Deborah Haynes: NEW…
NEW: The UK is rallying a new force of navies from among northern allies to be ready to fight and defend their seas amid a growing threat from Russia, the head of the Royal Navy has said It will be like the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and will complement NATO - but with the ability to react faster. General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said in a @RUSI_org lecture: “I aim to create a maritime force that trains, exercises and prepares together. A force designed to fight immediately if required, with real capabilities, real war plans, and real integration. “A force in which interchangeability – the ability to substitute, swap, or mix equipment, parts, ammunition, or personnel – is made possible because member nations would be operating common systems and platforms, shared digital networks, logistics and stockpiles. “A force that generates the maritime, air and amphibious strike capabilities that we all need. “This would be a visible and persistent conventional deterrent. A force that is stronger, collectively, than the sum of its parts…. “We are now looking at the creation of a family of allied fleets – something that has not happened in decades. Ultimately, we intend for them to be trained through our Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST), supported through UK doctrine and integration standards, and commanded if necessary from Northwood in our Maritime Operations Centre. “Last week I hosted naval chiefs from across Northern Europe to discuss how we can make this plan a reality. “And I am delighted to confirm to you today that during that meeting, we signed a statement of intent committing each of our nations to working up detailed proposals for our Northern Navies initiative. “We know we have no time to lose, which is why by the end of this year, I want us all to have signed a formal declaration, laying the foundations for what will be a vital and enduring partnership for many years to come.”
Ayesha Ijaz Khan: The mentality that doesn’t want more destruction…
The mentality that doesn’t want more destruction. More elementary schools hit. More power plants hit. More bridges hit. The mentality that wants to glean a peaceful outcome for the people beyond looking at egos. Sure, Iran can hit GCC but it can’t hit the US. Right there you have an asymmetrical situation. Even if Iran humiliates US (as Merz says, which I don’t disagree with), it comes at a huge cost to Iranian people - not much of a cost to Americans. Who are only paying more for gas, while Iranians lift coffins of little girls. When Pakistanis caution that Iran can be more flexible, that doesn’t mean they are siding with US or Israel—it’s established that those two are unreliable and often have bad intentions. Question is - why didn’t Iran just make a nuclear weapon and test it by now? If it hasn’t done that, then what’s the point in not compromising on its nuclear program if it’s leading to all this economic misery?
Bushra Shaikh: It's hard to ignore the sense of Iran's…
It's hard to ignore the sense of Iran's power on the Strait. Smart Control: the new system. The Strait is now under smart control by Iran's naval forces. Safe routes have been designated by the navy and ships must obtain security clearance to pass through. The strait is closed to hostile ships and those affiliated with them. Any ship whose origin or destination is a hostile country, regardless of its flag, is not allowed to pass. Ships that have remained here for a long time are waiting to receive clearance. Locals say that food and water are being sent to ships that cannot approach the docks.
Craig Murray: But we have countless billions…
But we have countless billions to give to the ultra corrupt Ukrainian government. Zelensky and his mates aren't taking cheaper holidays or buying less expensive mansions, supercars and private jets.
Luke McGee: A study by Ukraine's military…
A study by Ukraine's military ombudsman found that soldiers deployed for over 40 days on front-line positions develop apathy and "stop caring whether they survive or not,"Craig Murray: Did you know Ukraine was the third largest importer of Bentleys…
Did you know Ukraine was the third largest importer of Bentleys in Europe in 2025? Did you know that Ukraine imported 15 of the new £600,000 Rolls Royce Spectres? Did you know Ukraine imports more supercars than Russia? I wonder where the money comes from and who drives them?Bushra Shaikh: Just wondering if any of our political class in the UK…
Just wondering if any of our political class in the UK is concerned about this? If this were a pro Palestine demonstration, the usual suspects like Suella Braverman, Kemi Badenoch et al, would be screaming with outrage. Open support of fascism normalised...
The Middle East Storm: Starmer’s Inaction Is Dragging Britain Down
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s lacklustre response to the energy crisis, exacerbated by the war in Iran, has caused uproar across British social media. People are demanding a firm response from the government to protect our national interests, yet none has been forthcoming.
Adam Brooks: President Trump says Iran has informed him…
🚨 President Trump says Iran has informed him they’re in a “STATE OF COLLAPSE” “ They want us to ‘Open the Hormuz Strait,’ as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation… ( Which I believe they will be able to do ! ) ”Craig Murray: The responses to this are fascinating…
The responses to this are fascinating. I have noticed a massive, step change increase in pro-Ukrainian troll activity on Twitter since the EU announced it was releasing the 90 billion dollars to the Kyiv seat of corruption.Ayesha Ijaz Khan: Really well said! I’ve often pondered…
Really well said! I’ve often pondered this precise point - that one reason Pakistan is an effective mediator is because of its sectarian mix. Pakistan is a Sunni majority country, but with a sizeable and very significant Shia population. That uniquely places Pakistan in a position to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia also, which is a part of the wider geopolitical reality.The Labour Circus: Warmongers and Paedophile Sympathisers in Sir Starmer’s Cabinet
Keir Starmer’s actions have recently come under increasingly fierce criticism across social media. He stands accused of reckless spending on weapons and of maintaining links with highly questionable individuals.
Liz Webster: “America is no longer an ally.”…
“America is no longer an ally.” Says NATO’s former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, General Sir Richard Shirreff He says Trump’s actions mean Europe can no longer rely on US firepower and must urgently double down on its own defence. This is the brutal reality check facing Starmer’s Atlanticist strategy, the Mandelson appointment and the US 🇺🇸 trade deals - bad for NHS, farming, food security and sovereignty. #BreJoin #RejoinEUSue Diamond: Trump accused Black South Africans…
Trump accused Black South Africans of killing white citizens, an allegation that South African leaders & communities rejected. At the same time, South Africa has faced recurring episodes of violence from black South Africans directed at foreign nationals from other African countries. These events make it difficult for anyone to believe that there is no targeted genocide against white South Africans & foreign Africans!
Anthony Costello: Trump has to cancel Pakistan…
Trump has to cancel Pakistan envoy trip as Iran refuses to meet. Yet again. Trump is losing, the East Asian economy is in deep trouble, and the global economy will soon be too. Trump has unleashed a catastrophe because he didn’t listen to military advice.
Howard Beckett: In the last two days alone 17 Palestinians…
In the last two days alone 17 Palestinians 🇵🇸 have been murdered by Israel 🇮🇱 in Gaza 🇵🇸 Palestinians in Gaza 🇵🇸 are: Living amongst rubble Denied essential supplies Targeted & murdered There is no Gaza 🇵🇸 ‘ceasefire’ It’s a genocide.
Pouria Zeraati: Important/ It was predictable…
Important/ It was predictable; Trump has for now backed off from negotiations: 'I just canceled my representatives' trip to Islamabad to meet with the Iranians. Too much time would be spent on travel, there's a lot of work to do! On top of that, there's severe infighting and confusion within their "leadership." No one knows who's in charge, not even themselves. The winning cards are in our hands, they've got nothing! If they want to talk, the only thing they need to do is pick up the phone!'
Andrew Bridgen: I have believed that Europe is planning and pushing…
I have believed that Europe is planning and pushing for a war with Russia for the last 3 years. Below is the Russian assessment of the current situation. I think it’s accurate. ❗️ Lavrov: Europe Prepares for War, Uses Ukraine as the "Spearhead" In an annual "reality check" with Russian NGO leaders in Moscow (April 24, 2026), Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered his most sobering assessment yet. The era of "proxy hybridity" is over—the masks are off. Key Takeaways from the Briefing: ⚔️ ated bluntly that the EU is mobilizing for a direct military confrontation with Russia. In this strategy, Ukraine is being used as a "battering ram" to bleed Russia dry and buy Europe the time it needs to fully rearm its industrial base over the next few years. 🛰 Direct Warfare: The Minister emphasized that without NATO satellite intelligence and Western officers on the ground, Kiev would be paralyzed. This is no longer a "proxy" conflict; it is an open war against Russia. 🛡 NGOs as the "Counter-Offensive": As the world undergoes a "geopolitical break," Russian civil society is being tasked as a primary "soft power" force. MFA promises to support projects in Asia and Africa. Lavrov's Quote: "An open war has been declared against us. The Kiev regime is merely the 'spearhead' being used to buy them time. They couldn't be any more obvious." The Bottom Line: The Russian diplomatic corps has shifted from a "negotiation" posture to a "mobilization" one. Moscow is signaling that it is preparing for a long-term, high-stakes endurance match with a militarized Europe. @AussieCossackLiz Webster: Tetchy Trump snaps at yet another female journalist…
Tetchy Trump snaps at yet another female journalist asking a straightforward question about how long Iran talks will take. “Don’t rush me… You’re such a disgrace!” Lists Vietnam, Iraq & WWII while admitting he’s only been working on it for six weeks.
Diane Abbott: When a reliable ally turns out to be neither…
When a reliable ally turns out to be neither, it is time for a major reorientation of British foregn policy. Carrying on in the same way is too costly. Trump says he will probably put a big tariff on the UK if it doesn't drop the digital services taxAyesha Ijaz Khan: Let’s see. Trump is unpredictable…
Let’s see. Trump is unpredictable. As is Netanyahu. Difficult to say anything with certainty. The cost to the American taxpayer of all this military build up in the region is substantial. I doubt it’s for GCC. Trump made no effort to protect GCC in the last round - doubt he cares about that.Liz Webster: Trump has now chosen to threaten the Falkland Islands…
Trump has now chosen to threaten the Falkland Islands and use them as a political football, threatening to review US support for UK sovereignty amid tensions over Iran. Falklands Radio News Editor Traighana Smith: “It’s ‘not new’… the islands have been used like this before.” Islanders deserve better than becoming bargaining chips in great power games. #TrumpHoward Beckett: Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s 🇪🇸 Prime Minister…
Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s 🇪🇸 Prime Minister:: ‘People displaced in Iran 🇮🇷 & Lebanon 🇱🇧’ ‘An emboldened Netanyahu 🇮🇱determined to destroy Lebanon 🇱🇧 as he destroyed Gaza 🇵🇸’ ‘An absolute disaster’ ‘From an illegal war’ Other ‘leaders’ choose not to see.
Cameron Hudson: To clarify my commentary…
To clarify my commentary, my opposition is not to lifting sanctions on Eritrea, per se. There is a logic to it. Isaias is an important and powerful actor in a region of growing strategic importance. My issue is the manner in which such decisions get made. Yes there are upsides But there are also many potential downsides. A decision to lift sanctions cannot be considered in a vacuum as they might have been a few years ago. This is not simply a bilateral matter any more. Beyond that, I question the Administration’s own logic. Engagement without a strategy can be self-defeating. And I don’t believe we have a well articulated Horn or Red Sea strategy. And also, if Trump’s diplomacy is transactional then what do we get for lifting these sanctions? I understand what Isaias and Sisi get, but it’s not clear what the US gets. Isaias is not going to reform internally, he isn’t going to give the US a base. And even if he promised those things, why on earth would we trust him? He has survived through alliance building and then abandonment. Why would now be any different? My commentary was intended to create public debate around all these questions because discussions make for better policies and better outcomes for everyone. Secret talks suggest the US and Boulos are not interested in public debates. We can do better. ✌️Ayesha Ijaz Khan: I think Iran made a mistake by not showing up…
I think Iran made a mistake by not showing up to the second round of talks in Islamabad. But I don’t think Iran owed it to Pakistan to show up. And don’t consider it an affront if it didn’t. Also don’t think the answer to this is to actively jump into an anti-Iran alliance. Pakistan’s interest is served by remaining neutral and remaining a peacemaker. The negative propaganda notwithstanding.
Wolfgang Munchau: Now that Viktor Orbán is out of the picture…
Now that Viktor Orbán is out of the picture, and the €90bn loan to Ukraine agreed, the really difficult part still lies ahead. The EU unity over Ukraine is fractious. Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia will not be part of the loan. Further down the line, we will see whether Poland, for example, is ready to become a net contributor to the EU budget, or whether France and Germany are ready to increase their net contributions further. Zelensky is right to reject the membership-light option as a symbolic scam. But real membership is outside any foreseeable time horizon. http://eurointelligence.comAndrew Bridgen: The Swedish Government to consider ‘energy rationing’…
The Swedish Government to consider ‘energy rationing’ if Iran conflict continues. We’re only weeks away from major disruption and shortages. Its in President Trump’s hands and the US is self-sufficient in oil and gas as could the UK be without Net Zero.Pouria Zeraati: One point…
One point: Iraqchi's negotiations with Witkoff/Kushner are unlikely to lead anywhere. In Tehran, the decision-making system is locked up, and I heard from sources in Israel that Mojtaba either doesn't respond to messages or sends vague replies. Contacting him has become significantly harder than in previous days, which means the IRGC has control in hand. The fact that the IRGC's mouthpieces are saying Iraqchi isn't going to meet with the Americans in Pakistan is also indicative of this same state of uncertainty. These conditions will likely lead to the resumption of the next round of attacks aimed at [primarily] neutralizing countermeasures. The military transfers in recent days and the arrival of the USS George Bush in the CENTCOM command area show that the threat of attack isn't just a bluff...
Timothy Ash: With the EU, and Germany insulting...
With the EU, and Germany insulting Türkiye, via VDL comments, the U.K. should take advantage of this to deepen defence and security ties. So many synergies - combining the UK’s defence tech expertise, with Türkiye’s strong manufacturing base.Read more