Mar 20, 2026
Summary
www.bbc.com
Summary
- Donald Trump calls Nato allies "cowards", saying it would be "easy" for them to help open the Strait of Hormuz
- The US president called on allies to secure the vital shipping lane last week, but said on Tuesday "most" had informed the US they did not want to get involved
- Energy fears have kept oil prices high, hovering around $109 a barrel; the head of the International Energy Agency tells the BBC the world faces the "greatest global energy security challenge in history"
- Meanwhile, Iranian state TV has read out a written message from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, calling for resistance at a time of war
- The Iranian foreign ministry said Iran has told the UK that allowing the US to use British military bases will be considered "participation in aggression". Downing Street says it is "not getting drawn into wider war"
- Israel has been hitting Tehran with air strikes as Iranians mark Nowruz - the Persian New Year. Iran launched rounds of missiles at Jerusalem
- "I don't want this to be our last Nowruz" - Iranians tell the BBC about their fears on Persian new year
- The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain all reported missile or drone attacks. A drone attack at a Kuwaiti oil refinery has caused a fire, according to state media
Trump calls Nato allies 'cowards' over Strait of Hormuz as energy fears keep oil prices high
The US president called on allies to secure the vital oil shipping lane last week, but said on Tuesday "most" told the US they did not want to get involved.
www.bbc.com
