Date: 4 October 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Israel, Iran, Security Summary: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised Andy Burnham’s Labour Government over its policies towards Israel. Netanyahu accused the Government of acting like a “rogue state” and appeasing what he described as an “Islamist-leftist alliance”. He claimed Israeli intelligence helped Britain prevent an alleged Iranian-sponsored attack involving RAF Fairford. Netanyahu said the alleged attack

Date: 5 September 2026 Tags: Iran, United States, Middle East, Energy Summary: The US military struck three Iran-linked oil tankers after Iranian ballistic missiles targeted two American warships. Centcom said two tankers were permanently disabled and a third was completely destroyed. Iran confirmed the tanker attacks and threatened expanded strikes against US military vessels if attacks continue. Centcom said American forces successfully avoided multiple Iranian attacks, wit

Date: 3 September 2026 Tags: Energy, Cost of Living, UK Economy, Iran Summary: UK households face potentially higher winter energy bills as European countries seek to replenish depleted natural gas reserves. European wholesale gas prices exceeded €75/MWh, their highest level since late 2022. UK gas prices surpassed 185p per therm this week, also reaching their highest since late 2022. Renewed US-Iran fighting has increased concerns that disruption to the Strait of Hormuz will

Date: 1 September 2026 Tags: World Politics, Iran, US, Middle East Summary: Iran vowed retaliation after US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command described the operation as a “limited, precise action” against an imminent threat. US officials said Iranian forces were preparing rockets and sea mines for deployment in the strait. Iran reported several military personnel killed in the American attack. The Revolutionary Gua

Date: 31 August 2026 Tags: World Politics, Iran, US, Middle East Summary: US forces struck two suspected Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said two people were killed and two injured in the US attack. US Central Command said Iran was preparing rocket launches and deploying sea mines. Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles towards US military bases in Jordan. Jordan said its forces intercepted eight missiles e

Why this matters:The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil trade. Renewed tensions risk disrupting energy supplies and escalating U.S.–Iran conflict. Date: 20 April 2024 Tags: Middle East, Maritime Security, Iran, United States Summary: A commercial tanker reported being fired upon by two Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre confirmed the attack; the vessel and crew are safe. Other merchant ships also reported gunf