Day 47 of the US-Israel crisis in Iran.
Nothing inspires confidence in a fragile ceasefire and potential peace negotiations more than a new US mission named “Operation Economic Fury”. Hopefully State Department officials are laying the groundwork for meaningful engagement but who knows?
105/365
Day 46 of the US-Israel crisis in Iran.
Confusion abounds regarding the US “blockade” of Iranian ports, as an inconsistent approach to ships seems to indicate that US forces were not ready for this mission. News of more talks, but the same issues as last time remain. Ridiculous really…
104/365
Day 45 of the US-Israel crisis in Iran.
I would like to think that experienced diplomats and international relations experts in State Department would not advocate for a blockade of Iranian ports during a ceasefire period. Clearly the tRump administration knows better… Art of the deal? NOPE
103/365
Day 44 of the US-Israel crisis in Iran.
tRump is hopefully learning the value of having diplomats doing their jobs. Just rocking up to essential talks without doing the necessary legwork and preparation will always end in failure. And now he’s threatening a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz
102/365
Day 43 of the US-Israel crisis with Iran.
While technical experts are working long into the night during the peace talks in Pakistan, tRump states he does not care if the discussions are successful because he has “already won.” Reps from Israel and Lebanon do not appear to be included?
101/365
Day 42 of the US-Israel crisis in Iran.
It is uncertain whether the talks in Pakistan will actually take place, even though JD Vance is en route. The lack of a ceasefire in Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz are critical issues. Hoping that State Dept experts are in the US delegation…
100/365
Day 41 of the US-Israel crisis.
In a surprise to absolutely no one, the ceasefire is under strain. Basic diplomacy such as agreeing terms, checking language / translation, verification & monitoring by a trusted and respected party… The State Department must be in despair. Cringeworthy
099/365
Day 40 of the US-Israel war in Iran.
A fragile ceasefire of two weeks’ duration has been brokered by Pakistan. No regime change; the Strait of Hormuz does not appear to be free for global trade; yet this is a US victory? The hard work starts now for US diplomats to sell this deal. Awful.
098/365
Day 39 of the US-Israel war of choice in Iran, with the looming deadline from tRump to Iran.
tRump’s threats are horrific & his unhinged social media posts reveal a great deal about his state of mind. His comments are beyond the pale, lacking in humanity. Not remotely presidential
097/365
Day 38 of the war of choice by the US and Israel in Iran.
tRump has set out a deadline for Iran and he has been clear about the consequences for Iran. But no one is sure if he will carry out his threats if Iran does not comply. Civilians in West Asia are in peril. Again. Just horrendous.
096/365
Day 37 of the US-Israel war in Iran.
Over 100 international law experts have signed a letter expressing their concerns regarding war crimes by all combatants in this on-going conflict. tRump’s expletive laden social media posts indicate to many that he is rattled. And he is not winning.
095/365
Day 36 of the US-Israel war in Iran.
Both the US and Iran are threatening to unleash fresh hell, with a 48 hour deadline from tRump due to end on 6 April. The build up of American troops in the region doesn’t bode well either. Civilians are already suffering so this rhetoric is frightening
094/365
Day 35 of the US-Israel war of choice in Iran.
tRump repeatedly stated that the US has significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities. Those words ring hollow now that it appears a US jet has been shot down. Hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution, but dreading an escalation…
093/365
Day 34 of this infernal war of choice by the US and Israel in Iran.
Statements about “bombing Iran back to the Stone Age” by tRump have been countered by Iranian officials comparing Iran’s 6000 year history to the US’ 250 year history. But right now, thousands of people are DEAD. Brutal.
092/365
Day 33 of the US-Israel war in Iran.
It is so embarrassing to hear tRump’s rants about NATO. He transmits his ignorance about the defensive alliance to everyone. It is also disgusting to disrespect the many non-US soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice when NATO’s Article 5 was invoked.
091/365
Day 32 of the US-Israel war of choice in Iran.
The US president has gone on another social media rant about allies not taking part in this unlawful war, demanding that they take on security in the Strait of Hormuz. Buddy, if you break it, you own it! The markets will blame tRump for the hit
090/365
Day 31 of the US-Israel war of choice in Iran.
The US president continues to post on his social media platform about talks with Iranian officials and an imminent end to the war… mixed in with threats to bomb and destroy civilian infrastructure, which is a war crime. No ifs, no buts.
089/365
Day 30 of the US-Israel war of choice in Iran.
So most people are asking, if the war is over or the war is winding down (depending on who you listen to in the US administration), why are so many US Marines, Paratroopers, etc on their way to West Asia? This does not bode well, does it?
088/365
The US-Israel war of choice on Iran has entered its second month.
The major development today is that the Houthis in Yemen have joined the conflict, firing missiles into Israel, and they will likely resume attacking ships in the Red Sea. Is this winning, tRump? Doesn’t look like it…
087/365
Day 28 of the US-Israel war of choice on Iran.
Thousands of US troops are en route to West Asia, at the same time as the US administration states that “talks” are on-going and when the threat deadline for bombing Iranian civil energy infrastructure has been extended. So ominous.
086/365
Day 27 of the US-Israel war of choice on Iran.
WOW! We are SO shocked - tRump has extended the deadline to Iran which he set on Monday and which was due to expire on Friday. It is rinse and repeat with this man and his administration. The US’ reputation is in tatters but he doesn’t care.
086/365
Day 26 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
In a surprise to absolutely no one, Iran has rejected the US’ 15 point “peace” plan to end the conflict. Most analysts say that the plan as drafted is basically a statement of complete surrender, which is wishful thinking by the tRump administration.?
084/365
Day 25 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Still speculation in the press that the chaos, contradictions and controversy in the tRump White House is deliberate. Some media outlets are stating that US ground troops are being prepared for deployment in Iran. When and how will this all end?
083/365
Day 24 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Nobody is surprised that tRump did not stick to his 48 hour deadline to Iran and no one is surprised when he says there have been talks with Iran, but Iran states that there haven’t been any talks. But it is fine, because stock markets believe tRump…
082/365
Day 23 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
We are at the stage of the war where tRump sets a tight deadline for Iran to meet regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran states they will attack oil installations in the region if they are attacked. Both sides are escalating. Let’s see who blinks first.
081/365
Day 22 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
tRump’s overnight post on his social media platform detailed some objectives (finally!) for the conflict. Regime change was not mentioned. Not sure how Israel feels about that… tRump says the war is winding down, however intense bombing continues
080/365
Day 21 of the war by the US and Israel on Iran.
After berating NATO members for not deploying to the Strait of Hormuz, tonight tRump is not grateful that the UK has given permission for US bombers to use UK bases for missions to destroy Iranian sites that target the Strait of Hormuz.
079/365
Day 20 of the war of choice by the US and Israel on Iran.
We are at the stage of the war where the US & Israel are keen to state that their objectives in starting and maintaining this war are aligned. Yet another diplomatic disaster in the Oval Office as tRump mentions Pearl Harbour…
078/365
Day 19 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Bombing continues with civilian casualties and the destruction of vital energy infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz is still blocked to most of the international community’s commercial ships. The Iranian regime is still in power. But the US has won?!
077/365
Day 18 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
NATO members and US allies - long-time targets of 47’s bullying, tariffs and threats - have declined his entreaty to provide security for the Strait of Hormuz. And in another blow, a top US counterterrorism official has resigned because of the war. YIKES
076/365
Day 17 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
tRump is now threatening NATO’s future if allies do not do his bidding regarding security in the Strait of Hormuz. State Department diplomats must be shuddering and cringing - bully tactics are unlikely to work, especially after tRump’s insults, tirades
075/365
Day 16 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
The US president says he is not content with a deal proposed by the Iranians to stop the war. However, the Iranian Foreign Minister states that there are no on-going talks and definitely no discussions regarding a ceasefire. The nightmare continues.
074/365
Day 15 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
In yet another about turn, after declaring that the US had “obliterated” the Iranian military, the US president has appealed to allies to provide war ships to defend commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. NB there are no US warships in the Strait..
073/365
Day 14 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Media reports stated earlier in the war that Ukraine was assisting the US in dealing with drone attacks. So to hear that the US is temporarily allowing countries to buy Russian oil is a kick in the teeth. Whatever way you look at it, this is a hot mess.
072/365
Day 13 of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Although we did not see him, & we did not hear his voice, the new Iranian leader’s words about the Strait of Hormuz were defiant: Iran will continue to target the shipping lane where 20% of the world’s oil passes through. Over to you, 47 & Bibi…
071/365
Iran has claimed responsibility for attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on day 12 of the US-Israel war on Iran. The US president’s proposal of providing additional insurance for shipping will all be for nought if crews refuse to work in a conflict zone though.
The war continues.
070/365
The usual pattern of confusion and ambiguity continues: the US president and his Secretary of Defence state that the war is “ahead of schedule” and that it might end soon; but also that it might carry on. It would seem that stock markets & oil prices will determine what happens next.
069/365
On 7 March, from Air Force One, the US president stated that Iran was responsible for bombing a school in Tehran on the first day of the war. However, it appears that a Tomahawk missile caused the death of over 160 people. The Iranians & the Israelis do not have Tomahawk missiles…
068/365
At one point last week, the US president urged the Kurds to get involved in the US and Israel’s war with Iran. YIKES! However by 7 March, he had rowed back from his deeply problematic suggestion. Yet again, tRump spouts off without thinking, without considering the consequences.
067/365
Not really sure why the US president is railing against the British Prime Minister - again! - because as far as I am aware, the UK government is maintaining its stance that it will only engage in defensive action in the Middle East.
Most Britons support Starmer’s approach.
066/365
So the president of the United States no longer wants a negotiated end to this illegal war; only an unconditional surrender from Iran will suffice. Meanwhile there are reports that over a thousand Iranian civilians have been killed. And this is only day seven…
065/365
Wait - WHAT?! tRump says he wants to be personally involved in selecting the next leader in Iran. Just copy and paste from the actions in Venezuela then… It would be amusing if it wasn’t so awful for absolutely everyone.
064/365
Ambiguity and confusion continue regarding the war with Iran. The British Prime Minister reiterates that he has concerns about the legality of the war and the viability of a “day after” plan.
Kudos also to the PM of Spain for his confidence in dealing with the Orange Monster.
063/365
According to the US president, the UK - US relationship is “in peril” because the British Prime Minister did not immediately agree that UK bases could be used to launch strikes on Iran.
It is not a special relationship, it has always been toxic.
Spain is in the president’s crosshairs too.
062/365
Despite what was said yesterday, that the war with Iran was all about regime change, today the US administration is stating that “Iran posed an imminent threat” to the US. We can only speculate what they will say tomorrow, Inshallah…
061/365
So it seems that the US and Israel have regime change as their top priority in the war with Iran. From air bombardment alone…
Off ramps are already being discussed; but a lack of trust among the parties will make a diplomatic solution almost impossible to achieve.
060/365
So here we are. Again.
US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, but there has not been any compelling arguments regarding why this is happening NOW. Iran has retaliated with strikes in the region. At this time, it is not yet confirmed if the Iranian leader has been killed.
059/365
It does not bode well that diplomatic missions are drawing down some staff in embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv. Travel advice for ex pats and visitors has also been strengthened.
Diplomatic careers can be tough on families in turbulent times and in hostile environments.
058/365
Diplomats in Geneva are stating that the Iran talks in Geneva were a “reprieve” and that the next round will be as soon as next week. This is positive news. The military build up in the region continues. That’s the not so positive news. Extended deployments are not good for morale either.
058/365
The State of the Union address on 24 February included lines that Iran was building missiles that would “soon reach the United States”. Really not sure whether this is accurate or not, but this sets the tone for the next round of negotiations in Geneva on 26 February.
056/365
Russia’s war with Ukraine enters its fifth year today. We all remember when, on the campaign trail, tRump said he would end this conflict within 24 hours as president. The only winner will be Putin if US pressure on Ukraine to capitulate prevails. The art of the deal? GTFO
055/365
Evacuating non-essential staff from the US Embassy in Beirut is a worrying development. While core functions of a diplomatic mission will continue, business as usual won’t be possible.
Evacuations can be deeply unsettling for diplomats as they won’t know if they will be able to return.
054/365
With the upcoming State of the Union address this week, it will be interesting to see if there will be breakthroughs in the Middle East and in Ukraine; or if there will be more attacks and increased tension in these theatres.
053/365
The US’ trading partners expected POTUS to continue with tariffs as a diplomatic weapon. Diplomats around the world will be shaking their heads, waiting for instructions.
Like the military build up in the Middle East, this “flexing of muscles” by the US is dangerous for all concerned.
052/365
No surprise at all that POTUS responded in this way to SCOTUS’ ruling on the administration’s sweeping global tariffs. Throwing tariffs around as a diplomatic tool has been as subtle as a punch in the face.
Trading partners & diplomats will need to deal with his doubling down. Tiring
051/365
Diplomats in various locations around the world are surely suffering from whiplash - again - as the US president takes to social media to criticise the UK’s lease deal with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands.
We have been here before; no doubt the president will change his views. Again.
050/365
No breakthrough in the talks to resolve Russia’s war with Ukraine. Despite the US President confidently stating during the campaign that he would broker a deal within 24 hours.
Who knew dealing with Putin’s Russia would be so difficult?
049/365
Indirect talks between the US and Iran on the latter’s nuclear programme concluded today. Although there was no announcement of a resolution, both sides were cautiously positive. The US’ military build up in the Middle East looms and the recent protests in Iran loom over the discussions.
048/365
Today marks the second anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death. At the weekend, UK and European leaders issued a statement that the dissident was murdered by the Russian state.
In a surprise to absolutely no one, the current US administration did not align themselves with the statement.
047/365
Prime Minister Starmer called for closer links between the UK and the European Union at the Munich Security Conference. GOOD!
It is to be hoped that the UK Government will immediately pursue this immediately. Brexit is an unmitigated disaster.
046/365
The US Secretary of State lambasted the United Nations during his speech at the Munich Security Conference, while trying to mend bridges between the US and Europe.
Bypassing the UN with the frankly bonkers Board of Peace instead of reforming the UN from within is a recipe for disaster.
045/365
Germany’s Chancellor opened the three day Munich Security Conference with a speech stating that Europe must do more regarding its defence, while emphasising that the US can’t “go it alone” in security matters.
It is going to be an interesting weekend…
044/365
This year’s Munich Security Conference will take place this weekend. It was at this event in 2025 that the US and European defence relationship started to fray. It will be interesting to see and hear about further developments, as well as receive more updates on key issues such as Ukraine.
043/365
The Prime Minister of Israel had a lowkey 3 hour meeting with the President of the United States: he entered the White House via a side door & he did not have a joint press conference. In the world of diplomacy, this usually indicates that the principals are not in agreement. Worrying
042/365
Outward royal visits are an important soft power tool, with diplomats working to achieve key objectives. British diplomats in Saudi Arabia dealing with William’s visit have to contend with an authoritarian host government and the royal family / Epstein scandal links in the UK. Challenging!
041/365
When diplomacy has its limits…
Despite raising this case at the highest levels, including during a PM trip to China, pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Chinese authorities.
There’s not much that diplomats can do, except to carry on with lobbying.
040/365
The Olympics are top tier soft diplomacy. International relations are boosted for the hosts and competing nations. No surprise then that the team from Ukraine received a loud and positive welcome from the spectators during the opening ceremonies last Friday in Milan-Cortina
039/365
BBC reporting states that there will be trilateral talks (US / Ukraine / Russia) in the week commencing 9 February to thrash out a peace deal. Zelenskyy was quoted as saying that the US wants the conflict to be over by June for “US domestic reasons”. This does not bode well for Ukraine.
038/365
It would appear that tRump is supportive again of the UK’s agreement with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands. He withdrew his support last month in a fit of pique… His unpredictability and rampant racism are trashing the US’ reputation with the international community.
037/365
06 February 2026
And here we go again…
Talks to resolve Russia’s war with Ukraine have concluded with no peace deal in sight. A prisoner swap will bring joy to some families, but the conflict will continue.
036/365
05 February 2026
The international community is waiting with bated breath to hear about the talks to end Russia’s war with Ukraine. But we’ve been here before…
035/365
04 February 2026
Many agree that Europe’s move away from the US is long overdue. The “language of power politics” means that Europe will try to seek their own way on security and defence, trade and business as well as energy.
This will take a long time to achieve (if it can be achieved…)
034/365
03 February 2026
Plunging temperatures in Ukraine are bad enough, but weaponising winter by attacking power stations and energy installations are truly diabolical.
Here’s hoping that positive US engagement and European support will soon bring an end to this nightmare.
033/365
02 February 2026
All eyes are on Iran, as the international community waits on developments in the US-Iran discussions. It would seem that both parties are keen to come to some kind of agreement but the risk of escalation is real.
032/365
01 February 2026
Shoutout to the British diplomats in Washington, Beijing and Tokyo for doing their level best for the national interest (security, trade and economic growth) in a challenging and eventful week in international relations! PHEW! It’s definitely NOT all parties & glamour
031/365
31 January 2026
Sounds rather churlish for tRump to criticise Starmer and Carney about engaging with China, when the US president is due to meet Xi in April…
030/365
30 January 2026
Despite the British PM being in China for an important visit, the lead international story today is the “beautiful Armada” en route to the Middle East and a possible strike on Iran. This gunboat diplomacy is not in support of protesters, but a menacing threat to secure a nuclear deal.
029/365
The British Prime Minister is in Beijing on a three day visit. The timing of the trip is being criticised by many in the UK. No doubt the British diplomats there will be doing everything they can to show how it is in the national interest - economically and for security reasons
A tough job.
028/365
Social media bans for young people under 16 years of age is an issue for governments around the world. The federal government in Australia has put a ban in effect and other countries, such as the UK, are considering whether to follow suit. Consultations have started.
027/365
The BBC’s business editor reported that the price of gold has shot up, as it always does in periods of uncertainty. The last time this happened was during the global financial crisis in 2008.
Today’s uncertainty is… the future of the US. Apparently. Has anyone else seen similar reports?
026/365
Sorry seems to be the hardest word…
Following a telephone call with the UK Prime Minister, tRump posted positive comments about British armed forces after his offensive remarks about NATO troops in Afghanistan. But he did not apologise and there were no expressions of remorse nor regret.
025/365
tRump has achieved a difficult feat - twice! In just one week he has united the major UK political parties in common causes: maintaining the sovereignty of Greenland and condemnation of his outrageous claims that NATO troops were not on the frontline in Afghanistan.
024/365
24 January 2026
Overnight headlines here in the UK include the news that tRump has rescinded his invitation for Canada to join the “Board for Peace” (!) Massive congratulations to Mark Carney for this badge of honour
“Board of Peace” - are you serious? An international organisation to resolve conflicts around the world… Or, hear me out here? How about we ensure that the UN Security Council is effective, fully representative and reformed with the removal of the veto from the P5?
022/365
22 January 2026
The international community remains unconvinced by tRump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos today. Actions speak louder than words. The BBC reported that at some points in the hour long speech, 47 mixed up Greenland and Iceland… YIKES! We are all doomed.
021/365
21 January 2026
Good to hear that some European Heads of Government are planning for a future without US leadership. At Davos, the Canadian Prime Minister was also clear. tRump’s arrival at the World Economic Forum will be eagerly anticipated as well as dreaded.
020/365
20 January 2026
The UK Government seems to have a moderate response to tRump’s tariff threats, while the European nations are being more robust and are considering retaliatory measures if necessary.
Is this one of those “Brexit benefits” that some British politicians kept going on about..?
019/365
19 January 2026
With any luck, the last 12 months or so have put paid to the erroneous belief of a “special relationship” between the UK and the US, which was almost always toxic and definitely one-sided.
018/365
18 January 2026
tRump threatens tariffs (again), to get European governments to bend to his will. Here’s hoping for staunch support and solidarity for Greenland and Denmark, from their reliable partners and allies.
017/365
17 January 2026
It is great that the Nobel Peace Prize committee confirmed that the medal can be passed on or donated to anyone, but that the title of Laureate is non-transferable.
016/365
16 January 2026
Traitors as entertainment, as well as in UK politics today. Pretty sure most Britons are more invested in the TV show TBH.
015/365
15 January 2026
Let’s hope that diplomacy and constructive dialogue prevail, because Greenlanders do not want to be annexed, thanks very much.
014 / 365
14 January 2026
The political village was quiet this evening. The loudest sounds were the bell tolling and the buses moving on the rain-wet roads.
013/365
13 January 2026
There’s something so comforting and delicious when you meet up with friends for the first time in years, and it is funny and warm and insightful and thoughtful.
012 / 365
12 January 2026
The underdogs have done it again! Brighton & Hove Albion beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. The positive reception for Danny Welbeck by the crowd was such a great gesture - he’s obviously held in high regard at his former club.
011/365
11 January 2026
There’s something rather sweet about a giant killing in the FA Cup, which we don’t often see in the Premier League era. Macclesfield’s victory over last year’s winners, Crystal Palace, was special.
010/365
10 January 2026
There’s never a good time, but withdrawing from the UN’s climate change agreements now is horrific. History will not look kindly on these decisions.
009 / 365
09 January 2026
Parts of the British Isles are being battered by Storm Goretti. There was a rare red warning, to alert people that there was a danger to life.
Stay safe all
008/365
08 January 2026
International headlines and reporting are top of the running order in UK broadcast news today. Interesting that analysts are asking whether Europe will be passive bystanders and / or whether Europe will be trampled in this headlong rush for hemispheric carve ups.
007/365
07 January 2026
Twelfth Night - so time to put away all the Christmas decorations. But we’re still working our way through the mince pie mountain. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it…
006 / 365
06 January
Probably the first time in over 30 years that I wasn’t anxious about work after the (Northern Hemisphere) winter break. My last day of service in November 2025 was a blessing, I can see that now.
005/365
05 January 2026
“If you break it, you own it”
So I really hope that there will be accountability in Venezuela, because the Venezuelan people have suffered more than enough.
004/365
04 January 2026
“January is not a time for beginnings”.
I feel this with every fibre of my being! My favourite time to start new things or to change my approach is September, aligned with the (UK) school year.
003 / 365
03 January 2025
Helpful insights via a Tarot card and Runes reading for the year ahead. But will I ignore my gut feelings or tread the same path?
002 / 365
02 January
Bright, sunny and cold outside; ideal for a bracing walk! But there were yummy chocolates inside and warm, fluffy socks, so…
001/365
ALT TEXT: Ferrero Rocher and mini chocolates on a white paper plate
