Latest news with #UK-US
Iraq Business
11 hours ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
UK-Iraq Solar Energy Partnership Advances with 3,000MW Project
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadhil, met with UK Ambassador Irfan Siddiq and a high-level delegation to discuss British companies' role in implementing solar energy projects and reaffirm Iraq's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. The delegation included Lara Hampshire, UK Director of Trade in Iraq, and Yasmin Khan, Director of Operations and Energy Trade Adviser. Talks focused on the memorandum of understanding signed last month with the UGT Renewables, a UK-US company, to develop an integrated 3,000MW solar energy project in Iraq. The project includes battery storage systems with a capacity of up to 500MW and the construction of 1,000km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines to enhance grid efficiency and stability. Minister Fadhil emphasised the importance of this initiative for Iraq's national power system and praised the strong collaboration with the UK and reputable international firms. The executing company will also implement a two-year training programme and provide maintenance services using advanced D-EPC methods. Fadhil reaffirmed the government's goal of reducing carbon emissions from the energy sector, targeting 12,000MW of solar capacity by 2030 as part of its broader renewable energy strategy. The British delegation expressed their commitment to deepening the energy partnership with Iraq and contributing technical expertise to support sustainable development in the electricity sector. (Source: Ministry of Electricity)
Middle East Eye
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
British opposition figures warn of dangers of US using UK base in potential Iran attack
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss Britain's response if the US enters the conflict between Israel and Iran. Much of the discussion hinged on Diego Garcia, a shadowy UK-US military base deep in the Indian Ocean. The strategic base puts US bomber aircraft within 5,300 kilometres of Iran and could allow them to attack Iran while avoiding Gulf airspace. It means that if the US directly intervenes, Britain will almost certainly find itself heavily involved - even if it does not help protect Israel from Iranian strikes. On Monday, four US B-52 Stratofortress bombers - which can carry precision-guided bombs - were sighted on a Diego Garcia runway, according to the Daily Mail. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters After the Cobra meeting it emerged that the British government will have to sign off on the US use of the base in any bombing raid on Iran. Independent MP Adnan Hussain told MEE: "If the UK permits the US to use its bases for offensive operations against Iran, and especially if those attacks originate from UK sovereign territory, then it could be considered directly involved in the conflict - legally a co-belligerent." Hussain added: "This would expose the UK to retaliation and Iranian counterattacks, in essence it could result in all out involvement." Base within attack range of Iran Deputy Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is standing to lead the party, told MEE: "Israel's attack on Iran is illegal. "Starmer claims to want de-escalation - yet dragging the UK into their illegal war does the opposite." Diego Garcia is almost certain to play a crucial role in any future American attacks on Iran, given its proximity to the country. UK lobbying US against sanctioning ICC over Israel war crimes probe Read More » Iranian military officials have repeatedly warned Israel's allies that they could be attacked if they help defend Israel. Iran's Shahed-136B kamikaze drones have the range to attack the base, which houses around 4,000 people, mostly members of the American military and contractors. Scottish National Party MP Chris Law told MEE: "The UK government must recognise the seriousness of the situation and understand that any such decision will require the support of parliament. 'Any use of UK military bases for US military action in Iran would be a significant escalation in this conflict, and it is imperative that Parliament be consulted and votes be held before any such decision is taken." If the US asks the Starmer government for permission to use the base for an attack, Starmer would be expected to seek advice from Jonathan Powell, his national security adviser, who was Tony Blair's chief of staff when Britain invaded Iraq in 2003. Hussain said: "The UK should continue with its focus on diplomatic solutions, as this is the only real solution to the issue. "An all-out war, especially with modern methods of warfare and talks of the potentiality of nuclear weapons would be a disaster not just for those involved but the whole world." Polanski added: "A million marched against Iraq, and the chaos and destruction that followed remain Labour's shameful legacy. "They must learn from history."
Wales Online
a day ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Trump considering Iran attack plan as UK's David Lammy flies to USA
Trump considering Iran attack plan as UK's David Lammy flies to USA Sir Keir Starmer convened a COBRA meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East U.S. President Donald Trump The Foreign Secretary is set to meet his US counterpart in Washington after Donald Trump said he was mulling whether to join Israeli strikes against Iran. David Lammy and secretary of state Marco Rubio will discuss the Middle East as potential American involvement in the conflict looms. It comes after Sir Keir Starmer convened a Cobra meeting of senior ministers on Wednesday to give updates on ongoing diplomatic efforts and UK support for British nationals in the region. The high-level meeting came on the heels of his return from the G7 summit in Canada, at which he and other world leaders reiterated their 'commitment to peace and stability'. But the US president, who left the summit a day early, told reporters outside the White House he was considering strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. He said: 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Israel and Iran have been exchanging fire for days after air strikes, which Tel Aviv said were aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials insist the country's nuclear programme is peaceful, and claim Israel has caused hundreds of civilian casualties. The group Human Rights Activists, based in Washington, said Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people with 263 of them identified as civilians. The Israeli military said Tehran and other areas of Iran were being targeted during the latest round of airstrikes on Thursday, warning people in a post on X to evacuate the area around the Arak heavy water reactor, about 155 miles south west of the capital. Iranian state television said the reactor had been attacked, but had been evacuated and there was 'no radiation danger whatsoever'. The Soroka Medical Centre in Beer Sheba, the main hospital in southern Israel, received 'extensive damage' after being hit by an Iranian missile, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. Article continues below Tensions are now ratcheting up between the US and Iran, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejecting Mr Trump's call for surrender and warning that any American military involvement would result in 'irreparable damage' to the US. The Foreign Secretary's talks in Washington will cover the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, as well as the UK-US trade deal, parts of which were finalised by Sir Keir and Mr Trump at the G7. Meanwhile, nuclear talks with Iran and senior diplomats from the UK, Germany and France as well as the EU will take place in Geneva on Friday, a European official told the Associated Press. In his comments outside the White House, Mr Trump had suggested the US could still hold talks with Iran. 'I can tell you this, Iran has got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate,' he said. He said 'it's very late to be talking', but 'we may meet'. If the US decides to go ahead with strikes, it could seek to use the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, which the UK would reportedly need to sign off on. Under the recently agreed deal to hand back the Chagos Islands, the UK leases the base from Mauritius, while the US pays for its operating costs. Sir Keir had played down the prospect of US intervention, telling reporters at the G7 that 'nothing' he had heard from the president suggested Washington was poised to get involved. Asked whether the Prime Minister was confident that Mr Trump would not involve US forces in the conflict, a Number 10 spokesman on Wednesday said the UK's position was still that 'we want to de-escalate rather than escalate'. The US State Department has started evacuating non-essential diplomats and their families from the American embassy in Israel. The US is also making plans for evacuation flights and ships for private citizens, the country's ambassador to Israel said. The UK's Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel, but has not advised British nationals to leave the country. The department said the evacuation was temporary and a 'precautionary measure', with staff remaining at the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The Foreign Office has also said land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said: 'Our first job is to keep British nationals safe, and our dedicated teams in the region are working around the clock to do this. Article continues below 'We are asking all British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to register their presence so that we can share our updates with them and make sure we're giving them the best advice possible.'
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Lammy travels to Washington as Trump weighs strikes on Iran
The Foreign Secretary is set to meet his US counterpart in Washington after Donald Trump said he was mulling whether to join Israeli strikes against Iran. David Lammy and secretary of state Marco Rubio will discuss the Middle East as potential American involvement in the conflict looms. It comes after Sir Keir Starmer convened a Cobra meeting of senior ministers on Wednesday to give updates on ongoing diplomatic efforts and UK support for British nationals in the region. The high-level meeting came on the heels of his return from the G7 summit in Canada, at which he and other world leaders reiterated their 'commitment to peace and stability'. But the US president, who left the summit a day early, told reporters outside the White House he was considering strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. He said: 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Israel and Iran have been exchanging fire for days after air strikes, which Tel Aviv said were aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials insist the country's nuclear programme is peaceful, and claim Israel has caused hundreds of civilian casualties. The group Human Rights Activists, based in Washington, said Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people with 263 of them identified as civilians. The Israeli military said Tehran and other areas of Iran were being targeted during the latest round of airstrikes on Thursday, warning people in a post on X to evacuate the area around the Arak heavy water reactor, about 155 miles south west of the capital. Iranian state television said the reactor had been attacked, but had been evacuated and there was 'no radiation danger whatsoever'. The Soroka Medical Centre in Beer Sheba, the main hospital in southern Israel, received 'extensive damage' after being hit by an Iranian missile, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. Tensions are now ratcheting up between the US and Iran, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejecting Mr Trump's call for surrender and warning that any American military involvement would result in 'irreparable damage' to the US. The Foreign Secretary's talks in Washington will cover the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, as well as the UK-US trade deal, parts of which were finalised by Sir Keir and Mr Trump at the G7. Meanwhile, nuclear talks with Iran and senior diplomats from the UK, Germany and France as well as the EU will take place in Geneva on Friday, a European official told the Associated Press. In his comments outside the White House, Mr Trump had suggested the US could still hold talks with Iran. 'I can tell you this, Iran has got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate,' he said. He said 'it's very late to be talking', but 'we may meet'. If the US decides to go ahead with strikes, it could seek to use the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, which the UK would reportedly need to sign off on. Under the recently agreed deal to hand back the Chagos Islands, the UK leases the base from Mauritius, while the US pays for its operating costs. Sir Keir had played down the prospect of US intervention, telling reporters at the G7 that 'nothing' he had heard from the president suggested Washington was poised to get involved. Asked whether the Prime Minister was confident that Mr Trump would not involve US forces in the conflict, a Number 10 spokesman on Wednesday said the UK's position was still that 'we want to de-escalate rather than escalate'. The US State Department has started evacuating non-essential diplomats and their families from the American embassy in Israel. The US is also making plans for evacuation flights and ships for private citizens, the country's ambassador to Israel said. The UK's Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel, but has not advised British nationals to leave the country. The department said the evacuation was temporary and a 'precautionary measure', with staff remaining at the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The Foreign Office has also said land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said: 'Our first job is to keep British nationals safe, and our dedicated teams in the region are working around the clock to do this. 'We are asking all British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to register their presence so that we can share our updates with them and make sure we're giving them the best advice possible.'
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Lammy travels to Washington as Trump weighs strikes on Iran
David Lammy and secretary of state Marco Rubio will discuss the Middle East as potential American involvement in the conflict looms. It comes after Sir Keir Starmer convened a Cobra meeting of senior ministers on Wednesday to give updates on ongoing diplomatic efforts and UK support for British nationals in the region. The high-level meeting came on the heels of his return from the G7 summit in Canada, at which he and other world leaders reiterated their 'commitment to peace and stability'. But the US president, who left the summit a day early, told reporters outside the White House he was considering strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. He said: 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' Israel and Iran have been exchanging fire for days after air strikes, which Tel Aviv said were aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials insist the country's nuclear programme is peaceful, and claim Israel has caused hundreds of civilian casualties. Israeli air defence system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv (Leo Correa/AP) The group Human Rights Activists, based in Washington, said Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people with 263 of them identified as civilians. The Israeli military said Tehran and other areas of Iran were being targeted during the latest round of airstrikes on Thursday, warning people in a post on X to evacuate the area around the Arak heavy water reactor, about 155 miles south west of the capital. Iranian state television said the reactor had been attacked, but had been evacuated and there was 'no radiation danger whatsoever'. Members of the public in Israel were told to take shelter, with the military saying Iran had fired more missiles. US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking to the media at the G7 summit (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Tensions are now ratcheting up between the US and Iran, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejecting Mr Trump's call for surrender and warning that any American military involvement would result in 'irreparable damage' to the US. The Foreign Secretary's talks in Washington will cover the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, as well as the UK-US trade deal, parts of which were finalised by Sir Keir and Mr Trump at the G7. Meanwhile, nuclear talks with Iran and senior diplomats from the UK, Germany and France as well as the EU will take place in Geneva on Friday, a European official told the Associated Press. In his comments outside the White House, Mr Trump had suggested the US could still hold talks with Iran. 'I can tell you this, Iran has got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate,' he said. He said 'it's very late to be talking', but 'we may meet'. If the US decides to go ahead with strikes, it could seek to use the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, which the UK would reportedly need to sign off on. Under the recently agreed deal to hand back the Chagos Islands, the UK leases the base from Mauritius, while the US pays for its operating costs. Sir Keir had played down the prospect of US intervention, telling reporters at the G7 that 'nothing' he had heard from the president suggested Washington was poised to get involved. Asked whether the Prime Minister was confident that Mr Trump would not involve US forces in the conflict, a Number 10 spokesman on Wednesday said the UK's position was still that 'we want to de-escalate rather than escalate'. The US State Department has started evacuating non-essential diplomats and their families from the American embassy in Israel. The US is also making plans for evacuation flights and ships for private citizens, the country's ambassador to Israel said. The UK's Foreign Office has evacuated family members of embassy staff from Israel, but has not advised British nationals to leave the country. Foreign Secretary David Lammy (left) and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Ben Whitley/PA) The department said the evacuation was temporary and a 'precautionary measure', with staff remaining at the embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. Britons have already been advised against all travel to Israel and those already in the country have been urged to register their presence with the embassy. The Foreign Office has also said land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, and consular teams are in position to provide assistance to British nationals who choose to leave Israel by land. Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said: 'Our first job is to keep British nationals safe, and our dedicated teams in the region are working around the clock to do this. 'We are asking all British nationals in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to register their presence so that we can share our updates with them and make sure we're giving them the best advice possible.'
