live Iran, U.S. make competing claims over control of Strait of Hormuz
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over t...
More than 100,000 people marched through central London in one of the largest right-wing demonstrations in modern UK history, prompting police clashes and political uproar.
Tens of thousands of protesters waving Union and St George's flags surged through Whitehall on Saturday in a rally branded "Unite the Kingdom", led by anti-immigrant figure Tommy Robinson. London's Metropolitan Police estimated the turnout at around 110,000, describing it as too large for the authorised march route.
Police said violence erupted when officers attempted to control the crowds, facing punches, kicks, and objects, including bottles and flares. Nine people were arrested, but authorities said many more would likely follow as investigations continue.
The march coincided with widespread discontent over immigration. Demonstrators chanted anti-migrant slogans and targeted Prime Minister Keir Starmer in placards and speeches. Several protesters wore red MAGA hats and carried American and Israeli flags. Children were also seen among the attendees.
Robinson declared the rally a “cultural revolution”, claiming it marked a turning point for Britain. In a remote message, billionaire Elon Musk called for a change of government and criticised limits on free speech.
Though Reform UK distanced itself from Robinson, the party’s recent polling strength has added fuel to anti-migration sentiment. Attendee Sandra Mitchell said, “We want our country back. We believe in Tommy.”
Meanwhile, around 5,000 counter-protesters with “Stand Up to Racism” gathered nearby. Teacher Ben Hetchin said, “The idea of hate is dividing us. Welcoming people makes us stronger.”
Police deployed more than 1,600 officers across the capital, also covering major football games and concerts.
Britain has recorded over 28,000 Channel crossings by migrants this year. Nationalist symbols and painted flags have grown more visible in towns, raising concern among anti-racism groups that patriotic displays are being used to mask hostility toward foreigners.
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has increased the strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab, raising fears that instability in both waterways could trigger a wider global energy and trade crisis.
Flights at Catania airport in Sicily will remain suspended until early Friday as ash from Mount Etna continues to disrupt air travel, following hundreds of cancellations and diversions over the past week.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over the strategic waterway and insisting it will not reopen until Washington fulfils its commitments under an interim deal.
Iran and the United States remain at loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source who said there had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a timeframe to implement it.
Russia has accused Ukraine of threatening global grain supplies after recent strikes on Black Sea agricultural infrastructure, while Moscow carried out a new overnight attack on Ukraine’s major Danube port of Izmail.
One person has been killed and six others injured after an explosion at a petroleum storage facility at the Port of Rotterdam, prompting an investigation into the cause.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday for talks focused on Gaza, Palestinian statehood and regional security.
Taiwan staged military defence drills on Wednesday as China concluded joint naval exercises with Indonesia in waters east of the island.
Washington’s counter-narcotics push is expanding as Colombia’s new conservative government backs deeper security cooperation.
Meta said it had removed more than 750,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts suspected of belonging to Australians under 16, as the country’s internet regulator weighs enforcement action over its teen social media ban.
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