News 18/04/26

Reports have emerged of gunfire after at least two merchant vessels attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters citing maritime sources.

Iran is said to have reversed a brief reopening of the waterway, accusing the United States of failing to meet obligations under a ceasefire arrangement. UK Maritime Trade Operations reports a separate incident near the strait, northeast of Oman. A tanker captain told the Royal Navy run organisation his vessel was approached by Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats, which opened fire.

At least two senior civil servants were aware weeks ago that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting for his US ambassador role, it is understood.

The information was not passed to the prime minister while legal checks were carried out on what could be disclosed, according to a Cabinet Office spokesperson. Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo and permanent secretary Catherine Little were present when Sir Keir Starmer was finally informed at a meeting with senior officials on Tuesday night.

Counter terrorism police are investigating an arson attack on a former Jewish charity building in Hendon, northwest London.

Officers were called to the site of Jewish Futures at 10.31pm on Friday. Although the organisation has moved, signage remains at the Hendon Way property. Police say the incident is not being treated as terrorism and the motive is still open.

Sir Olly Robbins is expected to face MPs over the decision to grant Peter Mandelson security clearance despite vetting concerns.

He will appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday, with questions over why clearance was granted and whether Number 10 was informed. The hearing comes as the prime minister prepares to answer questions in Parliament, amid claims senior officials wanted swift action.

A man has been sentenced for drug and firearm offences following a Thames Valley Police investigation in Slough.

Ayman Khan, 24, of Wexham Road, was jailed for six years and six months at Reading Crown Court. He admitted possession with intent to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis, along with a prohibited weapon and ammunition.

The Iranian military’s joint command has issued a statement on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

It follows comments from Donald Trump insisting the United States would uphold its blockade of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf, despite Iran lifting its de facto closure of the shipping lane. A spokesperson said the route would return to control because the US had not lifted its blockade, and it remains unclear whether the strait will be mostly closed again after traffic began to pick up.

Vessel tracking data shows what Reuters describes as the first major movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began seven weeks ago.

A convoy of tankers has been travelling through the waterway this morning, according to MarineTraffic. Precise details remain unclear, but the movement has been linked to a sharp fall in oil prices and UK wholesale gas costs following the disruption.

The senior Foreign Office official removed over the decision to grant Peter Mandelson security clearance despite vetting concerns is expected to face questions from MPs. Sir Olly Robbins will appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday to explain why clearance was given and whether Number Ten was informed about concerns.

His appearance comes as the prime minister prepares to answer questions in the Commons, while a predecessor has suggested Number Ten wanted swift action.

A man has been sentenced for drug and firearm offences following a Thames Valley Police investigation in Slough.

Ayman Khan, twenty four, of Wexham Road, was jailed for six years and six months at Reading Crown Court. He admitted offences including possession with intent to supply heroin, cocaine and cannabis, as well as possessing a prohibited weapon described as an electrical incapacitation device and prohibited ammunition.