'shelter in place' as Trump could last for four weeks

US president Donald Trump last night suggested the war could go on for at least a month as he mourned three service personnel and again called on the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian military police, to surrender.

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He said: “We figured it will be four weeks or so.

“As strong as it is, it’s a big country, four weeks - or less.”

He also claimed Tehran’s new leadership wants to talk to him and that he will listen, suggesting the conflict could end sooner.

Britain was reported to have previously refused US requests to use bases for its operations against Iran.

But Sir Keir said allies in the Gulf had “asked us to do more to defend them” and accused Iran of putting British lives at risk.

The PM added it “remains the case” that the UK is not involved in offensive strikes against Tehran.

He said: “Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region, at countries who did not attack them.

Reckless

“They hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying, a clearly dangerous situation.”

Sir Keir said there were at least 200,000 Britons at risk. He told them: “I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.”

The PM added that Britain’s armed forces were also being targeted by Iran, saying: “Yesterday Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel.

“Their approach is becoming even more reckless and more dangerous to civilians.”