Bob Seely: In the Gulf, we are paying the price for starving defence of funding for so long

As well as a response to the immediate crisis, we need to start planning ahead properly and routinely.

The Ayatollahs of August

Johnson will want no distractions from Brexit this summer, but history suggests that he may get one – in the Straits of Hormuz.

WATCH: “This is a major failure and the government has to answer this charge very quickly indeed”. Duncan Smith on Iran.

He wants to know why the Government did not take more steps to safeguard British shipping, including an apparent offer of US support.

WATCH: Ellwood – “We are committed to do our role… to keep these waterways open”

The defence minister talks to Sophy Ridge about the mounting confrontation with Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Is the Official Secrets Act fit for purpose?

That newspapers may technically be open to proceedings over the Darroch cables highlights weaknesses in our legislation.

John Jenkins: Too many excuses are made for Iran – especially by the EU. We must get real, stand with America, and take decisive action.

I’m glad to see we’ve now had the guts to stop a tanker we believe is smuggling Iranian oil in defiance of sanctions on Syria.

WATCH: “He never backs Britain.” May rebukes Corbyn over his record on Russia, the IRA and Iran.

The Opposition leader had pressed the Prime Minister over the UK’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.

It’s right to protest against the UK rolling out the red carpet for Saudi Arabia. But don’t then invite Houthis to Parliament.

One Labour MP appears to be performing a dedicated Jeremy Corbyn tribute act by mimicking his foreign policy double standards.

Garvan Walshe: How Trump’s blunders give Iran the chance for “nuclear breakout”

The United States’ weakened capabilities and frayed alliances both play in Tehran’s favour at a crucial and sensitive time.

Stewart is appointed DFID Secretary

He is one of the few middle-ranking Ministers who, while others were fleeing for the hills, girded himself up – and went out to fight for May’s Brexit deal.

Corbyn won’t attend a meeting with Umunna. But here’s who he will meet.

Hamas, Hezbollah, the IRA, Assad, Maduro, dodgy Czech ‘diplomats’, Iranian propagandists….the list goes on.

Ben Roback: A trade war between Washington and Brussels would be dire for the car industry

For many years, if you cut a Republican they bled free trade. No longer.

Thornberry can’t “guarantee” her foreign policy won’t indulge human rights abusers when Corbyn does exactly that

The Shadow Foreign Secretary is making pledges her leader seems unlikely to honour.

Nabil Najjar: The Government must take a tougher line to protect British nationals abroad

It’s no good boasting about this country’s ‘soft power’ arsenal if even our putative allies can take UK citizens hostage at will.

Garvan Walshe: A famous hawk – suspicious of Iran and a school reformer. And he won’t resign. No, I’m not talking about Gove…

The numbers in the Knesset are finely balanced, and the search is on for a figurehead to end Netanyahu’s decade in power.