The Daily Mail reports that the UK’s National Security Council has begun to draw up plans for protecting British military bases and embassies during a conflict with Iran if diplomatic efforts fail. The Guardian reports that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and MI5 assess the likelihood of war at 25%-50%. According to the Metro, politicians have also requested legal advice regarding British support for military action against Iran. The six-power talks with Iran at Baghdad are also widely reported, with the Daily Telegraph reporting that Iran faces an offer of handing over its stockpile of enriched uranium in return for an easing of sanctions. The Times notes that Iran has indicated readiness for limited inspection of its nuclear facilities, whilst Israel is warning against taking Teheran’s promises at face value. The Independent describes the Egyptian presidential elections, which continue today, as a ‘moment of truth’ in ending ‘five decades of successive dictatorships’. Both of the leading candidates, Abdul Moneim Abul Foutouh and Amr Moussa, have said they would seek revisions to the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty. The Times reports that Pakistan has jailed the doctor who led CIA forces to Osama bin Laden’s hideout. The Guardian reports on rising tensions inside Israel with thousands of illegal immigrants crossing the largely lawless Sinai desert from Africa into Israel. The BBC notes a report by Amnesty International that criticises states and the international community for failing to support pro-democracy movements in 2011, and that they put self-interest before human rights. The Independent notes that Iran has withdrawn its ambassador to neighbouring Azerbaijan ahead of this weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Baku. Iran has accused Azerbaijan of assisting Israel and the US in assassinating nuclear scientists in its country.

Ynet writes that an IAEA report, expected to be released on Friday, finds that Iran has installed 350 additional centrifuges at its Fordow enrichment facility since February of this year. If these centrifuges become operational, Iran’s capacity to produce 20% enriched uranium will be significantly increased. According to the Jerusalem Post, Israel is carefully observing talks in Baghdad, but refraining from official comment until the outcome is clearer. Haaretz notes a report by French journal, Intelligence Online, that discusses the largely unreported death of ten officers in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps over the last two months. Army Radio reports that a bill intended to retroactively legalise unauthorised settlement outposts was withdrawn from the Knesset at the last minute yesterday. The bill, sponsored by Yaakov Katz (National Union) is now unlikely to pass all stages needed to become law before the Supreme Court’s deadline for the demolition of five buildings at the Ulpana Hill outpost. A demonstration in south Tel Aviv protesting the government’s inaction regarding illegal immigration ended in violent clashes last night. Israel Radio news reports that 12 people were arrested. Whilst Yediot Ahronot’s Sima Kadmon sides with the protestors, Maariv’s Shai Golden writes of the ‘shame’ of Israel mistreating refugees from persecution. The paper also reports that Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein is to issue an opinion to the prime minister that it is permissible to deport illegal immigrants if a thorough investigation finds that they are not refugees who are entitled to political asylum. At present, a court injunction prevents either deportation or incarceration of infiltrators. Ynet reports that Israeli chess Grandmaster Boris Gelfand is currently tied at 4.5:4.5 with world champion Viswanathan Anand at the World Chess Championship.