UK pulls embassy staff as Iran strike imminent

The UK government has withdrawn staff from its embassies in Iran and Israel as security concerns intensify across the Middle East.

The United States has also advised non-essential personnel at its embassy posts that they may depart if they choose.

Escalating tensions between the US and Iran have fuelled fears of a potential military confrontation, with Tehran warning it could block the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would disrupt global energy supplies and rattle the world economy.

The standoff now centres on the high-stakes dynamic between President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as regional nations brace for the risk of a destabilising domino effect.