British forces shoot down Iranian drone heading towards Iraq

A Merlin Helicopter is also set to arrive in the region shortly.

A spokesman from the MoD said: "UK forces successfully engaged a one-way attack drone fired from Iran towards Iraq last night."

The spokesman continued: "The engagement occurred as RAF Typhoons and F-35 jets continued to conduct defensive sorties across the region.

"A Merlin helicopter is due to arrive in theatre, further strengthening our ability to detect aerial threats.

"The aircraft can fly a mile in height, giving advance warning to drones or missiles."

It comes as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre is reporting of an incident six nautical miles north of Oman in Strait of Hormuz.

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to Donald Trump about the countries’ military co-operation amid the US President’s latest rebuke over the UK’s support in the conflict in Iran.

Sir Keir’s decision not to grant permission for the first wave of military action prompted a raft of criticism from Mr Trump in recent days, including a personal attack on the Prime Minister as being "not Winston Churchill."

The Prime Minister has now granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.

After reports that the UK was preparing an aircraft carrier to go to the Middle East, the US President posted on Saturday that the UK was "finally giving thought" to sending two but said "we don’t need them any longer."

A Downing Street spokeswoman said the two leaders spoke on Sunday afternoon.

The spokeswoman said: "The leaders began by discussing the latest situation in the Middle East and the military co-operation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region.

"The Prime Minister also shared his heartfelt condolences with President Trump and the American people following the deaths of six US soldiers."

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended Sir Keir on Sunday morning, saying he is "right to stand up for Britain and Britain’s interests" and that the UK needs to "take decisions ourselves."