War spirals as information control tightens

 

The war on Iran has entered a much more damaging phase with more assassinations of the leadership in Tehran, the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and major strikes on energy infrastructure across the region.

As the war has escalated, pressure on news organisations in the United States, Israel and Iran is increasing.

Fuel rations and cash handouts: Iran war energy shock hits Asia

 Across south-east Asia, governments are scrambling to find ways to conserve energy and shield the public from soaring costs, as war in the Middle East causes huge disruption in the global oil market. In Thailand, news anchors are ditching their jackets after orders to reduce air conditioning use, while government workers in the Philippines are operating on a four-day week. Asia relies heavily on imported energy, much of which passes through the strait of Hormuz, and officials have warned further measures could be considered if the energy crisis worsens

France 24 english – live – international breaking news & top stories - 24/7 stream

 

Love & Rockets - Resurrection Hex (Deep Dish Luv 'N' Dub Mix)

 

'Ghost town': Lebanon city deserted amid Israeli airstrikes

Israel has issued a new displacement order for southern Lebanon, instructing residents within 25 miles of the border between the two countries to head north. The order covers major Lebanese cities and dozens of villages. Israel’s military is considering an escalated campaign in Lebanon against Hezbollah after the pro-Iran group launched its most intense attacks yet on Wednesday night. Guardian journalist William Christou reports from Nabatieh, a city in south Lebanon hit by Israeli strikes

 

Why have the Chagos Islands become so important to US President Trump?

US President Donald Trump has criticised Britain and its prime minister Keir Starmer over the handling of the Chagos Islands. He criticised Starmer during a press conference where he spoke about how America’s allies have responded to the US-Israel war in Iran. The president has said the UK should "not give away Diego Garcia", a key military base for the United States. The Chagos Islands - officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory - are located in the Indian Ocean about 5,799 miles (9,332km) south-east of the UK, and about 1,250 miles north-east of Mauritius. Also known as the Chagos Archipelago, there are around 60 individual islands. The islands were separated from Mauritius in 1965, when Mauritius was still a British colony.

Donald Trump couldn't locate The Chagos Islands even if they were marked by big red stick pin.

Atlantic rift? Has Britain’s relationship with the US just changed forever?

As tensions flare between Washington and London, observers say the ground beneath the “special relationship” is shifting. Quentin Peel helps us unpack whether this moment marks a lasting change in US-UK relations.