US inflation stayed flat at 2.4% in February before effects of war on Iran kicked in 11. March 2026 (14:46) Effect of war on prices not reflected in data, as Trump says only ‘fools’ would think oil price shocks would be significantSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxUS inflation stayed flat at 2.4% in February, according to government data released Wednesday that provides a snapshot of the US economy before it was thrown into a tailspin by the US-Israel conflict with Iran.The levelling comes after prices swung last year, reaching a four-year low in April before shooting back up in September. In late fall, inflation crept down again, reaching 2.4% in January. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Thousands of pets being abandoned in Dubai as expat owners flee over Iran war 11. March 2026 (14:31) RSPCA say animals could become ‘hidden victims’ of conflict as charities in Gulf city report being overwhelmed • Middle East crisis live – latest updatesThousands of pets are being abandoned in Dubai as their expat owners flee the Middle East because of the Iran war, animal charities have said.The RSPCA said pets of fleeing UK nationals could become “hidden victims” of the conflict as people who had relocated to the Gulf city scramble for an exit and struggle to bring their animals. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Nigel Farage says Iran ‘bigger danger than Putin’ in New Statesman interview 11. March 2026 (14:29) Reform UK leader supported US war on Iran from start, but is now being accused of a U-turnNigel Farage has suggested Iran “potentially poses a bigger danger than Putin poses to us”, despite Russia having nuclear weapons and invading Ukraine.The Reform UK leader made the remarks in an interview with the New Statesman, which are likely to fuel further questions about his stance on Russia. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer attacks Badenoch and Farage over Iran war support U-turns at raucous PMQs 11. March 2026 (14:24) Prime minister says UK would ‘be at war’ now if it were up to Tory and Reform leaders and accuses both of changing position on warUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has attacked Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage over their stance on the war in Iran, accusing both of U-turning on their support for Donald Trump.At a raucous prime minister’s questions, Starmer accused the leader of the opposition of making the “mother of all U-turns” and furiously trying to backpedal after she denied calling for the UK to join the US president’s war on Iran on Tuesday, after previously saying Starmer should do more to “stop the people who are attacking us”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tornadoes hit Illinois, Indiana and Texas as severe storms sweep US 11. March 2026 (14:21) Two people killed in Indiana as officials warn millions from Texas to Michigan remain at risk of severe weatherSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA series of tornadoes hit parts of Texas, Illinois, and Indiana late Tuesday and overnight, as forecasters warn that the threat of severe weather, including flooding, will continue on Wednesday for tens of millions of people from Texas to Michigan.At least four tornado touchdowns were reported in eastern Illinois, the National Weather Service (NWS) said, leaving a trail of damage stretching into Indiana, where at least two people were killed. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
At least 65 Nigerian soldiers killed in jihadist raids in country’s north-east 11. March 2026 (14:18) Gunmen from Islamic State West Africa Province overran four military bases and abducted 300 civilians, say reportsAt least 65 Nigerian soldiers have been killed in jihadist raids across the country’s north-east in the last two weeks, as the west African state battles to contain one of the world’s deadliest terror groups.On 5 and 6 March, gunmen from Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) overran four military bases in Borno state, the epicentre of the insurgency. Nigerian daily the Punch reported that about 40 soldiers were killed in total in these attacks. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Nearly 4,000 US meatpacking workers to strike at plant run by top Trump donor 11. March 2026 (14:00) Workers at JBS USA to strike Monday in what will be the first labor strike in the meatpacking industry in decadesAbout 3,800 workers at JBS USA, the world’s largest meat producer, are set to strike on Monday in what will be the first labor strike in the industry in decades.The walkout threatens to put further strain on US meat prices – ground beef prices soared 15% last year – and could prove a headache for the Trump administration as it struggles with poor polling on cost of living issues. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Nothing off the table’ as Rachel Reeves considers ‘targeted support’ over energy costs 11. March 2026 (13:57) Chancellor does not rule out ditching fuel duty rise but tells MPs it is too early to gauge if consumers need extra helpBusiness live – latest updatesRachel Reeves has refused to rule out ditching a planned fuel duty increase in September, as she promised “nothing is off the table” to help consumers with rising energy costs amid the Iran conflict.The chancellor told MPs on the Treasury select committee that options for “targeted support as well as broader measures” were being explored, although cautioned that it remained “too early” to be sure emergency help was required. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US attacks Iran’s mine-laying boats in strait of Hormuz as tensions rise over oil | First Thing 11. March 2026 (13:53) Iran’s IRGC has said it will not allow even ‘one litre’ to leave the region if US-Israeli attacks continue. Plus, how gen Z women are conquering country musicDon’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning.The US military has said it attacked and destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait of Hormuz amid reports that Iran has begun laying explosive devices in the narrow waterway through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes.What have we heard about Iran’s new supreme leader? Mojtaba Khamenei, is “safe and sound” according to Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of Iran’s president. The comments came amid speculation about supreme leader’s health and whereabouts, as he has not engaged with the public since he succeeded his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, three days ago. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mojtaba Khamenei was hurt in strike that killed his father, Iran’s Cyprus ambassador confirms 11. March 2026 (13:45) Alireza Salarian says Iran’s new supreme leader was lucky to survive strike that killed six of his family membersMiddle East crisis – live updatesIran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the 28 February attack that killed six of his family members, including his father, Tehran’s ambassador to Cyprus has confirmed.In an interview conducted at his embassy compound in Nicosia, Alireza Salarian elaborated on the circumstances in which Khamenei, 56, was injured, saying he was lucky to survive the strike, which levelled the late ayatollah’s residence. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
