‘Embarrassing’: Starmer’s Gulf gambit misfires after Iran ceasefire

Just as the Middle East appeared to be on the brink of an uncontrollable conflict, the US and Iran have announced a two-week ceasefire. The Pakistan-brokered deal will reopen the Strait of Hormuz – though with Tehran-imposed caveats – and offers “a chance at real peace”, says Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary.Sir Keir Starmer is now jetting off to the Gulf, apparently to boost the morale of British troops there. But, Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley ask, what is the point of his Lawrence of Arabia-style jaunt if he had nothing to do with the truce – and indeed had insisted throughout that this was “not our war”?Later, Gen Lord Dannatt, the former Army chief, told The Daily T that Britain has been “embarrassed” and “humiliated” by the Iran crisis and what it has revealed about our depleted defence capabilities.🚨 LIVE EVENT: The Daily T will be going on the road to London (April 27), Cardiff (April 28), Warwick (April 29) and Worthing (April 30) ahead of May’s critical local elections, where you'll have a chance to put your questions to Camilla and Tim.🎟️ Tickets are limited, book yours now!: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/0/live-event-the-daily-t-on-the-road/We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] or find @dailytpodcast on TikTok, Instagram and X► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorProducers: Lilian Fawcett and Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Charlotte SeligmanVideo Producer: William WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan SearleSocial Media Producer: Nada AggourEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.