David Blair's Blog, page 116

Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz over EU oil sanctions

A senior member of Iran's parliament said on Monday the Islamic Republic would close the entry point to the Gulf if new sanctions block its oil exports, reiterating a threat made by officials a month ago that caused a temporary oil price spike.

European Union agress on Iran oil embargo

European Union nations have agreed on an oil embargo against Iran as part of sanctions over its nuclear programme.

William Hague: Iran must comes to its senses on nuclear programme

Foreign Secretary William Hague urged Iran today to "come to its senses" and resume negotiations on its nuclear programme after Britain, America and France sent six warships through the highly sensitive waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain, US and France send warships through Strait of Hormuz

Britain, America and France delivered a pointed signal to Iran, sending six warships led by a 100,000 ton aircraft carrier through the highly sensitive waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's options if they find themselves on end of a military strike

If Israel or America were to launch a military strike to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities, Tehran would have numerous ways of hitting back.

EU prepares unprecedented attack on Iranian economy

The European Union is preparing to launch an unprecedented attack on Iran's economy at a moment when experts believe the confrontation over the country's nuclear ambitions is entering a dangerous new phase.

Britain bans Iran's Press TV from airwaves

Britain took a key communications arm of the Iranian state off the airwaves on Friday when Press TV, a satellite news channel, lost its broadcasting licence.

Great Salt Desert bunker could be trigger for an attack on Iran

A bunker buried in a mountainside in the Great Salt Desert could become the crucial trigger for any decision to launch military strikes on Iran.

Putin, Russia and the West, BBC Two, review

David Blair reviews the BBC Two documentary Putin, Russia and the West.

Nick Clegg risks damaging peace process over 'inflammatory' Israel settlement remarks

Nick Clegg risks inciting violence and damaging the peace process with his "inflammatory" criticism of Jewish settlement expansion in the West Bank, Israel's deputy foreign minister has said.