Iran / USA: Trump’s mixed messages create uncertainty
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, Donald Trump has alternated between signalling possible de-escalation and threatening further military action, leaving the situation highly uncertain. Increased military deployments in the Gulf region…
Lebanon: Israel plans buffer zone even after conflict with Hezbollah ends
Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the IDF’s plans to establish a buffer zone deep inside southern Lebanon have intensified fears of prolonged instability. Foreign minister Israel Katz, stating that the aim…
Syria: Christians cancel Easter celebrations after sectarian violence
Sectarian violence erupted on 28 March in Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian town in Syria, following tensions involving two Muslim young men from the nearby town of Qalaat al-Madiq. Reports indicate that they started…
Middle East war: Trump’s claims of negotiations are rebuffed by Iran
Iran has rejected claims by Donald Trump that negotiations are under way to end the conflict, with military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari accusing Washington of ‘negotiating with itself’ to mask failure. While US officials…
Gas prices surge by 25% overnight after strikes in Qatar
UK gas prices have surged by around 25% following escalating conflict in the Middle East, raising fresh concerns over energy security and household costs. The spike came after Iranian missile strikes hit a…
Bank of England says inflation will probably rise due to Iran war
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75% amid growing concerns that conflict in the Middle East will drive up inflation in the UK. The decision follows rising energy prices linked…
Iran: loss of Ali Larijani will be a body blow to the country
Israel’s assassination of Ali Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, will be a devastating body blow to the country, probably even more than the loss of the supreme leader…
EU: von der Leyen affirms commitment to international law
Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to international law after her remarks on 9 March about a changing global order sparked controversy. She had said that Europe could ‘no…
Iran: a new Supreme Leader
Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his…
Egypt: tourism has rebounded since Covid, but many struggling with living costs due to war
Egypt’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly in recent years, reaffirming its importance to the national economy. In 2025 the country welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, a 21% increase from the previous year, while…
