Amid Iran

Treasury minister Spencer Livermore trails new strategy as chancellor pins hopes on benefits of AI amid global uncertaintyThe NHS and Ministry of Defence will be urged to buy British tech, as the government pins its hopes on the benefits of artificial intelligence to kickstart growth in the face of the Iran crisis, Treasury minister Spencer Livermore has said.The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will restate her economic strategy in a high profile lecture on Tuesday, just as rocketing oil prices have raised fears of higher inflation and weaker growth. Continue reading...

‘Stopgap measure’ designed to keep oil flowing into global market as Middle East crisis disrupts crude shipmentsBusiness live – latest updatesThe US has temporarily allowed India to buy Russian oil currently stuck at sea in an effort to keep global supplies flowing and temper further price increases.The US treasury has issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil, having previously imposed heavy sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. Continue reading...

Four of six crew members died when a US refueling aircraft crashed on March 13, 2026, amid escalating tensions with Iran following drone attacks. The incident occurred during operations linked to regional responses, prompting investigations into mechanical failure or hostile action. Military officials confirmed the deaths, with two crew members surviving. This tragedy underscores risks to US forces in the Middle East hotspot.

Three ideologically inspired attacks occurred in the past week: ISIS-inspired bombings at a New York City protest, a vehicle ramming at a Michigan synagogue by a Lebanese citizen, and a shooting at a Virginia university by a prior terrorism convict yelling 'Allahu akbar.' These incidents coincide with the US war against Iran, following strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and FBI Director Kash Patel's firings of dozens of agents, including those on Iran and Trump document cases, straining counterterrorism resources. A Pakistani was convicted last week for 2024 assassination plots against Trump under Iranian Revolutionary Guard orders, while Justice Department seized domains used by Iran for dissident killings. The threats elevate national security risks as midterm elections approach, with cyber attacks like the one on Stryker adding to concerns.

Four of six crew members on a US refueling aircraft were killed in a crash on March 13, 2026, as tensions with Iran escalate following Saudi drone attacks. The incident underscores operational risks in the region, with President Trump commenting on Iran's leadership instability. Investigations are ongoing, potentially linked to heightened alert levels from recent terror-related events. This loss heightens scrutiny on military readiness ahead of potential retaliatory actions.

A missile struck a helipad inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad on March 13, 2026, as reported by two security officials, prompting a renewed Level 4 security alert for Iraq due to threats from Iran-aligned militias. The embassy, one of the largest US diplomatic facilities, has faced repeated rocket and drone attacks, with militias recently intensifying strikes on bases hosting US and coalition troops. A separate drone strike in northern Iraq on March 12 killed one French soldier and wounded others in an international coalition force. These incidents underscore rising risks to US personnel as the US-Iran war drags into its third week.

A missile struck a helipad inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad on March 13, 2026, according to two Iraqi security officials, prompting a Level 4 security alert renewal for US interests in Iraq. Iran-aligned militias have intensified rocket and drone attacks on the embassy and bases hosting US-coalition troops, following recent US strikes on Iran. The incident underscores rising risks to American personnel, coming a day after a drone strike in northern Iraq killed one French soldier and wounded others in the anti-ISIS coalition. US diplomats warn of potential continued targeting by Iran-backed groups amid the escalating regional conflict.