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine and two vessels associated with Russia's deep-sea research program. The paper states Healey's address was "aimed directly at Putin," warning that any attempt to damage the UK's cables and pipelines would have "serious consequences." The Russian embassy in London denied Healey's allegations.

The headline on the front page of the Independent reads: “We see you: Putin warned over spy subs in UK waters”. — Similarly, the Independent leads with Healey's announcement on Thursday, and says the Russian vessels tracked in the secret submarine operation included an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, and two vessels for Russia's deep-sea research programme. According to the paper, Healey's address was "aimed directly at Putin", warning him that any attempt to damage the UK's cables and pipelines would have "serious consequences".

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The Daily Mirror also criticizes what it calls "Red Ed's Green Idiocy" for causing OpenAI to pause a multi-billion-pound investment in Britain. The paper claims OpenAI was deterred by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's net-zero policies. The Sun shares a similar perspective, asking, "How much more damage to our economy can one man do?" A government spokesperson stated they are "continuing to work with OpenAI to strengthen the UK's computing capacity."

The headline on the front page of the Mirror reads: “We see you, Vlad”. — "We see you, Vlad" says the Daily Mirror, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. It declares the "Russian sabotage threat" was "foiled" by the Royal Navy.

Lebanon Casualties and Conflict Updates

reports that more than 300 people have died in Lebanon within 24 hours following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Iran war. The paper describes the "ferocious attack" by Israel as threatening to derail hopes for a negotiated end to the conflict, amid "worldwide condemnation" of Israel's "intense bombardment" of Beirut and other Lebanese cities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for peace negotiations with Lebanon but has not indicated a halt to the bombardment. The Lebanese government is requesting a ceasefire before talks can begin.

The headline on the front page of reads: “Netanyahu calls for Lebanon talks after Israeli airstrikes condemned”. — More than 300 people have died in Lebanon in the 24 hours following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Iran war, reports. It says that the "ferocious attack" by Israel threatened to derail hopes of a negotiated end to the war in Iran, amid "worldwide condemnation" of Israel's "intense bombardment" of Beirut and other Lebanese cities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for peace negotiations with Lebanon, but has not indicated that the bombardment will stop in the interim. The paper says the Lebanese government is requesting a ceasefire before talks can begin.

British Tourists Stranded Amid Fuel Protests

The Express reports that British tourists have been left "stranded" in Corsica due to fishermen blocking ports in protest against the "soaring" cost of diesel fuel.

The headline on the front page of the Express reads: “Blockaded by French fuel protest”. — Fuel is also the main story for the Express, which says British tourists have been left "stranded" in Corsica as fishermen block ports to protest the "soaring" cost of diesel.

OpenAI Pauses UK Project Citing Energy Costs

The Daily Mail reports that OpenAI has announced a pause in its Stargate UK project, attributing the decision to soaring energy prices. The paper states this development has left the prime minister's ambition to make the UK an AI superpower "in tatters," with critics blaming Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for his "mad dash" to Net Zero policies.

The headline on the front page of the Daily Mail reads: “Now Red Ed's green idiocy halts AI deal worth billions”. — OpenAI has announced a pause in its Stargate UK project, which the Daily Mail alleges is due to soaring energy prices. It says the decision has left the prime minister's ambition to turn the UK into an AI superpower "in tatters", adding that critics are pointing the finger at Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as a result of his "mad dash" to Net Zero.

Green Party Leader Proposes Banning Horse Racing

In advance of the Grand National, the Sun reports that Green Party Leader Zack Polanski has called for a ban on horse racing. The story references a 2024 post on X where Polanski stated:

"Let's go further and remove all animals involved in sport."

London Bag Theft Sparks £2 Million Egg Hunt

The Metro reports that a handbag theft in London triggered a £2 million search, as the stolen bag contained an emerald-encrusted Fabergé egg. The paper notes the egg has not been recovered.

The headline on the front page of the Metro reads: “Bag swiper sparks £2m egg hunt”. — The Metro says a "bag swiper" in London sparked a £2m egg hunt, as the stolen handbag contained an emerald-encrusted Fabergé egg. The paper says the egg has never been found.

Legal Loophole Allows Foreign Drivers Without L-Plates

The Star's main headline reads "Driving license to kill," alleging a legal loophole permits foreign drivers to remain on Britain's roads without displaying L-plates. The story references the 2023 death of Susan Whittles, aged 70, in East Yorkshire. Nigerian citizen Timothy Kusemi was jailed in connection with her death. The front page also references the alleged Russian operations in UK waters with the headline "From Russia with subs."