Iran War Live Updates: Trump Criticizes Allies for Rebuffing His Appeals for Military Assistance

Middle East crisis live: European countries resist Trump’s demand for help to clear the strait of Hormuz

Italy, Germany, UK and Greece react cautiously after Trump threatens failure to do assist would be ‘very bad for the future of Nato’How have you been affected by the latest Middle East events?Continued from previous post:Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has said she has no immediate plans to send her country’s maritime self-defence forces to help protect tanker traffic in the strait of Homuz.We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done ⁠within the legal framework.I would like to ⁠engage in solid discussions based on Japan’s views and position regarding the need for early de-escalation. Continue reading...

Afghanistan says children among four killed in latest attacks by Pakistan

The civilians - three children and a woman - are killed in an attack on Khost province, local official says.

Trump complains about allies and claims US destroyed more than 30 mine-laying ships in strait of Hormuz – US politics live

President also says US has struck over 7,000 ‘mostly commercial and military targets’ across IranSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxDonald Trump drew a backlash on Sunday for suggesting US efforts to protect the Strait of Hormuz were unnecessary – and that “maybe we shouldn’t even be there at all” because his country has plenty of oil of its own.The president made the contradictory comment to reporters on Air Force One after pleading with European and Nato allies to enter the war in Iran to help the US secure the strait amid the largest oil supply disruption in history. Continue reading...

Starmer announces £53m to help with heating oil costs amid Iran war crisis – UK politics live

PM says the UK will not be drawn into wider war as he unveils plans to help with the impact Keir Starmer is speaking at his press conference.The war is entering its third week, he says.First, we will protect our people in the region.Second, while taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war.Moments like this also tell you about leadership … Now, there are others who would have made a different decision two weeks ago.They would have rushed the UK headlong into this war without the full picture of what they were sending our forces into and without a plan to get us out.It is no surprise that our closest and most important ally is so disappointed. The Labour government’s response to the crisis in Iran has been shameful.We should have been supporting our allies, not making it harder for them. Even now Starmer is still trying to sit on the fence, which is a complete failure of leadership. Continue reading...

Here’s the latest.

Trump’s Threat to Delay Summit With Xi Casts New Shadow Over China Relations

President Trump warned that he could postpone a meeting set to begin in just over two weeks if China refuses to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

As Israel Expands Ground Assault in Lebanon, One Strategic Town Resists

The town of Khiam’s location on high ground just a few miles north of the border between Israel and Lebanon has made it coveted territory over multiple conflicts.

No H.I.V. Aid Without More Access to Minerals: U.S. Ponders ‘Sticks’ Against Zambia

A draft State Department memo outlines ways the Trump administration may ratchet up pressure on the African country by ending health support “on a massive scale.”

Europe Rejects Trump’s Demands for Warships to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

While some European countries said they were discussing ways to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, several rejected President Trump’s calls to send warships.