The United Kingdom has taken a series of measures to counter the rising inflation caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. In a recent development, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a hike in salaries for citizens, a reduction in energy bills, and an aid program for deserving individuals. The aim is to alleviate the financial burden on the public, which has been exacerbated by the tensions between Iran and the West.
The UK government has declared that the National Living Wage will increase to £7.83 per hour, resulting in an additional £900 for approximately 2.4 million employees. Furthermore, the minimum wage for young workers aged 20 and above will be set at £8.50 per hour, benefiting around 200,000 young professionals with an extra £1,500.
The average annual energy bills will be reduced by £172, effective until June. Additionally, the prices of medicines have been frozen. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that the government is working to bring down prices and alleviate the concerns of the public, who are worried about the escalating tensions in the region.
In related developments, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has responded to US President Donald Trump’s threat to strike Iranian targets with a missile by saying, “Listen carefully, I have been in the battlefield with a rifle since I was 18.” The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has claimed that the US and Israel targeted the cybersecurity headquarters of the Iranian company, which was attacked in retaliation for the US-Israeli drone strikes.
The US and Israel had attacked the home of Dr. Kamal Kharazi in Tehran, killing his wife. Dr. Kharazi was severely injured and is currently in a coma.
China has warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed if the conflict between Iran and the US continues. Austria has refused to allow the US to use its airspace for military operations against Iran. US Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari has condemned Trump’s threat to push Iran “back to the Stone Age” as “hateful and terrifying.”
In a different context, Pakistan’s Fawad Chaudhry has appealed to the PCB’s technical committee to reconsider the two-match ban imposed on him for ball tampering. Meanwhile, the UK’s The Guardian has reported that a new pipeline planned to bypass the chokepoint in the Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iranian control, is expected to be operational soon.
In a separate incident, Saudi Arabia has announced that it is making progress on a new international airport and metro system in Mecca, which will cater to millions of pilgrims and locals.
