Britain has intercepted a banned oil tanker in the English Channel river, carrying out a major military and security operation against Russia’s so-called Shadow Fleet. Giving information about this action on Sunday, British Prime Minister Kier Starmer said that this step is an important effort towards economically weakening Russia’s war machine.

According to the British Defense Ministry, this operation started in the early hours of Sunday (14 June 2026) and lasted for about six hours. During this time, British Armed Forces, Royal Marine Commando and special officers of the National Crime Agency boarded the oil tanker Smyrtos and took it under their control. The British Air Force (RAF) also played an important role in this operation and coordinated with the security agencies throughout the operation.

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What did the British Defense Ministry tell?

Britain’s Defense Ministry said that at present this tanker has been kept under surveillance near the southern coast of England. The investigation into the case is ongoing and officials are examining the activities of the ship as well as the documents related to its ownership so that complete information can be gathered about its operations and network. Prime Minister Kier Starmer called this action a major blow to Russia. He said that those who are funding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to continue the war in Ukraine should get a clear message that Britain will not give them the opportunity to hide or escape.

Statement by British Defense Minister Dan Jarvis

British Defense Minister Dan Jarvis also said that Russia funds the Ukraine war through its Shadow Fleet and this action is directly aimed at weakening Putin’s war efforts. In fact, after the sanctions imposed on Russia by Western countries, Moscow created a network of hundreds of oil tankers, which is called Shadow Fleet. The ownership of these ships is often unclear and they are used to transport Russian oil to various countries and markets while avoiding international sanctions.

How many ships are included in the Shadow Fleet?

According to the British Defense Ministry, about 75 percent of Russia’s banned oil reaches different markets of the world through this shadow fleet. It is said that this network includes more than 700 ships, which remain an important economic support for Russia and help in generating income through oil export. Britain has so far banned more than 500 ships connected to this network. Under these restrictions such ships cannot enter British ports. Apart from this, British companies and citizens are also not allowed to provide facilities like financial services, insurance or brokerage for these ships.

Britain and France are working together

According to a BBC report, the British Defense Ministry said that this entire operation was conducted in close coordination with France. In recent months, Britain and France have been working together to increase pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet. The British government says its aim is to reduce Russia’s oil income and to stop financial aid for the Ukraine war.

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There is a lot of stir in politics these days in the United Kingdom. According to media reports, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told people close to him that he is ready to step down. However, it is being said that he wants to take this decision on his own terms and when the right time comes.

The Daily Mail UK report quoted a cabinet member as saying that Starmer has realized that the current political situation cannot continue for long. According to the report, he wants to step down in an honorable manner and will decide the timeline for this himself.

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Pressure on Britain’s Labor government

Britain’s Labor government is currently facing many controversies and public resentment. The appointment of Peter Mandelson and allegations that his name was linked to pedophile Jeffrey Epstein led to controversy. Apart from this, the performance of Labor Party in the recent local elections was also weak, due to which the pressure on the government increased further. The biggest blow to the government came when former Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the cabinet.

He openly said that if there is a leadership race in the Labor Party in the future, he will challenge Keir Starmer and present his claim for the post of Prime Minister. Wes Streeting also said that Starmer should set a clear schedule for leaving his post. After these incidents, there is a continuous decline in the popularity of the Prime Minister.

The survey results are shocking

According to a survey by YouGov UK, about 69 percent of British people have a negative opinion about Keir Starmer. The report also said that he has become one of the least popular Prime Ministers ever. Many people are comparing him with former Prime Minister Liz Truss, whose tenure lasted only 49 days. Even within the Labor Party, there seems to be increasing concern about Starmer’s leadership. Many MPs fear that if their popularity continues to fall like this, the Labor Party’s chances of forming a government in the future may weaken. It is also feared that right-wing leader Nigel Farage and his party Reform UK may benefit from this.

I’ll always champion peaceful protest. But the Unite the Kingdom march organizers are peddling hatred and division.

We’ve already blocked visas for far-right agitators who want to come here to spew their extremist views.

They don’t speak for the decent, fair, respectful Britain… pic.twitter.com/hdu8kgxHFp

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 15, 2026

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement

Amid speculations of resignation, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given a statement on the increasing political and social tension in Britain. He said that peaceful protests will always be supported, but the organizers of the United Kingdom march have been accused of spreading hatred and division in society. He further said that some radical right-wing agitators wanted to come to Britain and spread their extremist views, but the government had already stopped their visas. Such people do not represent the civilized, fair and respectable Britain that people know and believe in.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Friday (April 17) that more than a dozen countries are ready to join the defense mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. France and Britain chaired a meeting of 49 countries in Paris, in which preparations for a multinational security mission were discussed.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has opened Hormuz for commercial ships after the Lebanon ceasefire, but along with this, the permission of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) has been made necessary. Iranian officials said that freeing the funds frozen by America is also part of this deal.

Reopening Hormuz is a global need – Starmer

The US Navy has said that the risk of sea mines is still unclear. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that reopening Hormuz is a global need and responsibility. To take this forward, a military planning conference will be organized in London next week. In this, the structure of the mission and the assets and resources of the countries participating in it will be announced. Let us tell you that Starmer has emphasized on strengthening this international security structure along with France, Germany and Italy.

What did Iran’s Foreign Ministry say?

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible only through waterways designated by Iran. The IRGC has directed that all ships must obtain their permission to pass. Civilian ships will be allowed to pass through Iranian routes, but the entry of military ships has been completely banned.

Iran softened a bit after ceasefire in Lebanon

Meanwhile, Iran has warned that if the US maritime blockade on its ports continues, it will also take retaliatory action. According to the Foreign Ministry, if targeting of Iran’s economic interests and ports is not stopped, then they will adopt a tough stance in their diplomacy. However, after the ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran has shown signs of showing some leniency.

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Ceasefire has been announced between America and Iran. Trump has also mentioned the role of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir in the ceasefire talks. Britain and Malaysia have expressed gratitude to Pakistan for the ceasefire in the Iran war.

Britain’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said that we thank Pakistan for making this important ceasefire possible. Referring to Pakistan, he said, ‘We thank you for the calm, effective and diplomatic role you have played.’

Thank you Pakistan for the quiet, effective, diplomatic role you have played in bringing about this vital ceasefire. @CMShehbaz @ForeignOfficePk https://t.co/frHAYxtYTS

— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) April 8, 2026

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also welcomed the ceasefire between America and Iran. He said that I welcome both the countries for the 10-point plan accepted by Iran and America. He wrote, ‘This proposal is a good sign for the restoration of peace and stability not only in this region but in the entire world. It is sincerely hoped that the talks will be conducted in good faith and move forward with the determination to find lasting solutions to the problems currently prevailing in the region. Peace talks cannot succeed if the proceedings are surrounded by deceit and fraudulent behaviour.

I wholeheartedly welcome the latest development in the current US-Iran war, in respect of the ten-point plan as proposed by Iran and positively received by the US.

This proposal augurs well for the restoration of peace and stability, not only to the region but also the rest of… pic.twitter.com/Gyy9vtjJPD

— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) April 8, 2026

Ibrahim said, ‘It is very important that the 10-point plan be transformed into a comprehensive peace agreement, not only for Iran but also for Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the parties concerned to end the genocide and displacement of people in Palestine, especially Gaza.

Anwar Ibrahim praised Pakistan

Malaysian PM also praised Pakistan for its role in this ceasefire. He said, ‘Pakistan’s readiness to dialogue with all parties without fear or favor reflects the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility. Malaysia stands ready to support and cooperate with all efforts in this regard. We also appeal to the international community to ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to all civilians affected by this war. May this prove to be a turning point towards lasting peace. The world cannot tolerate anything less than this.

What did Trump say after announcing ceasefire?

Donald Trump has described the 10-point peace proposal presented by Iran as practical. He said that America will not target Iran’s power plants, bridges and infrastructure. He said that there will be a meeting between the two countries in Islamabad on April 10. The US President said that tonight I am stopping the destructive military aid being sent to Iran on the condition that Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran has called it a victory, the White House said that because of Trump and the US Army, Iran is opening Hormuz under compulsion.

Middle East Tensions: It has been almost five weeks since America and Israel’s war with Iran started, but there is no sign of this conflict and tension in the Middle East ending at the moment. US President Donald Trump has already threatened to take major military action against Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, but meanwhile many of America’s allies have refused to go to war with Iran. Britain, Germany, Spain, Australia and now Italy have also joined these countries.

In such a situation, America’s President Donald Trump is becoming alone in the ongoing war with Iran. However, the President himself seems quite confused about the attack on Iran. They sometimes say that our aim is to attack Iran’s oil and uranium. Internal protests continue in America regarding this war. Before launching such a huge attack on Iran, Trump did not take his country into confidence and attacked without thinking. Which is being said to be their biggest mistake.

Trump’s assessment – the mission to open the strait will prolong the war

The Wall Street Journal, quoting a US administration official, reported that US President Donald Trump has told his allies that they are ready to end the military campaign against Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for a long time. This statement of Trump comes a day after the threat in which Trump had told Iran that if Tehran does not allow the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, then America will destroy its power plants and oil wells.

According to the report, Trump said that he would leave for a later time the complex operation to reopen this very important route that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies. They estimate that the mission to forcibly open this route will extend the war beyond their planned time of 4 to 6 weeks.

Britain withdrew from Iran war

Britain’s decision not to get involved in the ongoing war with Iran has given a big blow to the US and President Donald Trump. British PM Keir Starmer refused to use his airspace and send British troops in the war, saying that this is not our fight. We will not get involved in this. He said that the UK will continue its efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz, but we will not be dragged into the fight.

Spain also gave a shock to America

Before Britain, Spain has banned America’s planes involved in the war with Iran from using its airspace. Spain has stopped the US from using its Rota and Moron bases for combat or refueling.

Italy did not allow American bombers to land

According to the report of Italy’s daily Corriere Della Sera, an official, keeping his identity secret, said that some American bombers were about to land at a base in eastern Sicily before going to the Middle East, for which Italy has refused permission. The official said Italy refused permission because the US had not sought formal permission and had not discussed it with Italy’s military leadership, as is required under the treaty between the two countries.

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More than three weeks have passed since the beginning of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, yet there is no sign of the war ending yet, rather there are signs of increasing conflict in this war. US President Donald Trump is continuously threatening Iran, meanwhile British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a big decision against Iran.

Al Jazeera has quoted a report by Daily Mail as saying that HMS Anson, a British submarine equipped with Tomahawk missiles and powered by nuclear power, has reached near the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Sea. The deployment of the British submarine came at a time when President Trump is threatening to intensify military action against Iran.

It is being said that this British submarine had left Perth city of Australia on March 6 earlier this month and it is believed that now HMS Anson has taken up a strategic position in the northern part of the Arabian Sea, which is very close to the Strait of Hormuz.

What weapons is the British submarine equipped with?

This British nuclear powered submarine is fully equipped with many types of very advanced weapons. These weapons include Tomahawk Block IV land attack missiles with a range of 1,600 kilometers and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, which make the firepower of this submarine extremely dangerous.

Britain is actively involved in Iran war

The deployment of British submarines near the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Sea indicates that now along with Israel and America, Britain is also actively participating in the war against Iran. Before this, Britain has given permission to America to use British military bases against Iran.

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US President Donald Trump on Saturday mentioned Britain’s lack of support amid US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Trump targeted Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He said that the European country is now considering sending aircraft carriers to West Asia.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that America does not need people to join the war after winning it. He said, “The United Kingdom, once our great ally, perhaps our greatest, is finally seriously considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them now, but we will remember. We don’t need people who are going to be in a war after we’ve won it.”

What did Keir Starmer say in response
Earlier on Wednesday, while addressing the British Parliament, Starmer said, “American planes are flying from British bases. This is the special relationship. British jets are shooting down drones and missiles from our joint bases to protect American citizens in the Middle East. This is the real state of this special relationship. Sharing intelligence every day for the security of our people, this is the special relationship.

Keir Starmer justified his decision not to participate in the attack on Iran, saying that he saw no legal basis for the action and his stance remains the same.

Trump made sharp criticism
The UK Ministry of Defense shared an operations update on March 7 in a post on Twitter, stating that the US has begun using British bases for defensive operations to prevent Iran from firing missiles into the region, which threatens the lives of British citizens. Earlier on Tuesday, Donald Trump described Britain’s stance on Iran as extremely uncooperative. Trump criticized Keir Starmer for spoiling relations between the two countries and said that he is not Winston Churchill.

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Special control room, advisory and arrangement of ships… Government told how many Indians have been evacuated so far in the midst of the war.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his decision not to get involved in US-Israeli attacks on Iran. On Monday (March 2, 2026) he said that his Labor Party government does not believe in change of power through air strikes.

While giving information to the Parliament, Keir Starmer said that Britain has given permission to the US Army to use British military bases for limited defensive purposes in West Asia. He said this while addressing the MPs in the House of Commons, the lower house of Parliament. US President Donald Trump has said that he was very disappointed that the British Prime Minister took too long to change his decision regarding the use of British military bases.

Keir Starmer said, ‘This government does not believe in change of power through air strikes.’ Starmer said, ‘Britain was not involved in the initial attacks by America and Israel on Iran. This decision was taken deliberately. “We believe that the best way forward for the region and the world is to reach a deal in which Iran agrees to give up its desire to develop nuclear weapons and cease its activities that destabilize the region.”

He said, ‘This has been the long-term stance of different governments of Britain. President Trump has expressed disagreement with our decision to decline involvement in the initial attacks, but it is my duty to decide what is in Britain’s national interest. This is what I have done, and I stand by this decision. Keir Starmer has repeatedly stressed the need for a ‘legal basis’ and ‘a practical, thoughtful plan’ before British forces engage in any action. He stressed that this was a lesson learned from the attack on Iraq.

The whole world seems to be affected by the ongoing war between America, Israel and Iran. There are reports of people being stranded from various places. Now in the news it was told that due to this war a cricket match between Pakistan and England had to be cancelled. Apart from this, a player who has played IPL asked the Prime Minister for help to bring himself back home.

The atmosphere in the Middle East has become very tense, keeping this in mind the second 50 over match to be played between Pakistan Shaheens and England Lions has been cancelled. Pakistan Cricket Board shared this update by issuing a release.

The match was to be held in Abu Dhabi

Let us tell you that the match was to be played at the Oval Stadium in Abu Dhabi. It was told in the release of Pakistan Cricket Board that in view of the deteriorating situation in Abu Dhabi, this decision was taken after the advice of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). There will be no practice session either. The teams have been advised to stay indoor.

It was further written in the release that the safety of players and support staff is our top priority. The Pakistan Cricket Board is in constant touch with the team management and players and the well-being of the team comes above all other considerations. As soon as the air space in the Middle East reopens, the PCB will decide whether to bring the Shaheen team back to Pakistan or continue the series, keeping in mind the ongoing security.

My statement on Iran. pic.twitter.com/Ki4VVTYO4N

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 28, 2026

Jonny Bairstow asked for help

England’s Jonny Bairstow, who has played in the IPL, was also playing the role of coaching and mentor with the England Lions team in Abu Dhabi. Bairstow appealed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for help. In fact, the English player commented on a social media video of Keir Starmer and wrote, “Can you take us home?” Within no time, this reaction of Bairstow went viral.

Britain’s former Prince Andrews Mountbatten has been arrested by the police. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also reacted to this. The British PM bluntly said that no one can be above the law. Andrews Mountbatten has been arrested for allegedly misusing his position. He is accused of potentially sending confidential documents to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as Britain’s business ambassador.

What did the British PM say?

In response to the BBC, the British PM said, “He feels that Andrews himself should talk to the UK police. This is a matter for the police. They will do their own investigation but one principle of our system is clear that the law is equal for all and no one can be above it. In this case also it should be applied in the same way as it is in other cases.”

MPs free to discuss

Keir Starmer also added in his statement that there is no restriction on how MPs can debate Andrews’ relationship with sex offender Epstein in Parliament. It is alleged that in the year 2010, a non-British citizen woman had stayed at the Royal Lodge, the former residence of Prince Andrew, 20 times. Where she reportedly spent the night with Andrew and was taken around Buckingham Palace.

Police arrested Andrews

Police have arrested Andrews. He is accused of misusing his position. This incident came when the police is investigating her sharing confidential documents with sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein. However, Andrews rejects these allegations outright. According to the London Times report, former Board of Trade President Vince Cable has accused Andrew of misuse while holding the post of Trade Ambassador.