Articles about Nato

White House seems to have failed to anticipate that Tehran would fight back by trying to impose costs on the westMiddle East crisis – live updatesIf there was a moment when the absence of a US strategy on Iran was exposed, then this was it. Donald Trump demanded on Saturday that the UK, China, France, Japan and others participate in a naval escort for oil tankers through the strait of Hormuz.Despite launching the attack on Iran, with Israel, the White House does not seem to have fully anticipated what was likely to follow. Iran had few good military options for fighting back, but attacking US bases, US allies and merchant shipping in the Gulf was the most obvious response – to try to impose costs on the west. Continue reading...

Pat McFadden says Trump running a ‘transactional presidency’ and that ‘our job is to navigate this’Good morning. Keir Starmer is holding a press conference in Downing Street this morning. As Kiran Stacey reports, the PM’s main intention will be to announce support for people most hit by rising energy prices, particularly householders reliant on heating oil. The measures are expected to be worth tens of millions of pounds.But, inevitably, most of the focus likely to be on how Starmer responds to the latest provocations from Donald Trump. Continue reading...

• President Trump demanded on March 15 that NATO and allied nations help secure the Strait of Hormuz with military vessels, warning that NATO could face a "very bad future" if allies refuse to assist in keeping the critical waterway open. • Trump warned that the US "will remember" countries that do not contribute to securing the strait, applying diplomatic pressure to allies amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East and warnings of potential sanctions waivers if the conflict prolongs. • The demand reflects Trump's strategy of leveraging the energy crisis and geopolitical instability created by the Iran conflict to mobilize international support for US-led efforts to maintain global shipping routes.

• President Trump issued a stark warning to NATO allies on March 16, stating they face a "very bad future" if they do not assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. • The warning came as the US and Israel work to secure the strategic waterway, which has been disrupted by the ongoing conflict with Iran. • Trump's ultimatum reflects growing pressure on international allies to support US-led efforts to restore normal shipping operations and stabilize global energy markets.

• NATO leaders have called on President Trump to reverse his decision to suspend sanctions on Russian oil as the Iran conflict creates energy market volatility. • The call reflects concerns among European allies that easing Russian oil sanctions could destabilize energy markets further while undermining coordinated Western policy on Russia. • The disagreement between Trump and NATO allies over Russian sanctions policy during the Iran crisis highlights geopolitical divisions among Western nations at a critical moment.

David Pocock’s comments come as new photos show scale of damage and government official says its ‘quite possible’ bodies disturbedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe bodies of Australian soldiers buried in Gaza have “very likely” been disturbed, the independent senator David Pocock says, as new photos tendered to parliament show widespread damage of graves by Israeli bulldozers.About 146 of the 263 graves of Australian soldiers buried in Gaza have been damaged, Senate estimates heard last week. Continue reading...

NATO alliance leaders have called on President Trump to lift the recent suspension of sanctions on Russian oil, citing risks to European security and energy markets following U.S. waivers for stranded cargoes. The plea comes as global gas prices rise, with EU officials pushing back against the U.S. policy shift. Transatlantic friction escalates as Trump prioritizes American consumers, potentially straining alliance unity ahead of summits. Energy experts predict prolonged market volatility if policies remain divergent.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined colleagues to introduce the Working Americans' Tax Cut Act on March 13, 2026, aimed at reducing taxes for millions of working Americans through targeted relief measures. The bipartisan bill seeks to provide immediate financial relief amid rising living costs, focusing on wage earners in key sectors. Supporters emphasize its potential to boost disposable income for over 100 million taxpayers. Next steps include committee review and potential floor votes as midterm elections approach.