Rutte: ‘Seeing some frustrations’ with Trump
Asked by the BBC about Trump’s comments about Nato, Mark Rutte said: “What I have been seeing is some frustrations with him about the Europeans needing to take to react to his requests.”
He added: “For good reasons, the US was not able to consult with allies because they wanted to keep the campaign secret.”
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 12:35
Rutte: ‘Nato stands firmly with all of our allies’
In a press conference this afternoon, Mark Rutte, Nato secretary general, has been asked about Donald Trump’s criticism of its national.
Trump on Thursday, wrote in a Truth Social post that Nato nations have done “absolutely nothing” to help with Iran.
“THE U.S.A. NEEDS NOTHING FROM NATO, BUT “NEVER FORGET” THIS VERY IMPORTANT POINT IN TIME!” he stated.
Asked about Trump’s criticism of Nato, Rutte said: “Nato stands firmly with our allies.”
He also said that countries, mostly from Nato are coming together, to ensure that sea links stay open.
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 12:31
Comment: Why is Donald Trump really playing for time in Iran?
As Iran rejects outright Donald Trump’s 15-point plan to end the war – following wild claims that Tehran offered him a ‘very big present’ – Mary Dejevsky asks why the once gung-ho president is keen to tread diplomatic water:
Why is Donald Trump really playing for time in Iran?
As Iran rejects outright Donald Trump’s 15-point plan to end the war – following wild claims that Tehran offered him a ‘very big present’ – Mary Dejevsky asks why the once gung-ho president is keen to tread diplomatic water
James Reynolds26 March 2026 12:30
Watch: AI video from Iran state media shows Statue of Liberty being ‘blown up’AI video from Iran state media shows Statue of Liberty being blown up
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 12:15
UK faces biggest hit to growth from Iran war of all major economies, OECD warns as inflation set to surge
Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Britain faces the biggest hit to growth from the Middle East conflict of all major global economies, according to an influential global policy group, which also warns inflation is set to surge to four per cent this year.
The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warned the conflict has worsened the outlook for many of the world’s largest economies but the UK looks set to be hit particularly hard, with the 2026 growth forecast downgraded to 0.7 per cent from a previous estimate of 1.2 per cent – the largest cut of all major economies.
The UK is also on course to have the second-highest inflation in the G7, behind only the US, and the second lowest growth, behind Italy.
As well as oil and gas supply disruption caused by the Iran war, fertiliser shortages could send food prices soaring if the conflict is long-lasting, the OECD warned.
It is now expecting UK inflation to average 4 per cent in 2026, up from the 2.5 per cent forecast in its last report in December.
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 12:00
Two dead in Abu Dhabi as US-Iran war intensifies despite peace talk claims
Two people have been killed in Abu Dhabi after Iran launched a fresh barrage of missiles during its ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.
Another three people were injured in the attacks on the Emirati capital when debris from an intercepted missile fell, the emirate’s media office said.
The death toll from the war has continued to mount amid conflicting reports of peace talks.
Israeli media reported that two people were injured in a blast north of Tel Aviv in Kfar Qasim on Thursday morning, and two teenagers were killed in Shiraz in the southwest of Iran on Wednesday evening during Israeli strikes on a residential area.
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 11:54
The shocking rise of mortgage costs since Iran war – and when they might go down again
The Middle East conflict has had a string of knock-on effects in the UK, including for homeowners who are now facing higher bills.
The Independent has been shown data comparing the best rates on offer from one major high street bank on the 27 February, the day before the war started, to their best rate on offer today. The difference highlights the rapid rise – and the associated extra cost – for homeowners.
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 11:45
Is it safe to travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Latest UAE travel advice after two killed in missile attack
The Abu Dhabi Media Office said that authorities responded to “an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems.”
The country continues to recover from the temporary closure of airspace earlier this month, which grounded flights and severely disrupted travel plans in the UAE.
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi say they are gradually resuming some flights to and from its airports.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has advised against all but essential travel to the UAE as the regional escalation poses “significant security risks”.
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 11:30
Pentagon ‘may divert crucial Ukraine weapons to Middle East’
The Pentagon is reportedly considering diverting crucial weaponry initially earmarked for Ukraine towards the Middle East.
The missiles were acquired through a Nato initiative launched in 2025, designed for partner nations to purchase US arms for Kyiv.
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 11:15
Pakistan claims ‘indirect talks’ between US and Iran are taking place
Pakistan’s deputy prime minister said on X on Thursday morning: “In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan.
“In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being deliberated upon by Iran.”
Dan Haygarth26 March 2026 11:09