Ministers criticised persistent small‑boat departures from northern France, saying policing there fails to stop launches despite UK funding. London is pressing for tighter patrols, faster returns under new laws, and expanded deterrence measures to curb Channel crossings.
An Israeli operation in Lebanon, which targeted an armed group, has put a fragile ceasefire at risk. Tehran briefly halted traffic through a key strait, while Washington and Tehran readied talks. Markets firmed on hopes of diplomacy, though energy prices remained high.
UK to deploy minehunter drones to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with the PM accelerating work to reopen Gulf routes amid regional tensions. But analysts expect fuel bills to remain high and call for a plan to protect households as energy supplies stay tight.
US officials hailed a decisive success after brokering a ceasefire that ended 40 days of turmoil, pushing energy prices down. But threats to shipping and continued exchanges in the region tempered optimism, leaving questions over how long the truce and market calm will last.
Washington says Tehran sought a truce, agreeing to a two-week ceasefire. Any future deal would require it to uncover and hand over undeclared nuclear material. Trump claims a joint venture to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Israel says the arrangement doesn’t cover Lebanon.