The US treasury secretary has told Sky News that the US Navy will be escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday he plans to use the effective closure of the strategic waterway, through which 20% of the world’s oil supplies passes, as leverage against the US and Israel.

Speaking to Sky News’ Wilfred Frost, Scott Bessent said: “My belief is that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through.”

He added: “There are, in fact, tankers coming through now, Iranian tankers, I believe some Chinese flag tankers have come through. So we know that they have not mined the straits.”

Iran war latest: follow live

As the war nears the two-week mark, Mr Khamenei, in a fiery opening address, promised retaliation for US-Israeli attacks, saying he “will not refrain from avenging” the blood of their “martyrs” – as a new wave of Israeli strikes hit Beirut.

Iran’s bombardment of shipping traffic and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf had earlier pushed oil back above $100 a barrel, with stocks dropping worldwide on Thursday.

The hike in oil prices came despite the shock announcement the previous day that developed countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from their ⁠strategic reserves – nearly half ​from the US.

Read more:
How Iran can block the Strait of Hormuz
What we know about the deadly school strike

During the wide-ranging interview, Mr Bessant was interrupted and told by an aide: “The president wants you.”

He stayed in the situation room, an intelligence facility in the West Wing of the White House, for around two hours before resuming the interview.

When asked if the escort had been discussed, he did not deny it, saying: “Your words, not mine.”

Speaking after the interview, Mr Frost said that while the market isn’t expecting the safe passage of ships in any meaningful way in the days ahead, Mr Bessent’s implication in the interview might suggest otherwise.

Earlier on Thursday, the US energy secretary, speaking to CNBC, ruled out the possibility that the US will imminently take action to escort oil traffic through the strait.

“It’ll happen relatively soon but it can’t happen now,” Chris Wright said.

“We’re simply not ready.”

In the interview, Mr Bessent also mentioned that the war has so far cost the US around $11bn.

Mr Frost asked the treasury secretary if there was a price that could cause him to confront US President Donald Trump and say the war is no longer affordable.

He replied: “Absolutely not.”

The economic turmoil comes in the wake of a row between Washington and London.

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Why are oil prices rising again?

Mr Trump hit out at the UK again last week, saying the US does not need anyone to “join wars after we’ve already won” following its initial refusal to allow the US to launch its initial attacks on Iran from British bases.

Sir Keir Starmer later granted the US use of British facilities for “defensive” action against Iranian missile sites.

Questioned on the special relationship and whether Sir Keir had put lives at risk with his response to the Iran war, Mr Bessent, who has previously lived in London, said: “We delayed being able to fully implement the military plan, and I think that the main concern was the use of base Diego Garcia, and the US B-2s had to do a 37-hour round trip rather than, I think it’s about a three, three-and-a-half-hour round trip and constantly refuelling.

“So I think any delay causes an increase in risk.”

He added: “President Trump is the commander-in-chief of US forces. Being in the situation room with him, he so solemnly takes that leadership role in terms of his commitment to maintaining the lives of our servicemen.

“Anything that upsets that, upsets him, and I think that’s what got the very strong reaction.”

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Listen to new supreme leader’s first message to Iranian people

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But Mr Bessent also recognised that the two nations have a “great historical relationship”.

When asked how unhappy Mr Trump is with the prime minister right now, he said: “Belatedly, the prime minister offered to put resources in the region. We have a long-term relationship.”

He noted that while there will be “some bumps in the road”, he thinks the relationship will “eventually get back on track”.

On whether Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should testify to Congress, the US treasury secretary said: “That’s a matter for Congress.”

He added: “If Congress requests for you to come, you should come.”

Lord Mandelson was sacked from his job as the UK’s ambassador to the US over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

The ex-Labour cabinet minister has previously denied any wrongdoing over his relationship with the paedophile financier.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform had asked Andrew to cooperate with its investigation into Epstein’s sex trafficking operations in November.

He failed to respond to their request for an interview and has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.

The full interview of “The Master Investor Podcast with Wilfred Frost” is available to watch on YouTube or to listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Movsar Evloev has denied rumours that he is out of the UFC London main event next week, insisting he will still fight Lerone Murphy.

Evloev has not fought since December 2024 due to injuries, but he is set for a showdown with Britain’s Murphy at the O2 Arena next Saturday.

The bout, between the unbeaten contenders, is widely seen as a title eliminator at featherweight, with champion Alexander Volkanovski possibly next for the winner.

However, rumours circulated this week that Evloev would see his absence from the Octagon go on, with the Russian apparently struggling with Visa issues.

The 32-year-old denied these reports, though, writing on Telegram on Thursday: “Don’t listen to unreliable sources. Everything’s fine with the visa. We’re going for victory.”

Speculation that Evloev would withdraw was only heightened by a video from Jean Silva, the UFC’s sixth-ranked featherweight. Silva, speaking via his Instagram story, appeared to suggest he would share big news soon, saying: “I’m the next champion and you’re going to have to see this.”

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Some took his words as a suggestion that he will replace Evloev in London, while others wondered whether he has been paired with Volkanovski in the division’s next title fight.

Either way, Murphy appeared unfazed, sharing a video of himself at the gym, nine days out from his third UFC main event.

The Manchester fighter, 34, will enter UFC London on a nine-fight win streak and with an overall record of 17-0-1. He is ranked third at 145lb. Meanwhile, No 1-ranked Evloev is 19-0.

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The Russian’s last fight was a narrow points win over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, while Murphy last competed in August, knocking out Aaron Pico with a spinning back elbow.

Silva, 29, actually competed as recently as this week, but outside the UFC, as he faced Bryce Mitchell in a grappling match. The pair fought to a draw, 11 months after Silva knocked out Mitchell in the UFC. The Brazilian’s most-recent UFC outing was a close decision win against Murphy’s compatriot Arnold Allen in January.

Coronation Street fans have previously shared what they think Jodie Ramsey’s next move will be, and it seems they’re even more sure following her latest appearance in the long-running show.

It would be fair to say that fans haven’t trusted the character ever since she first appeared in the ITV soap, before she was revealed to be the long-lost sister of Shona Platt.

Her initial arrival, however, sparked a mystery as her identity was at first unknown, as she appeared during Corrie’s epic crossover with Emmerdale, dubbed Corriedale, which featured a horror multi-vehicle pile-up.

While not involved in the accident, Jodie was seen tied up in the back of a van being driven by Emmerdale returnee, Graham Foster, and while caught up in the traffic caused by the horror smash, Jodie used her chance to escape and as she did, DC Kit Green gave chase and she ended up running into a tree.

This left her among the injured in the hospital and that was how she found a then-pregnant Shona, who was also involved in the crash, alongside David, and ended up giving birth to their first child together, Harper.

While Shona was in the hospital, Jodie revealed herself, much to David’s confusion as he’d never heard of Jodie before. But she has since been invited to stay with the Platt family at No.8, with viewers noting she seems keen to replace Shona in her life by cosying up to David.

This week, Jodie has been seen stepping up her war with lawyer Adam Barlow, who has been on Jodie’s case as she keeps walking David the dog, without picking up his mess. After Adam spotted Jodie walking the dog, he was quick to give her a lecture about the importance of cleaning up dog poo.

While Jodie just left him with a smile, she, or Adam hasn’t let it go. Earlier this week David the dog was spotted cocking his leg on Adam’s new car. He was furious, but Jodie failed to take him seriously. Then, in the café, Tracy Barlow spied the dog behind the counter and threatened to report Jodie to environmental health.

During the mid-week visit to Weatherfield, Adam headed to No.8 with a bag of dog poo that had been left on his car, and made it clear he knew how was responsible. Jodie denied all knowledge and was backed by David Platt. Later, David joined Jodie in planting more muck on Adam, only for him to capture them on camera, and he later took great delight in sharing the footage far and wide.

But it was following Thursday’s (March 12) visit to Weatherfield that Corrie fans were once again left unsure about Jodie’s intentions as she was seen spending more time with David.

@janice_gro33662 said: “I think Jodie is about to make her move on David #Corrie.” @its0l_ replied: “Been obvious since the start, she wants what Shona has got.” @agf1052 posted: “I’m not liking this vibe between David and Jodie #Corrie.”

@LadyReignFC commented: “David has been around Jodie more than he’s been around Shona since Corriedale. Shona wasn’t even in this episode. Just David & his sister-in-law whom he met 2 months ago & invited to come live in his house without asking his wife first. #corrie.” @RyanSoapKing25 added: “David and Jodie are going to sleep together ain’t they #Corrie.”

The conflict in the Middle East just gets better and better for Vladimir Putin.

It’s brought a spike in oil prices, a chance to play peacemaker, and now the easing of US sanctions on Russian oil.

This latest development marks a stunning reversal of policy from the Trump administration, and a major coup for the Kremlin.

Iran war latest: Explosion reported near Tehran march

Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, has played down the significance of any financial benefits for Moscow, stressing that the measures are “narrowly tailored” and “short term”.

But that feels like wishful thinking from Washington, and a lot of positive spin.

According to the Financial Times, Russia has been pocketing as much as $150m a day in extra oil revenues as a result of the crisis, after the disruption to global energy supplies led to increased demand from China and India.

The lifting of sanctions means it now has a load of extra customers it can potentially sell to, and business has already begun, with Thailand announcing this morning that it’s ready to buy Russian oil.

Oil was the area where the Trump administration had sought to put pressure on the Kremlin – to harm its economy in a bid to bring it to the table on Ukraine.

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‘I’m not playing games with Putin’

To a certain extent it was working. Depleted sales to India (as a result of US sanctions), combined with a drop in prices, has led to a ballooning budget deficit, by depriving the Kremlin of a vital source of income.

Russia’s defence spending hadn’t been impacted yet, but it was making the maths harder for Moscow to add up.

So this represents a remarkable turnaround, not only economically but diplomatically too.

Read more:
Why Trump’s war with Iran will help fund Russia’s assault on Ukraine
US Navy to escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz

Symbolically it brings Russian oil back in from the cold, and creates further splits in the transatlantic alliance.

Europe is staunchly against any sanctions relief for Russia, with both Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voicing their opposition to it in recent days. Such friction only plays into Moscow’s hands.

Domestically, too, it helps the Kremlin reinforce its message to the public that it was right all along – that the world needs Russia.

“The US is effectively acknowledging the obvious: without Russian oil, the global energy market cannot remain stable,” Kremlin investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev wrote on Telegram.

“Amid the growing energy crisis, further easing of restrictions on Russian energy sources appears increasingly inevitable, despite resistance from some in the Brussels bureaucracy,” he added.

Moscow clearly hopes this means that the sanctions genie is out of the bottle. Depending on the direction of oil prices, it may well be right.

Businesses will be able to set higher limits in a matter of days

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People are being reminded of a significant change to contactless payments in the UK that will take effect within a matter of days. It will get rid of a long-standing limit in favour of a new rule for banks and customers to follow.

From Thursday, March 19, banks will be able to set higher contactless limits than the existing £100 per transaction limit. Although the cap is being removed, UK Finance suggests most banks will likely stick to the £100 limit in the short term for security reasons as customers adjust to the new rules.

Customers will be able to set their own personal contactless limits or disable the feature entirely through their banking apps. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) decided to scrap the limit following a public consultation.

Banks and payment providers must have robust fraud controls when processing contactless transactions. The greater flexibility will incentivise firms to step up their fraud prevention, giving consumers greater protection and peace of mind.

The FCA is implementing the change to the contactless rule, and existing safeguards will remain in place. This will allow customers to be refunded in cases of unauthorised fraud, such as if their card is lost or stolen, reports the Express.

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Experts believe these new limit removals will have major impacts on businesses that rely on contactless payments. Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said: “Making life easier for consumers is a positive for any hospitality and high street business, and I’m pleased the FCA is bringing forward this change.

“Contactless has increasingly become the preferred payment method of choice for many people and lifting the limit can mean quicker and easier experiences for consumers. Whilst many people still prefer to use cash or chip and PIN, this change adds much-needed flexibility for providers and consumers.”

Recent reports suggest that the majority of UK adults favour contactless payments. UK Finance found that, since 2023, nearly four out of 10 payments in the UK have been contactless, and that a third of UK adults use mobile contactless payments at least once a month.

The findings also shared that, in total, contactless payments made up 38% of all payments made in the UK during 2023. This covers both the use of physical cards and cards loaded onto mobile phones or other devices, such as watches, which are then used to initiate contactless payments.

How have contactless limits changed in the UK?

Contactless payments have existed for decades, and longer than some people may realise. The concept of tapping to pay without entering a PIN number has been available in the UK since 2007 – almost 20 years ago.

Pioneered by Barclays with its OnePulse card, the limit on its use was relatively modest by today’s standards. In 2007, customers were capped at £10. Over the years, it gradually rose in line with inflation as the concept rolled out further across the country.

Previous ceiling limits were increased gradually over several years to what they are today:

• £15 (2010)
• £20 (2012)
• £30 (2015)
• £45 (2020)

The most recent increases occurred during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, providing a quicker and more sanitary method for people to pay without handling cash or sharing card reader keypads.

Since October 2021, most places have offered £100 as the maximum amount people can tap to pay, and this is now set to change again at individual discretion. Although card limits were £100, payments made via digital wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay on smartphones, often had no set limit due to biometrics.

The Changing Rooms star says financial advisers told him they can guarantee his lifestyle for 20 years

As he celebrates his 61st birthday this month, interior design guru Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen acknowledges he’s “on a bit of a countdown clock”. Despite amassing substantial wealth through his appearances on programmes including Changing Rooms, DIY SOS and Celebrity Bear Hunt, Laurence concedes that financial concerns are beginning to creep in.

Laurence revealed: “There’s a moment when you sit down with all these financial advisers and they say: we can guarantee the kind of lifestyle you’ve got for 20 years. So basically, I’ve got to die at 81 or else I’m going to be in total Jane Austen penury.”

He looks back with nostalgia on the era when he would stroll through London’s exclusive Burlington Arcade following “a good lunch” and splash out freely on whatever took his fancy. Thankfully, Laurence notes, he “knocked off the shopping addiction in lockdown”.

Laurence acknowledges he’s historically been rather extravagant, investing “about a grand” in each of his tailored suits and purchasing his wife a hat from prestigious milliner Stephen Jones “just because it was Tuesday”.

Educated as a fine artist, Laurence held various positions at upmarket retailers including Liberty, Harvey Nichols and Harrods – where he “sold Monty Don’s jewellery before he reincarnated himself as a gardener”. However, Laurence reveals his talent for interior design then paved the way for a profitable career “doing the most extraordinarily intricate things to very wealthy ladies’ boudoirs in Knightsbridge”

In 1996, his rising reputation as an interior designer resulted in an offer from the BBC and Laurence unexpectedly became a television personality.

Whilst Laurence and Changing Rooms co-stars Carol Smillie and “Handy” Andy Kane became recognisable television faces throughout the show’s eight-year run, they discovered that fame and fortune don’t necessarily go hand in hand. He told The Times: “My earnings went through the floor. You got paid virtually nothing and were put in a minicab after making the most-watched programme on BBC1.”

Simultaneously, he notes, commissions for his interior design business started to diminish because his aristocratic clients didn’t want to be linked with a television reality show.

Shrewd property investments have supported Laurence and his wife Jackie over the years and they now reside in a 17th-century manor house in the Cotswolds with their daughters, Cecile and Hermione, and four grandchildren.

An inheritance enabled Laurence to get onto the property ladder when he was 24 but, he acknowledges, he made a net loss when he sold his first flat.

The second property he purchased with Jackie, an “ugly” bungalow in South-east London generated them a substantial profit of over £270,000 when they sold it, as did their subsequent investment in Greenwich. The Gloucestershire property has more than doubled in value since Laurence and Jackie took up residence, and their second home in Cornwall has also experienced a significant appreciation since they purchased it.

However, Laurence concedes that the era of substantial property profits is over, stating: “We’re the last generation to be able to say that. Nobody else is going to be able to make those enormous leaps in the property market.”

Katie Bradsell turned multiple offers for a lift home

A hairdresser has been banned from getting behind the wheel after she drove herself home following a seven hour binge.

Katie Bradsell, 35, had been drinking at her local pub and had refused multiple lift homes from regulars as well as bar staff. She instead decided to make the 1.1 mile trip home in her Audi, telling the landlady: “It’s only down the road.”

The landlady called police, who went to Bradsell’s home where they found her car parked in her driveway.

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Bradsell answered the door but refused to take a breathalyser test and instead kicked out at a PC as she was escorted to a patrol car, where she also kicked the vehicles door into another officer multiple times. Neither officer was injured during the assaults.

Inquiries revealed Bradsell was notorious amongst neighbours for bouts of drunkenness and anti social behaviour on their cul-de-sac.

In 2023, she was convicted of racially aggravated harassment after she branded a mixed race neighbour as a “fat smelly sweaty p***” and an ”ugly c..nt’ during an argument outside their respective houses in a row of terraces. She also had a conviction for assault on an emergency worker in 2020.

At Chester magistrates court, Bradsell pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample of breath for analysis and to two charges of assault on an emergency worker.

She was ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and a three month alcohol treatment programme as part of a 12 month community order. She was also ordered to pay each of the officers £75 in compensation was banned from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay £199 in costs and a surcharge.

Bradsell refused a lift

The incident occurred on January 7 this year after Bradsell, of Willow Hey, Saughall, Chester, had attended the Saughall Arms pub during the mid afternoon and then stayed into the evening, where staff were hosting their regular Wednesday quiz night for the regulars.

Miss Lisa McGuire, prosecuting, said: “Miss Bradsell was there from about 3pm drinking alcohol and by 10.10pm, Ms Summers the publican believed the defendant had consumed about eight pints of lager and a shot of alcohol.

”Miss Bradsell then indicated her intention to leave in her car – even though she is intoxicated. A few people around her say ‘We will give you a lift home.”

”There was then a conversation between [the landlady] and Miss Bradsell about driving but Miss Bradsell was determined to drive home, stating ‘it’s only down the road’. She then jumped into her vehicle which caused concern and due to the level of intoxication the landlady made a report to police.

“Police attended at the defendant’s address where she was requested to provide a sample. She refused to provide a sample and became confrontational with the attending officers. That culminated in kicking out at the officers and making contact with their legs. No significant injuries were sustained by the officers. ”

In mitigation for Bradsell, defence solicitor Catherine Higham said: ”She has had significant issues with mental health and has been using alcohol to cope with issues that she has encountered. She is medicated to some extent but was still struggling to obtain the assistance from her GP. ”

In sentencing District Judge Jack McGarva told Bradsell: ”It is clear that there are issues that have gone on in your life making it very difficult for you to cope – though having a massive amount of alcohol does not help that at all.

“For people with anxiety and depression alcohol is probably the worst thing you can use. It is a depressant and after a high there is a massive low. It is not a great thing. ”

There have been two signs in the aftermath of the Italy defeat to suggest Borthwick may be running out of time. Within hours of the final whistle in Rome, a leading bookmaker sent round the odds for the candidates to replace him. Ronan O’Gara was the favourite, the former Ireland fly-half who has overseen great success at La Rochelle winning two European Cups, even with La Rochelle currently in the middle of their worst season for some time. Andy Farrell, the Ireland head coach, was also listed on there, although there is a better chance of pigs taking flight.