Trump suggests US could end Iran war soon, as UAE and Turkey intercept more missiles US President Donald Trump has indicated that military operations against Iran may be nearing an end, stating that the conflict is “very complete, pretty much.” Speaking to CBS News, the BBC’s US media partner, Trump claimed the US is “very far ahead of schedule” in its campaign against Iran, asserting that the country lacks a functional navy, air force, and effective communication systems. He also claimed Iranian missiles are now “down to a scatter,” suggesting limited capability to strike back. While the White House had previously hinted the conflict, which began on 28 February 2026, could last for several weeks, Trump’s remarks imply a potential swift conclusion. Meanwhile, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey have reported intercepting Iranian missiles, with Israel confirming additional attacks are imminent. The Israeli military stated it had intercepted several missile launches and noted that some fell in open areas. The country has issued repeated warnings for civilians to take shelter amid the ongoing barrage. Turkey and the UAE have also confirmed their defense systems have neutralized incoming Iranian projectiles, though details on the scale of the threat remain unclear. The conflict has sparked global economic concerns, with the UK’s Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, warning that the Middle East crisis could drive up inflation. During a G7 finance ministers meeting, she highlighted the potential for upward pressure on prices as tensions escalate. The benchmark oil price has surged past $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, reflecting heightened geopolitical instability.#iran #turkey #donald_trump #united_arab_emirates #rachel_reeves
Reeves says her plan is working as growth forecast cut for this year Chancellor Rachel Reeves asserted that her economic strategy is yielding results despite a revised downward projection for the UK’s growth this year. The government’s official economic forecast body, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), adjusted its 2026 growth estimate to 1.1% from the 1.4% predicted in last year’s Budget. The OBR also revised upward its long-term growth projections, though the immediate outlook remains cautious. Reeves highlighted the OBR’s updated inflation forecast, which now anticipates a lower rate for 2026 than previously expected. The revised forecasts were made before the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which the OBR warned could have a “very significant” impact on global and UK economic conditions. Reeves emphasized the government’s commitment to stabilizing the economy, stating it is the state’s responsibility to “secure our economy against shocks and protect families from the turbulence that we see beyond our borders.” The conflict has already triggered sharp increases in oil and gas prices, raising concerns about potential inflationary pressures. The OBR now predicts inflation will decline to 2.3% this year, down from 2.5% in November, before reaching the Bank of England’s target of 2% by the end of 2026. However, sustained high energy costs could disrupt this trajectory, potentially limiting the Bank of England’s ability to cut interest rates. Economists noted that the OBR’s revised forecasts offer some flexibility for the government. Paul Dales of Capital Economics suggested the “headroom” in the budget could provide additional resources for the autumn Budget, though he warned that Middle East developments could offset these gains.#rachel_reeves #middle_east_conflict #office_for_budget_responsibility #bank_of_english #capital_economics
Reeves’s Spring Statement: Economic Optimism Amid Global Uncertainty Rachel Reeves faced mounting pressure to deliver a compelling message during her spring statement, yet the chancellor opted for a minimalist approach, offering no new fiscal commitments or spending plans. With the economy showing signs of stagnation—growth declining and unemployment rising—her insistence that the country was in “the best health it has ever been in” felt increasingly out of sync with the data. The timing of her remarks, just days after Donald Trump’s involvement in the Middle East escalated tensions and sent global markets into turmoil, only heightened the perception that her message was disconnected from reality. Reeves’s statement, which marked a departure from previous government practice, was framed as a “statement” rather than a full budgetary event. This shift allowed her to avoid addressing pressing economic challenges head-on, instead focusing on reaffirming Labour’s economic strategy. She emphasized that the government had a “right economic plan” tailored to the nation’s needs, though critics argued this amounted to little more than a reiteration of existing policies. The absence of concrete measures or fiscal announcements left MPs and analysts questioning the purpose of the event, with some suggesting it was a calculated move to delay difficult decisions until later in the year. The chancellor’s remarks also drew sharp criticism for their tone and content. She referenced the Middle East conflict, dismissing concerns about its impact on the economy as unwarranted. This stance was seen as tone-deaf, given the rising oil prices and market instability caused by the region’s tensions.#rachel_reeves #middle_east_conflict #kemi_badenoch #mel_stride #robert_jenrick
Reeves’s spring statement? The economy is great, don’t worry about the Middle East Rachel Reeves faced mounting pressure to deliver a compelling economic message during her spring statement, but the chancellor opted for a minimalist approach, offering no new spending or fiscal commitments. With the economy showing signs of stagnation—growth declining and unemployment rising—her insistence that the country was in “great shape” drew sharp criticism. The timing of her remarks, just days after Donald Trump’s involvement in the Middle East sparked global market volatility, only heightened the perception that her message was out of touch. Reeves’ speech, delivered at the dispatch box, was framed as a “statement” rather than a traditional budgetary event. This marked a departure from past practices, where fiscal announcements often included detailed plans or policy shifts. Instead, the focus was on reaffirming existing economic strategies, with Reeves emphasizing that her government’s approach was “more right than any other party’s plan.” However, the lack of concrete proposals left much to be desired, particularly in a political climate where voters are increasingly skeptical of empty promises. The absence of fiscal commitments also meant no leaks from Treasury staff about potential tax changes, a stark contrast to previous years. For special advisers, this was a frustrating development, as they typically rely on such information to shape political narratives. Reeves’ decision to avoid any U-turns or corrections in her speech reflected a broader strategy to defer difficult decisions to later in the year. Her remarks on inflation and interest rates were brief, with little acknowledgment of the economic challenges facing households.#donald_trump #rachel_reeves #liz_truss #kemi_badenoch #mel_stride
