UK refuses to join US naval blockade of Iran; PM Starmer says Britain won’t be ‘dragged’ into war

Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarifies the UK's stance on the US blockade of Iran, focusing on maritime security and diplomatic de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a significant move that highlights a growing tactical rift between trans-Atlantic allies, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday officially declined to join the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz recently announced by US President Donald Trump.

Speaking to BBC Radio, Starmer stated that while the UK remains committed to regional stability, it will not participate in the aggressive maritime enforcement initiated by Washington. "We are not supporting the blockade," Starmer said, adding firmly that the UK "is not getting dragged in" to a potential full-scale war with Iran.

Starmer clarifies UK position

The Prime Minister’s remarks follow a sharp escalation in tensions after the US declared a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. According to officials, the UK’s primary focus remains on protecting commercial navigation rather than participating in offensive military maneuvers.

Despite the refusal to join the blockade, Britain will maintain its existing naval presence in the region. This includes specialized operations such as minesweeping and anti-drone activities intended to safeguard merchant vessels.

Maritime security remains priority

A UK government spokesperson emphasized that maintaining the free flow of shipping through the strategic waterway is vital for the global economy. The spokesperson noted that any prolonged disruption would directly impact the domestic cost of living in Britain.

The British government also voiced strong opposition to the imposition of tolls or transit fees on vessels. This follows reports that Tehran has begun charging ships for passage through the Strait, a move London views as a violation of international maritime laws.

Failed Islamabad peace talks

The US decision to enforce a blockade comes in the wake of collapsed diplomatic efforts in Pakistan. High-level peace talks in Islamabad between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian representatives ended Sunday without a breakthrough.

According to reports, the primary sticking point remains Iran’s refusal to provide long-term guarantees regarding its nuclear program. Following the failure of these negotiations, US Central Command confirmed that American forces would begin interdicting vessels linked to Iranian trade.

Impact on oil prices

The escalation has already sent shockwaves through the global energy market. Following President Trump's announcement, Brent crude prices surged past $100 per barrel on Monday, marking a sharp increase that threatens global inflationary stability.

The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, with approximately 20% of the world's total oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments passing through its narrow waters daily.

Diplomatic push for de-escalation

Prime Minister Starmer has been in active contact with European allies, including French President Emmanuel Macron, to form a broader coalition. This group intends to focus on "freedom of navigation" rather than military escalation against Iranian sovereignty.

While the UK was not a direct party to the failed Islamabad negotiations, it continues to advocate for a diplomatic "off-ramp." Sources indicated that London is prioritizing the reopening of the Strait to stabilize energy supplies and prevent a wider regional conflagration.

Future of regional stability

As the US blockade goes into effect, the international community remains on high alert for potential Iranian retaliation. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has already warned of a "forceful response" to any military interference with its maritime territory.

PM Modi Israel Visit 2026: Strategic Talks and Historic Address

The PM Modi Israel Visit 2026has begun with significant diplomatic and strategic importance. Prime Minister Narendra Modideparted for a two-day visit to Israel, marking his second trip to the country after his historic 2017 tour.

During this visit, Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset. However, his speech has sparked political controversy, as sections of the Israeli opposition have threatened to boycott the special parliamentary session.

The visit comes at a time of evolving geopolitical tensions in West Asia and ongoing negotiations over major India-Israel defence dealsand a proposed India-Israel FTA.

Opposition Boycott Over Knesset Address

The controversy surrounding Modi’s address stems from reports that Israel’s Chief Justice was not invited to the session. Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapidhas urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuto intervene.

Lapid warned that excluding key institutions could result in a half-empty parliament during the address, potentially embarrassing India. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has described Modi as a “dear friend” and emphasized the importance of bilateral ties.

Major India-Israel Defence Deals in Focus

A central highlight of the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026is defence cooperation. Reports suggest that India may finalize deals worth up to $8.6 billion by 2026.

Key defence discussions include:

 Procurement of advanced Heron MK-2 MALE drones

 Precision-guided missile systems

 Possible technology sharing of Israel’s Iron Domeair defence system

Israeli officials have indicated openness to deeper defence collaboration, including manufacturing military equipment in India under joint ventures.

If finalized, these agreements could significantly boost India’s defence modernization and strengthen strategic autonomy.

Tribute at Yad Vashem and Presidential Talks

On February 26, Modi will visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, to pay tribute to six million Jews killed during Nazi rule under Adolf Hitler.

He will then meet Israeli President Isaac Herzogto discuss regional stability, West Asian tensions, and global security challenges.

India-Israel FTA Talks Gain Momentum

The visit coincides with the first round of negotiations for the India-Israel FTA, which began in New Delhi on February 23 and continues through February 26.

Trade between the two nations reached $3.62 billion in FY 2024–25. The FTA aims to:

 Boost trade in goods and services

 Simplify customs procedures

 Strengthen intellectual property protections

 Improve business confidence for MSMEs

Experts believe the agreement could unlock new opportunities in technology, agriculture, and innovation sectors.

Timing Raises Strategic Questions

The timing of the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026has raised questions within India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor.

Concerns were expressed over rising tensions between the United States and Iran in West Asia. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that security considerations are always factored into prime ministerial visits.

Why This Visit Matters Now

This visit reflects a major shift in India’s foreign policy. While India once opposed Israel’s creation in 1947 and voted against its UN membership in 1949, relations have dramatically evolved since full diplomatic ties were established in 1992.

Modi’s 2017 visit marked a turning point, and the PM Modi Israel Visit 2026further strengthens political, defence, and economic partnerships.

With defence modernization, FTA negotiations, and regional instability shaping the global landscape, this visit could redefine India-Israel strategic cooperation for the coming decade.

As Modi addresses the Knesset and engages in high-level defence and trade discussions, the outcomes of this visit may significantly influence India’s strategic positioning in West Asia and beyond.

US President Donald Trump delivered a record-breaking State of the Union address on February 25, 2026, lasting nearly two hours, where he touted foreign policy triumphs, economic gains, and border security. Amid rising global tensions, Trump's speech emphasized his role in preventing nuclear crises and boosting US prosperity, while criticizing Democrats and the Supreme Court. This Trump State of the Union comes as midterm elections loom, making it a pivotal moment for his agenda.

Foreign Policy Wins: From Iran to Gaza

Trump claimed major victories in international affairs, asserting that US intervention "obliterated" Iran's nuclear program through Operation Midnight Hammer. He warned of Iran's missile capabilities reaching the US and accused the regime of killing 32,000 protesters, positioning his administration as a defender of human rights.

On the Gaza ceasefire, Trump hailed it as a success, noting the release of all Israeli hostages—living and dead—and crediting his efforts for de-escalating the Israel-Hamas conflict. He also reiterated preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, dramatically stating that Pakistan's PM "would've died" without US involvement.

Expert perspective: Foreign policy analyst Dr. Elena Ramirez from the Heritage Foundation says, "Trump's bold rhetoric underscores a shift to assertive diplomacy, but verification of claims like Iran's program halt remains crucial for global stability."

Economic Policies and Tariffs Under Scrutiny

Domestically, Trump blamed Democrats for inflation and celebrated falling prices, with gas under $2.30 and core inflation at a five-year low. He criticized the Supreme Court's "unfortunate" ruling blocking his tariffs, vowing new global tariffs to protect American jobs. Trump suggested tariffs could eventually replace income taxes, easing burdens on citizens.

Key economic highlights:

- US oil production up by 600,000 barrels per day.

- 2.4 million Americans off food stamps in his first year.

- Stock market at an all-time high of 53.

Practical takeaway: For readers tracking investments, monitor upcoming tariff negotiations with allies like the EU and Japan, as they could impact consumer goods prices.

Domestic Priorities: Immigration, Crime, and Tributes

Trump declared the US border "the strongest in history," with zero illegal entries, and called for ending sanctuary cities. He highlighted crime reductions in cities like Memphis and paid tribute to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, condemning political violence.

On healthcare, Trump promoted his "Great Healthcare Plan" for lower costs and direct funds to citizens, not insurers. He also joked about a third term and awarding himself the Medal of Honor, lightening the partisan atmosphere.

This Trump State of the Union address reinforces his "America First" vision, blending triumphs with warnings amid Iran nuclear threats and Gaza ceasefire progress. As debates rage over tariffs and foreign claims, the speech sets the stage for midterm battles. For Americans, it offers optimism on economic recovery but raises questions on policy sustainability. Stay tuned for Democratic responses emphasizing affordability and oversight.

In a move that has sent ripples through the corridors of global power, US President Donald Trump used the Davos platform to launch a controversial new "Board of Peace" . Promoted as a tool to resolve conflicts and oversee reconstruction, starting with GGaza, the board is being viewed by many analysts as a direct challenge to the post-World War II, UN-centric world order . While nations like Pakistan, Israel, and several Gulf states have signed on, a crucial player remains conspicuously silent: India .

The invitation from President Trump to Prime Minister Narendra Modi presents New Delhi with one of its most delicate diplomatic puzzles in recent years. Joining could offer a seat at a new table of influence but risks alienating traditional partners and undermining the multilateral system India has long supported. Staying out could invite further economic pressure from a protectionist US administration. India's calculated silence thus far speaks volumes about its high-stakes dilemma.

What Is Trump's Board of Peace?

Announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Board of Peace is framed as the body to implement the second phase of Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, which includes reconstruction and long-term governance . However, its ambitions appear far broader. The board's leaked charter reveals an organization with a global peace mandate, a lifetime chairman in Trump himself, and a staggering $1 billion fee for permanent membership .

The executive board is composed entirely of Trump confidants and allies, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio . This structure has led critics to label it a "passion project" designed less for inclusive global problem-solving and more for consolidating a new axis of influence under Trump's personal stewardship.

A World Divided: Who's In, Who's Out

The board's membership reveals a stark geopolitical split:

· The Joiners: Approximately 20 countries, including Pakistan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, have joined the initiative .

· The Holdouts: Major European powers like the UK, France, Germany, and Sweden have pointedly refused, expressing concerns over the board's legal scope and its implications for the existing international order . Canada, Russia, China, and the European Union have also not committed .

This division places India in a tough spot. Aligning with the "Joiners"—a group that includes its rival Pakistan—could be domestically unpopular and signal a retreat from its principled stance on multilateralism. However, siding with the "Holdouts" risks provoking a US administration that has already shown a willingness to use trade as a weapon.

India's Calculated "Wait and Watch"

India's non-committal response is a classic diplomatic maneuver, but it is fraught with risk. Experts cite several factors behind India's hesitation:

· Defending Multilateralism: As a founding member of the UN and a traditional champion of a rules-based order, India is ideologically cautious about initiatives that might weaken established institutions 

· The Pakistan Problem: Pakistan's enthusiastic membership complicates India's decision. Analysts fear the board could become a platform for internationalizing the Kashmir issue on terms unfavorable to New Delhi.

· Uncertain Longevity: The board is seen as intrinsically linked to Trump's persona and current term. Its viability and relevance beyond his presidency are major questions for Indian strategists thinking in long-term horizons.

The Shadow of Trade and Tariff Wars

The diplomatic calculation cannot be separated from hard economic reality. The Trump administration has already imposed a 50% tariff on all Indian imports, citing trade imbalances and India's continued purchase of Russian oil . The threat of even more punitive measures looms large.

· India's exports worth approximately $87 billion annually are vulnerable to these tariffs, impacting key sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles .

· Furthermore, South Africa is now considering similar 50% tariffs on vehicles imported from India and China, signaling that US actions may embolden other nations .

In this context, India's silence on the Board of Peace is also seen as an effort to avoid giving Trump any pretext to escalate trade hostilities further. The hope in New Delhi is that a neutral stance might keep the door open for back-channel negotiations on tariffs.

A Precarious Balancing Act

India finds itself navigating a perfect storm of diplomatic innovation and economic coercion. Trump's Board of Peace is more than a peace proposal; it is a litmus test for loyalty in a fragmenting world. For India, the choice is not merely about joining a new group but about defining its strategic path in an era where traditional alliances are being stress-tested.

The "wait and watch" approach offers temporary shelter but is not a long-term strategy. As pressure builds from both Washington and its own economic corridors, New Delhi will soon have to make a decisive move. That decision will reveal whether India believes its future lies in reshaping the old world order or cautiously engaging with the contours of a new, uncertain one. The world is watching.

Chabahar Port and the Reality of Global Politics

In international relations, one truth remains constant: there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. This reality is once again visible in the evolving Chabahar Port issue, where India finds itself balancing strategic autonomy amid growing pressure from the United States.

Despite calling India a “strategic partner,” the US has repeatedly used sanctions and tariffs as tools of pressure—even on allies. The latest uncertainty over the Chabahar Port sanctions waiver highlights this uncomfortable truth and places India at a critical geopolitical crossroads.

What Is the Latest Update on the Sanctions Waiver?

India had received a special US sanctions waiver to operate Chabahar Port in Iran, recognising its importance for regional stability and humanitarian access to Afghanistan. However:

 In October 2025, the US announced it would withdraw the waiver

 After negotiations, a six-month extension was granted

 This extension expires in April 2026

The US claims the extension was only to allow India to “wind down” operations. India, however, has made its position clear: it is not exiting Chabahar Port.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has confirmed that India and the US are still engaging diplomatically to find a middle path.

Why Chabahar Port Is Non-Negotiable for India

The importance of Chabahar Port goes far beyond trade. Strategically, it is one of India’s most valuable overseas assets.

Key Strategic Benefits:

 Bypasses Pakistan, giving India direct access to Afghanistan

 Counters China’s Gwadar Port in Pakistan

 Integral to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

 Provides a shorter, cheaper trade route to Central Asia, Russia, and Europe

Exiting Chabahar would force India to rely on longer and riskier routes like the Suez Canal, increasing costs, insurance, and exposure to piracy.

India’s Response: Strategic Caution, Not Retreat

To reduce exposure to US sanctions on Iran, India has taken calibrated steps:

 Government officials resigned from the board of IPGL, the Indian entity managing Chabahar

 Exploring sanctions-resilient operational models

 Continuous engagement with the US Treasury and State Department

India is walking a careful line—neither openly defying the US nor surrendering its strategic interests.

Bigger Implications for Global Geopolitics

The Chabahar issue reflects larger global trends:

 US use of extraterritorial sanctions and tariff threats

 India asserting strategic autonomy

 Preventing Iran from drifting fully towards China and Russia

 Strengthening India’s role as a Global South leader

Though India’s trade with Iran is limited, the strategic cost of exiting Chabahar Port far outweighs economic risks.

A Test of India’s Rising Power Ambitions

The Chabahar Port crisis is not just about sanctions—it is a test of India’s ability to defend long-term national interests in a coercive global order. By choosing dialogue without surrender, India is signalling that strategic assets are not bargaining chips.

As April 2026 approaches, Chabahar remains a litmus test for India’s foreign policy maturity—and its determination to act as a leading power, not a pressured partner.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the brutal murder of Deepu Chandra Das in Dhaka could not be overlooked. “India unequivocally condemns the killing of the Hindu youth and expects that those responsible will be brought to justice at the earliest,” he said.

Jaiswal underlined that attacks on minority communities are a matter of grave concern and cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents or political rhetoric. Rejecting what he described as a false anti-India narrative being propagated in Bangladesh, he said maintaining law and order and protecting all citizens is the responsibility of Bangladesh’s interim government.

Citing official data, the noted that more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been recorded during the tenure of the interim administration. “These incidents cannot be brushed aside,” he said, adding that India is closely monitoring the situation and raising its concerns through established diplomatic channels.

Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to strong people-to-people ties with Bangladesh and said New Delhi continues to advocate free, fair and inclusive elections in the neighbouring country as a key step towards stability.

During the briefing, the MEA also addressed questions on other foreign policy matters. On fugitive economic offenders Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, Jaiswal said the government remains fully committed to bringing them back to India. “Discussions are ongoing with several countries. We are making all efforts to ensure that economic offenders who have fled the country are brought back to face the law,” he said.

Responding to concerns over H-1B visas, Jaiswal said India has taken up complaints regarding delays and difficulties in rescheduling visa appointments with the United States, both in New Delhi and Washington DC. He acknowledged that prolonged delays have caused hardship to Indian nationals and their families, and said the issue is being actively pursued with US authorities.

On trade matters, the spokesperson said negotiations on the India-US bilateral trade agreement are continuing, with both sides working towards a fair and balanced outcome. He also confirmed progress in talks on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, noting that multiple rounds of discussions have taken place in recent months.

Jaiswal also expressed condolences over the death of an Indian student in Canada, saying Indian authorities are in touch with local officials, while confirming that India is coordinating with Australian authorities regarding the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach.