Reeves hits out at Trump over Iran war strategy with recession a real possibility

WorldPolitics
14 Apr 2026 • 11:25 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Reeves hits out at Trump over Iran war strategy with recession a real possibility

  • Rachel Reeves criticised US President Donald Trump's "folly" in engaging in war with Iran without a clear exit strategy, expressing her frustration and anger.
  • Her comments coincide with downgraded UK economic growth projections and a warning from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that a global recession could be a "close call" due to the conflict.
  • Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will co-host a summit in Paris to plan for securing the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping once the Middle East war ends.
  • A new UK Cabinet committee, the Middle East Response Committee, has been established to manage the domestic and international impacts of the conflict, including rising energy prices and stock market turmoil.
  • US President Donald Trump defended his blockade of Iranian ports, aimed at starving Iran of revenue, while oil prices saw a slight retreat on hopes of renewed negotiations.

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