UK papers mull over Iran tension

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Analysis of Iran's latest act of defiance over its nuclear programme dominates Monday's UK newspapers.

An editorial in the Independent urges the West to avoid alienating the Muslim world by using force against Iran.

The Daily Mail says reports that Iran has blasted a rocket into space will be seen as an act of confrontation.

Meanwhile, the Guardian notes an article in the New Yorker magazine which claims President Bush wants to be ready to bomb Iran at 24 hours notice.

The Daily Telegraph has interviewed the UK's most senior naval officer in the Gulf, Commodore Keith Winstanley.

Commodore Winstanley says the Royal Navy has almost doubled its presence in the region since October.

The Times reports on more trouble in the Middle East, claiming Hezbollah is regrouping in Lebanon to draw Israel into a new confrontation.

The paper links this latest development in the region to the West's dispute with Hezbollah's ally, Iran.

'Suspects charged'

A group of bishops want a review of the Church of England's policy approving civil partnerships for gay clergy, as long as they abstain from sex.

The Telegraph says the General Synod will discuss it this week.

Meanwhile, the Guardian has reported that two terror suspects, deported from the UK to Algeria, have now been charged with terrorism offences.

The paper says the charges come despite the Algerian government saying that the men would face no criminal proceedings.

Titchmarsh defecting?

Independent schools could be ordered to provide free places to poorer pupils to keep their charitable status - and the tax breaks that go with it.

The Mail reports that under new legislation the schools would have to demonstrate their benefit to the public to keep their charity status.

The Sun claims that the BBC's Alan Titchmarsh is poised to defect to ITV.

The gardening guru is apparently ready to pilot his own daytime chat show, billed as a modern day Pebble Mill.