The Latest Breaking News from Gulf

When Israel assassinated a number of senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists on June 13, there was an initial euphoria among some ruling elites in the Gulf. They saw it as a sign of Iran’s diminishing regional threat.

On Sunday June 22, Donald Trump announced that several of Iran’s most important nuclear facilities had been “completely obliterated” and that the country’s nuclear weapons programme had been crippled. Iran denied this and vowed to retaliate. The Iranian parliament has already given approval to closing the strait of Hormuz, a…

The attacks on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have not increased radioactivity so far.

This narrow shipping route in the Gulf region sees one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passing through, fuelling a big part of the global economy. And Iran controls its northern side.

Iran has vowed to retaliate for US air strikes on its nuclear facilities, and has two main options: attacking American forces in the region, and closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Many airlines have suspended flights to some Middle East destinations, but others are adapting and using new routes.

Iran’s navy ranks highly among the world’s top fleets and is actively expanding its capabilities with advanced submarines and warships - deployed to strategic locations - strengthening its influence in the Gulf region and the Indian Ocean.

Exclusive: BA Heathrow-Dubai flight flew 5,000 miles and ended up just 500 miles from its starting point

Israel has said it is determined to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities, while avoiding any nuclear disaster in the region

PM urged to ensure £1.6bn trade agreement does not undermine industry with influx of lower-welfare meat

IN FOCUS : Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear programme is good for the UK – but helping Israel now is not, and here’s why, explains world affairs editor Sam Kiley