Bowen: US-Iran deal raises inescapable question of what the war was for

Mixed messages from Trump leave more questions than answers over war's end9 hours agoShareSaveAnthony ZurcherNorth America correspondentShareSaveWatch: Trump says Iran war will be over “very soon”, but not this weekPresident Donald Trump and his administration have so far offered mixed messages and contradictory explanations on the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. And Monday – the 10th day of an operation that has rattled allies and shaken markets – typified this confusion around the war's timeline and ultimate goals.
After a tumultuous morning during which US stock market indexes dropped and oil prices surged, the American president began speed-dialing reporters in an apparent effort to soothe nerves. His comments, however, were lacking in clarity even when he was pushed for more detail.
“I have a plan for everything, okay?” he told a reporter from the New York Post when asked about spiking oil prices. “I have a plan for everything. You'll be very happy…

Prepare for turbulence – how a prolonged Middle East conflict could reshape how we fly12 hours agoShareSaveTheo LeggettTransport correspondentShareSaveBBCIt was once a humble outpost in the world of global aviation, a dusty overnight halt for luxury flying boats making the arduous journey from the UK to far-flung parts of the British Empire, such as India and Australia. By the 1960s, it had a simple runway made of desert sand, used as a refuelling stop by airliners en route to arguably more exotic destinations.
Yet today, Dubai is one of the key pillars of the industry, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) is its beating heart. In 2024, more than 92 million passengers made their way through its gleaming, marble-floored halls and sparkling, brightly lit shopping malls.
That makes DXB the busiest airport in the world for international passengers – far outstripping London Heathrow, for example, which accommodated just under 83 million. Nor is Dubai alone within the Gulf as a major hub. R..

Nato says 'no provision' to expel members after report US could seek to suspend Spain1 hour agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAmy WalkerGetty ImagesNato says there is no provision for member states to be suspended or expelled from the military alliance after a report said the US could seek to suspend Spain over its Iran war stance.
Reuters quoted a US official who said an internal Pentagon email had suggested measures for the US to punish allies it believed had failed to support its campaign.
The email also suggested reviewing the US position on the UK's claim to the Falklands islands in the south Atlantic, which are also claimed by Argentina.
A Nato official told the BBC that the alliance's founding treaty “does not foresee any provision for suspension of Nato membership, or expulsion”.
Spain's leader has also dismissed the report.
The BBC has contacted the Pentagon and UK government for comment.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato al..