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Wed, 15 Apr 2026

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 US war on Iran was a 'mistake', says Reeves

The chancellor's criticism follows a report that the conflict will hit the UK harder than other big economies.

* Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the US made a "mistake" by ending diplomatic negotiations with Iran and entering into military conflict.
* She criticizes the war, saying it has not made the world a safer place and will have long-term economic consequences globally.
* The UK government will not play any role in the US's military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
* Reeves says the UK and US "friends are allowed to disagree" but that their differences over the conflict do not affect the special relationship between the two countries.
* The IMF warns that the war could plunge the global economy into recession, with the UK being one of the hardest hit.
* Energy prices have soared since the war began, causing a sharp reduction in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
* Reeves says Iran does not currently have a nuclear weapon and that diplomacy is the best way to stop them from getting one.
* There has been no clarity over the last six weeks on the US's objective in pursuing the conflict, whether it was to prompt regime change, end any Iranian nuclear weapons program, or prompt diplomatic negotiations.
* The UK prime minister and French President Emmanuel Macron will be hosting talks on Friday to discuss how to help navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in the event of a "proper ceasefire".
* Despite criticism from Reeves, President Trump says the special relationship between the US and UK is still strong, but that it's been better in the past.
* The IMF has cut its estimate for UK growth this year to 0.8%, down from 1.3% before hostilities began.
* Reeves acknowledges the significant impact of the conflict on the UK economy as a net importer of gas and says her government is confident it can beat forecasts again.