Displaying items by tag: Iran

Keir Starmer has travelled to Saudi Arabia to engage with Gulf allies following the two-week ceasefire between the USA and Iran. Although the visit was planned prior to the ceasefire announcement, it now carries added significance as diplomatic efforts focus on securing a lasting peace and reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz. Starmer said that while the ceasefire has brought a sense of relief, much work remains to ensure stability and restore freedom of navigation. He underlined the importance of keeping energy supplies flowing to stabilise global markets and UK prices. During his visit, he is also meeting British military personnel stationed in the region, expressing gratitude for their role in protecting national and allied interests. The prime minister reaffirmed the UK’s position of not becoming directly involved in the conflict without a lawful and strategic basis, prioritising national interests, long-term planning, and international cooperation in a complex and uncertain geopolitical landscape.

In the end, cooler heads prevailed – at least for now. A fragile pause has emerged in the conflict between the USA and Iran after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations towards a potential agreement. The arrangement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and suspending hostilities, offering temporary relief after escalating threats of major military action. While markets responded positively, significant uncertainty remains, as many key issues are unresolved. Reactions within the US and elsewhere have been mixed, with many saying that Trump’s threat that ‘a whole civilisation will die tonight’ could be regarded as a war crime. One commentator has said, ‘A nation that once styled itself as a force for stability around the globe is now shaking the foundations of the international order. A president who has seemingly relished shattering norms and traditions in domestic politics is now doing the same on the world stage.’ Meanwhile, Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon, saying that its conflict with Hezbollah is not affected by the ceasefire: see

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, Donald Trump has alternated between signalling possible de-escalation and threatening further military action, leaving the situation highly uncertain. Increased military deployments in the Gulf region and continued strikes have heightened concerns about potential ground operations, particularly around strategic areas such as the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that even limited intervention could quickly expand into a prolonged and wider conflict. Both sides are at least discussing possible terms for an end to the conflict, although their positions appear to be oceans apart: there are major differences over nuclear activity, regional influence, and security demands. The ongoing crisis has already disrupted global stability, affecting energy markets and trade routes, with rising fears of long-term instability if a peaceful resolution is not achieved.

Iran has rejected claims by Donald Trump that negotiations are under way to end the conflict, with military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari accusing Washington of ‘negotiating with itself’ to mask failure. While US officials suggest progress and reports indicate a proposed plan involving limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, Iranian leaders insist no direct or indirect talks have taken place. Confusion persists as regional actors, including Pakistan and Turkey, reportedly act as intermediaries, passing messages in hopes of de-escalation. Meanwhile, hostilities continue, with Israel and Iran exchanging strikes and civilian casualties reported. The US is also increasing its military presence in the region, highlighting the tension between diplomatic signals and ongoing conflict, and underscoring the fragility of any potential path toward peace.

Two men have been charged under the UK’s National Security Act following an investigation into alleged espionage targeting London’s Jewish community. Nematollah Shahsavani, a dual British-Iranian national, and Alireza Farasati, an Iranian national, are accused of conducting reconnaissance of locations and individuals linked to the community on behalf of Iran’s intelligence services. The charges relate to activity in July and August 2025, with authorities describing the case as extremely serious. Counter-terrorist police have emphasised their commitment to protecting public safety, particularly for communities which may feel vulnerable or targeted. The Jewish community is being assured that decisive action is being taken and that any threats will be pursued relentlessly. Two other men arrested during the investigation were released without charge.

The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75% amid growing concerns that conflict in the Middle East will drive up inflation in the UK. The decision follows rising energy prices linked to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas supplies. Iranian attacks have significantly reduced shipping through the region, contributing to increased costs for fuel, utilities, and goods. The Bank warned that inflation could rise to around 3.5% in the coming months, reversing earlier expectations of a continued decline. While the rate hold was widely anticipated, it means borrowing costs for households remain high, with mortgage rates already increasing. Officials emphasised that resolving the crisis depends on restoring safe passage through key energy routes. The situation highlights the UK’s vulnerability to global shocks and the wider economic impact of international conflict; policymakers have to 'wait and see' as events continue to unfold.

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could weaken his country’s ability to defend itself against Russia. He expressed concern that global attention and military resources, particularly from the USA, are being redirected, potentially leading to shortages of key defence supplies such as air defence missiles. Rising energy prices linked to the wider conflict are also adding pressure to Ukraine’s situation. He suggested that prolonged instability elsewhere could benefit Russia by stretching international support and delaying peace efforts. At the same time, he called for greater unity among Western leaders, urging stronger cooperation to maintain focus on Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. Diplomatic tensions between allies risk complicating that effort, even though leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. The challenge of sustaining attention, resources, and coordination has become increasingly complex, raising concerns about how long current levels of support for Ukraine can be maintained.

Israel’s assassination of Ali Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, will be a devastating body blow to the country, probably even more than the loss of the supreme leader Ali Khamenei at the outset of the war. Known for his ability to bridge factions within Iran’s complex system, he played a key role linking military and civilian authorities while maintaining influence with international partners. His loss removes a figure seen as capable of navigating both internal divisions and external pressures. He had supported diplomatic engagement alongside firm internal control, positioning himself as a pragmatic voice amid hardline elements. His absence could strengthen more hardline forces, complicating any path towards stability or ceasefire. News update: on 18 March Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, was killed in an air strike. See

Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei. For years he has been influential behind the scenes, often described as a gatekeeper to his father and closely connected to key centres of power. His wife Zahra was reportedly killed in the same Israeli air strike that killed his father. Although he lacks broad public recognition and has never held elected office, reports indicate he has the backing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful security force which underpins the state. His appointment is likely to reinforce the existing direction of Iran’s leadership during a period of intense regional conflict and internal pressure. Observers note that many Iranians who have called for reform will see little sign of change in this appointment, which might give Donald Trump a strategic advantage in his war of words with Tehran. Breaking news: on 12 March, a message was read out on state television, said to come from the new Supreme Leader, vowing that Iran would fight on. See

Six members of Iran’s women’s national football team have chosen to remain in Australia after taking part in the Asian Cup, requesting humanitarian protection amid concerns for their safety if they returned home. The players had travelled to Queensland for the tournament shortly before the conflict involving Iran began. Attention focused on the team after they did not sing the national anthem before a match on 2 March, a moment which observers saw as either a gesture of protest or of mourning for the US-Israeli attacks on their country. Iranian media commentators have strongly criticised the silence, and reportedly threats have been voiced against them, regarding them as disloyal during wartime. After security assessments, the Australian authorities granted temporary humanitarian visas to six team members, allowing them to stay for twelve months while considering longer-term options. The other members of the squad chose to return to Iran with the rest of the delegation.