Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Nick Lester

Chancellor meeting with US counterpart after strong criticism of Iran war

  • Rachel Reeves is set to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC, with their discussions expected to focus on the ongoing US-Iran conflict and its global economic repercussions.
  • Bessent controversially stated that "a small bit of economic pain" caused by the Iran war is a worthwhile cost to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, directly opposing Chancellor Reeves's public frustration over the "folly" of US actions.
  • The International Monetary Fund has reduced Britain's economic growth forecast due to the conflict, which has triggered a global economic shock and significantly increased energy prices.
  • Donald Trump suggested that a second round of talks between the US and Iran could happen imminently, following previous collapsed negotiations, and defended the blockade of Iranian ports.
  • The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for one-fifth of the world's oil and gas, has become a major flashpoint, with its effective closure by Iran leading to increased costs for fuel and other essential goods globally.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.