The US administration under then-President Donald Trump suspended a significant package of sanctions against Russia, just two days before their scheduled implementation. The official rationale provided was to facilitate ongoing peace negotiations, a move that drew scrutiny given the broader context of US-Russia relations.
The Foreign Office's most senior civil servant has been dismissed following revelations that the department did not inform the Prime Minister that Lord Mandelson had failed security vetting for the US ambassadorial role. This development follows a Guardian investigation that exposed the lack of security clearance for Lord Mandelson, who was subsequently appointed and served for seven months before being removed.
Iran has announced the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, threatening to target any vessel attempting passage. This development follows reports of multiple attacks on ships in the vicinity and Iran's condemnation of a persistent US blockade on its ports, deepening a conflict that commenced with US-Israeli strikes on 28 February.
