Iran crisis escalates as Trump lays out objectives

Plus: Starmer says joining strikes not in Britain's interests

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.   Keir Starmer said Britain will not get involved in strikes on Iran, Israel struck Lebanon as the crisis widened, and Rachel Reeves faced pressure to plan for a spike in energy prices ahead of the spring statement. Top stories 1 | Defiant Starmer tells Trump 'I stand by my decision' not to join attacks on Iran Read more 2 | Middle East chaos spreads as death toll from Trump's war with Iran grows Read more 3 | MPs pay to increase to £110,000 by 2029 Read more 4 | Reeves under pressure to keep energy prices capped in spring statement Read more 5 | UK voting age could be reduced under new reforms Read more Editors' picks If a drone was heading for the UK, there's almost nothing we could do For Donald Trump, Operation Epic Fury will go down as an epic fail What supplements are worth it – and which ones should you avoid Your Views Your Views 'Hell on earth': Men share why they avoid singles nights Dating events aren't struggling because men are emotionally stunted or commitment-averse – they're failing because the environment selects against natural confidence and rewards a kind of performed sensitivity that most people, including the women attending, can smell from a mile off.   Far better to go, have some fun, and let things happen naturally – even when you're least expecting it! Sneaker   Sneaker     Share your opinion and read the full debate here.     Don't forget to complete your registration We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: Limited access to Premium articles Access to The Independent app Access to more than 20 newsletters Commenting on independent.co.uk Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.  COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION   WATCH  Israeli retaliatory strikes rock Lebanon after Hezbollah attack STAT OF THE DAY 1,250 The number of targets in Iran the US military claimed to have struck in the first days of conflict Read more QUOTE OF THE DAY "We're in the public eye, so that stuff is going to be known. If you're like, 'oh, I wish people didn't know that', well… then don't be famous." Speaking to The Independent, Kaley Cuoco reflects how, at the height of The Big Bang Theory, private negotiations on pay were public knowledge. Read more Other stories you might like How will the Iran crisis affect your money and pension? Gorillaz's album The Mountain is full of joyful wisdom Museum confirms lost painting is genuine 1633 Rembrandt We've spotted some great whisky deals worth raising a glass to at Amazon. Flying soon? Save on travel socks at London Sock Company with code BOOST. Join the conversation and follow us Download our apps: Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Evening Headlines newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy