Iran war
Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal
Reuters Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US as he travelled to meet with leaders of countries in the Gulf on Wednesday. The prime minister is expected to “discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire”, according to No 10. He will return to the UK on Friday. The ceasefire comes after Donald Trump threatened “a whole civilisation will die” if Iran did not agree to end the war and unblock the Strait of Hormuz – comments that led Downing Street to call again forRead more
How some ships are still getting through the Strait of Hormuz as Iran war drags on
A coast guard boat approaches the Shivalik, an Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, as it arrives at Mundra Port in Gujarat, India, via the Strait of Hormuz on March 16. (Amit Dave/Reuters) While the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to most of the world’s marine traffic, experts say Iran appears to be letting a select number of ships pass from countries not aligned with its aggressors. Marine traffic data shows how the stream of ships passing through the key waterway has slowed to a trickle since the warRead more
US considers lifting sanctions on some Iranian oil
EPA The US is weighing lifting sanctions on some Iranian oil, as it scrambles to contain the impact of its war in Iran on energy markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent put forward the idea in a Fox interview, saying it could make more oil available to global buyers. Around the world, energy prices are shooting up as the war takes a toll on shipping and production. If put into action, the move would mark a stunning reversal of longstanding American policy – and one with highly uncertain pay-off. Experts saidRead more