A tentative ceasefire aimed at easing regional tensions is under strain after Israeli military action in Lebanon. The truce, designed to allow inspections and safeguard trade routes, could unravel as Washington debates alliance commitments and regional leaders warn of escalation.
A foreign warship escorted two sanctioned oil tankers through UK waters in the Channel, defying the PM’s warning to clamp down on the trade. A Royal Navy support ship shadowed the passage as ministers weigh tougher powers against the shadow fleet and stricter enforcement of sanctions.
Washington hailed a peace deal, yet Tehran kept the Strait of Hormuz shut, demanding cryptocurrency tolls from tankers and warning unauthorised vessels. With around a fifth of global oil and gas trade at stake, control of the waterway remained unclear, heightening risks to shipping and energy prices.
Confusion surrounds a proposed ceasefire as Israeli military action in Lebanon prompts Tehran to warn it could disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington says any truce is fragile, amid claims the operations targeted a militant group in Beirut.
Regional tensions rose as Israel carried out large-scale military action in Lebanon, leaving at least 254 people killed and levelling buildings in Beirut. Conflicting accounts of a two-week ceasefire deal have sown uncertainty, raising doubts over whether the truce can hold.
Ginger McCain’s grandson Toby will ride in the Grand National, carrying a lock of Red Rum’s mane in his glove as a tribute and good‑luck token, aiming to honour the three‑time winner’s legacy.
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.