Rachel Reeves ‘clashed’ with US treasury secretary over Iran war

• Downing Street has declined to deny reports of a heated exchange between Chancellor Rachel Reeves and her US counterpart, Scott Bessent.
• The alleged confrontation occurred during the International Monetary Fund’s spring meetings in Washington DC earlier this year.
• The argument reportedly stemmed from Ms Reeves’ public criticism of the US-led war against Iran prior to her transatlantic trip.
• Mr Bessent is said to have “berated” Ms Reeves, who reportedly retorted that she did not work for him and disliked his tone, reiterating her view that America lacked clear goals for the conflict.
• A Downing Street spokesman avoided refuting the reports but stated that Ms Reeves and her US counterpart have since had “constructive” engagements.

IN FULL

Rachel Reeves and Scott Bessent ‘argued’ in Washington after Chancellor’s Iran war criticism