UK diesel prices experienced their most substantial monthly drop in 26 years during November, with experts attributing the decline to easing geopolitical tensions and a reduction in crude oil costs. This follows a period of elevated prices linked to Middle East instability.
The UK economy experienced a 0.1% contraction in April, the first monthly decline since August last year, with official data indicating that the ongoing Iran war contributed to increased business costs and reduced turnover. The conflict, initiated by the US and Israel, has particularly affected the services sector and global oil prices, impacting UK household energy bills and consumer spending.
US President Donald Trump has stated that a peace deal to end hostilities with Iran is 'scheduled to get signed' on Sunday, which would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry has cast doubt on the immediate timeline, indicating that while a deal is close, the exact signing date remains uncertain.
Four Palestine Action activists have received prison sentences for causing £1.2 million in damage at an Elbit Systems factory in Bristol, with the judge determining their actions had a "terrorist connection". This classification means they will not qualify for early release, a potentially unprecedented ruling for a non-violent criminal damage conviction.
US President Donald Trump has dismissed Iranian media reports detailing a ceasefire agreement as entirely false, asserting they bear no relation to agreed terms. This follows a period of intermittent conflict after the US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran in February, leading to a tit-for-tat escalation and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK economy experienced a 0.1% contraction in April, the first monthly decline since August, primarily driven by a downturn in the services sector. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that the ongoing conflict with Iran contributed to increased costs and reduced turnover for some businesses, particularly affecting entertainment and transport-related industries.
Donald Trump's recent comments regarding the US-Israel coalition's war in Iran have introduced ambiguity into Washington's stated policy, prompting questions about its ultimate aims. This follows a period where the US and Israel initiated wide-ranging strikes, including on a primary school, causing significant civilian casualties.
Israeli authorities have intensified home demolitions in East Jerusalem's al-Bustan area, with 59 Palestinian properties destroyed since late 2023, exacerbating displacement under the guise of urban development.
US President Donald Trump asserted an agreement to end the conflict with Iran was imminent, hours after cancelling further strikes. However, Iran's foreign ministry quickly dismissed these claims, stating that nothing had been finalised.
David Greenhalgh and Christos Farmakis have been found guilty in a UK court for orchestrating an illegal arms brokering scheme. The operation sought to supply fighter jets, surface-to-air missile systems, and other weaponry to conflict zones including Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Iraq, and Iran, in defiance of international sanctions and UK trade controls.
US Vice-President JD Vance has publicly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he "certainly gotten some things wrong," indicating growing strain between the two governments over military actions in Lebanon and the broader conflict with Iran. This comes as US President Donald Trump reportedly expressed frustration with Netanyahu's conduct, particularly regarding the Israeli operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Three Indian sailors died after a US military strike on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The US Central Command stated the vessel was targeted for allegedly failing to comply with instructions while attempting to transport oil from Iran.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced it struck ships in the Strait of Hormuz, immediately following a new wave of US military strikes on Iranian territory. This action reportedly led to the closure of the vital shipping lane, causing oil prices to surge. The US states its attacks are "self-defence strikes" in response to "Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression."