Iran
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Troubled waters: life during wartime for Iranians on the strait of Hormuz
Despite US-Israeli airstrikes and Tehran’s attacks on shipping, the waterway still has to provide a lifeline for those that live and work there
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Chancellor faces Budget demands to help Scots households with energy bills
Chancellor John Healey is being urged to provide support to Scottish households to help with soaring energy and heating oil costs when he unveils his Budget in the House of Commons next week.
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Asian shares are mixed, with Kospi up 3% after US stocks rally on strong earnings
Asian shares are mixed with Japan and South Korea tech stocks advancing following a broad rally on Wall Street
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Marco Rubio’s unusual India stop puts billionaire’s vast oil empire in the spotlight
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Jamnagar, India, home to one of the world's largest oil-refining complexes
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Race for crucial midterms attracting vast sums of money on both sides
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg is spending $80m to help Democratic candidates, while Trump has promised Republicans $400m
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Lawyer caught by BBC offering to make illegal-worker fine go away
Because of our investigation, the home secretary has ordered a review of how fines are issued and collected.
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Macron blasts ‘unacceptable’ and ‘stupid’ commentary on protests from other leaders – Europe live
Macron says he is frustrated by the ‘visible manipulation of information’ about the events in France
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In The Room
France is reeling after a weekend of unrest that escalated dramatically. Hundreds of thousands marched peacefully, but elsewhere shops were looted, cars burned, police attacked and public buildings set alight. What began with schoolchildren furious about missing teachers, crumbling classrooms and a system they believe is failing them quickly became something much bigger. People of all ages joined demonstrations driven by anger over the cost of living, deteriorating public services and a future that feels increasingly out of reach. With France approaching a presidential election, the unrest exposes a deeper political crisis. But this is not just a French story. Across Europe, established parties are struggling to retain the confidence of increasingly disillusioned electorates. And Britain has experienced its own moments when public anger has spilled into violence. Helen MacNamara, who was inside government during the 2011 riots and has attended countless COBR meetings, examines what happens when governments begin to lose control of the streets, and what France's crisis might tell us about the pressures building closer to home. New episodes of In The Room come out weekly. Listen to the latest on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
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Government borrowing rises above forecasts to £24.5bn ahead of Budget
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that public sector net borrowing rose by £1.8 billion to £24.5 billion for September.
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Tommy Robinson voicemail left on Daily Mail journalist’s phone played in court
Audio of a voicemail Tommy Robinson left on a Daily Mail journalist’s phone has been played to jurors at Southwark Crown Court. The 43-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is on trial for allegedly harassing journalists Jacob Dirnhuber and Andrew Young, causing them fear of violence, in August 2024 after they worked on a story about him while he was on holiday in Cyprus. The voicemail, released by the Metropolitan Police and played in court on Tuesday (20 October), was left on Ted Verity’s phone. It said: “If it’s legitimate journalism then expect me to come knocking,” adding: “I’ve already located every f****** one of you.” Mr Yaxley-Lennon entered not guilty pleas to two charges of harassment causing fear of violence in July last year.
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Wandsworth prison ordered thousands of coats and blankets after heating failure
Issues with the heating supply and hot water at HMP Wandsworth became so serious that it was reported as a ‘loss of service’, a report said
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UK gives green light to controversial North Sea gas project
The Shell Group, one of the project's co-developers, predicts the field can produce around 6.5% of the UK’s gas production at its peak.
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UK inflation reaches highest rate in almost a year after fuel surge
The rate of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was 3.5 per cent in September
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Why has inflation risen and what does it mean for me?
September’s inflation rate of 3.5% means if an item cost £100 a year ago, it would now cost £103.50.
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Japan records a trade deficit as oil imports soar because of conflict in the Middle East
Japan’s trade deficit has reached 2.81 trillion yen, or $17.8 billion, for the first fiscal half, according to government data, as the war in Iran sent oil import prices soaring
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Trump compares hecklers at North Carolina rally to rioters in Paris
Trump also went on a bizarre tangent about his daughter-in-law Lara Trump’s body while in Greenville Tuesday night
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Trump says he will have spent $400m to support Republicans in midterms – as it happened
This live blog is now closed.
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Here's why Rubio is visiting a small Indian city home to world’s largest oil-refining complex
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Jamnagar, India, home to one of the world's largest oil-refining complexes
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Don Jr. opposed Iran war and told his dad not to start one: report
Top administration figures, including Vice President JD Vance and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, also raised early concerns regarding the strategy and scope of the military effort
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King Charles heaps praise on Prince William after bombshell Prince Harry interview
The King spoke proudly about William as he hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said at the start of his state visit
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Polymarket removes contract allowing users to wager on fate of Cornell students accused of rape
Polymarket has removed a contract from its prediction market platform that allowed users to wager on whether any of the seven men accused of raping a Cornell student in 2024 will be charged with a felony sex crime
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I’m an economist. US inequality is getting worse in ways you might not expect
Recent policy changes have shifted different kinds of costs on to low- and middle-income earners, while leaving the wealthy relatively unscathed
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Trump’s tumbling poll numbers leave CNN data guru stunned
‘I mean this is a five-alarm Trumpster fire, that’s what we’re talking about,” CNN Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten said
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Man ordered to pay more than £2,000 for act after getting parking ticket
A man was ordered to pay £2,270 in fines and costs after he threw a parking fine notice on the ground in Cornwall. Stephen Lang, of St Martins Crescent, Camborne, was found guilty of littering at Exchequer Quay car park in Penryn on 20 November 2025. The court heard that the 58-year-old was issued with a penalty charge notice after his vehicle was found parked outside a marked bay. Lang approached the officer and challenged the notice before removing it from the vehicle and throwing it to the ground. The officer picked up the notice and placed it back on the vehicle before Lang removed it again and threw it in her direction. Lang was issued with a £250 Fixed Penalty Notice for littering, which he failed to pay despite a reminder. He was ordered to pay a £250 fine, £1920.90 in costs and a £100 victim surcharge.
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Millions of UK households heading into winter in energy debt, new figures show
Around 3.4 million households – nearly one in eight – are in debt to their supplier, owing an estimated £750 million, or an average of £220 each
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Zelensky says US intelligence sharing 'works now' after talks with Trump envoy in Oslo
Ukraine had accused the US of withholding key intelligence - a claim rejected as "scandalous" by Washington.
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Burnham and Sultan of Oman set to sign new investment agreement at Downing Street
Burnham believes the relationship between Britain and Oman is ‘a friendship which generates real benefits’
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Trump and Zelensky appear at loggerheads despite Oslo optimism
The Ukrainian leader's hug with Steve Witkoff in the Norwegian capital is unlikely to dispel misgivings about US policy towards his country, writes Paul Adams.
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Inmates at scandal-hit prison given coats, blankets and soup after heating failure
Issues with the heating supply and hot water at HMP Wandsworth became so serious that it was reported as a ‘loss of service’, a report said
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Government’s long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas field to be announced
The decision on the gas field off the coast of Aberdeen will be announced following months of speculation about its future.
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Polymarket halts bets on fate of Cornell students accused of gang rape
A woman identified in court documents by the pseudonym Jane Doe filed a lawsuit last month alleging that seven fraternity members sexually assaulted or exploited her in October 2024
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IRGC mines set tankers ablaze as Tehran threatens expanded attacks
Iran’s foreign ministry further warned Washington it would retaliate against any strike, and an IRGC spokesperson threatened to target undersea internet cables in the Gulf in another escalation of the ongoing war of words between Tehran and Washington.
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France's Macron begins state visit to Qatar as part of wider Gulf tour
Qatar welcomed the French president with full state honours on his arrival in Doha as the two countries are strengthening their strategic ties. Facing protests at home, Macron is seeking energy deals with Gulf partners to help ease fuel prices in France, but also contributing to regional stability.
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Albanian police deploy water cannons as protests hit seventh day
Albanian police deployed water cannons as protests continued into their seventh day on Monday (19 October). Officers responded with tear gas after demonstrators hurled rocks at them. Protesters also attacked government buildings and lit fires. Violence has erupted after high school and university students mobilised in a broader anti-government movement calling for prime minister Edi Rama to resign. It comes as thousands of rioters in France were arrested during the weekend’s widespread protests, with justice minister. Violence has also been seen in other parts of Europe, with similar incidents in Belgium and Italy.
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FTSE down but off lows as oil price drops amid Iran war peace talks hope
In London, the FTSE 100 index ended down 31.69 points, 0.3%, at 10,733.00.
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Inflation has hit a new group of goods: Trump merch
Price hikes mean President Donald Trump’s signature red MAGA cap is now retailing for $55, up from $25 a decade ago, according to new analysis
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Houthis attack city in Yemen that UN says is at 'grave risk' by rebels' siege
Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a residential area in Yemen’s third-largest city, killing two teenage girls
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Republicans push back on Donald Trump’s wavering support for Ukraine
GOP lawmakers threaten to pull support for president’s agenda after Russia diesel deal and sanctions pause
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Two men re-arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran over RAF Fairford incident
Counter Terrorism Police say it is ‘highly likely’ that there is Iranian state involvement
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More Americans are now worried about AI than war and terrorism, poll finds
‘People’s fears about AI are much broader than concerns about automation or job displacement,’ says Seth Benzell, an assistant professor at Chapman University
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Two re-arrested on suspicion of assisting Iran intelligence after RAF Fairford incident
The head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing said they consider Iranian state involvement "highly likely".
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Qatar revamped defence system in six hours, intelligence chief says
At Doha’s Global Security Forum, Qatar’s head of intelligence revealed how the war with Iran forced the Gulf country to urgently redeploy its defensive assets, while the US ambassador to Turkey offered new insights into a fundamental shift in Washington's presence in the Middle East.
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Democrat zings Hegseth when asked if she’ll quit drinking if elected
The Democratic candidate who went viral for her “drunk” and belligerent local TV interview took a shot at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after being asked if she’d quit drinking if she were elected. Jaime West, who is running for a seat on the Fayette County Council in Indiana, appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where she claimed she drank only three beers before her now-infamous appearance, during which she warned Republicans, “we have guns too.” When Morgan asked if West would quit drinking if her long-shot bid for the council seat was successful, she replied, “I don't know. Why don't you ask Pete Hegseth, who is drinking whiskey as he's running an illegal war?” Morgan and guest Ben Ferguson pointed out that Hegseth had vowed not to drink during his time in Trump’s cabinet.
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2 men rearrested in UK on suspicion of assisting Iran over suspected plot at a US-run air base
British police have rearrested two men suspected of assisting Iran’s intelligence service in a plot at a U.S.-run air base
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Burnham government ‘not working for the economy’, PM’s former advisor warns
Andy Haldane calls on PM and chancellor to restrict spending and not to raise taxes on already-struggling households or on businesses
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Boeing 737 Max 10 to be approved for US flights after years of safety concerns
Major customers for the Max 10 include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Ryanair
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Trucker protest leaves supermarket shelves and gas pumps empty in southern Italy
Supermarkets and gas stations in Naples are facing shortages due to week-long protests by truck drivers against high gasoline costs
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US certifying Boeing's largest 737 Max after years of delays, AP source says
The U.S. government is set to announce the certification of Boeing's 737 Max 10 jet after years of delays
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'The true test is getting an appointment': Readers share tips for Germany's citizenship test
We asked readers what advice they would give people preparing to take Germany’s citizenship knowledge test. From study apps to language skills and booking appointments, here's what they said.
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Royals roll out the red carpet in Windsor for visiting Sultan
The Sultan of Oman, leader of a Middle Eastern strategic partner, is welcomed to Windsor for a state visit.
