
Independent Front Page 24th of March 2026
Trump paused planned military action, citing ‘productive conversations’ toward resolving hostilities. Tehran denied any talks, accusing Washington of stalling. Markets reacted: shares rose, oil prices fell.

Trump paused planned military action, citing ‘productive conversations’ toward resolving hostilities. Tehran denied any talks, accusing Washington of stalling. Markets reacted: shares rose, oil prices fell.

Ministers say the UK is safe from Iran’s long‑range missiles, rejecting Israeli claims that Britain could be hit. Housing secretary Steve Reed says defences are in place and there is no official assessment that Iran can, or intends to, target Europe.

The Foreign Secretary condemned an incident targeting the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia, calling it reckless. Kemi Badenoch urged the PM to disclose details affecting British troops. No 10 said related actions were collective self-defence; ministers insist the UK isn’t entering a wider conflict.

An independent review finds the PM’s ‘stay at home’ Covid messaging deterred people from seeking urgent care, leaving thousands without lifesaving treatment. It urges clearer risk communication and stronger NHS triage to protect non-Covid services during future health emergencies.