Foreign Office

Pakistan urged the US and Iran to exercise restraint after mutual overnight strikes in the Middle East, citing risks to regional stability. The Foreign Office emphasized the need for dialogue and adherence to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), while tensions escalated following Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent US retaliation.

Southern Europe is experiencing severe wildfires, with villas evacuated in Spain and a firefighter killed in France. The UK Foreign Office has warned British tourists of a 'high risk' from wildfires amid a 43C heatwave.

President Asif Ali Zardari will embark on a four-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations through discussions on trade, energy, agriculture, and other sectors, following Zhaparov’s 2025 visit to Pakistan and highlighting sustained high-level engagement between the two nations.

Pakistan's Foreign Office summoned the Afghan chargé d’affaires and issued a strong demarche over a terrorist attack on a Karachi Rangers facility, which killed three security personnel. The attack was attributed to Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA), with one arrested Afghan national identified as a participant. Pakistan conducted border operations and strikes in Afghanistan, killing 29 terrorists linked to JuA and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistan and China co-organized an informal United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting to discuss ensuring the full and effective implementation of UNSC resolutions. Participants emphasized the need for realistic mandates, clear implementation pathways, and addressing unresolved conflicts such as Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's first foreign visit post-war with the US-Israel combine was to Pakistan, where he received a warm welcome. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties through trade, energy, and border security discussions, with the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and an MoU on US sanctions termination highlighted as key topics.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, he will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and discuss bilateral relations, trade, energy, and regional cooperation. The visit aims to strengthen historic ties and address mutual regional and international developments.

Technical-level talks between Iran and the US are scheduled for tomorrow in Buergenstock, Switzerland, as a follow-up to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The talks involve mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, with the US and Iran aiming to advance commitments under a 14-point agreement signed by President Donald Trump, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting US sanctions on Iran, and a $300 billion reconstruction fund.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is traveling to Cairo for a quadrilateral meeting with foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye to discuss regional developments and strengthen cooperation. The meeting, part of the R-4 framework, will include bilateral consultations and a meeting with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Sadiq Khan, London's mayor, stated he directed the Metropolitan Police to investigate the Great Israeli Real Estate event, which promotes companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements. The event is set for Sunday in London, with its location undisclosed, and legal groups have also requested the Met investigate blocking it under a Serious Crime Prevention Order.

Pakistan's Foreign Office warned that India's attempt to block water essential to Pakistan would have 'far-reaching consequences' and could constitute an act of war under the UN Charter. The warning followed Indian Water Minister CR Patil's statement that 'not a single drop of water will go to Pakistan' in the coming years, which Pakistan claims violates international obligations and bilateral agreements.

Britain is set to announce new sanctions against Israel over the E1 settlement expansion, targeting UK firms involved in the project and entities supporting settler violence. The measures come amid international opposition to the E1 plan, which would divide the occupied West Bank.

Pakistan rejected remarks by UK-based individuals and British MPs about Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging non-interference in internal affairs. The AJK government proscribed the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for terrorism, leading to clashes that killed seven civilians. Security measures include arrests, restricted information flow, and visitor advisories.

Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry contacted Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistan's envoy in Somalia to discuss the release of 11 Pakistani seamen kidnapped by Somali pirates on April 21. The government is coordinating with the Foreign Office and the ship owner, but the situation remains grave due to the ship's explosive cargo and logistical challenges.

Pakistan rejected India’s objections to upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) elections as 'baseless,' accusing New Delhi of spreading 'fake narratives.' India claimed GB is an 'integral part of India,' while Pakistan reiterated its stance that Jammu and Kashmir remains a disputed territory under Indian 'illegal occupation.'

Mandelson received sensitive Foreign Office briefings and engaged in discussions with MI6's head before completing his vetting process, as revealed by declassified emails from early January 2025. The documents indicate these actions occurred prior to his appointment as US ambassador.

Peter Mandelson assured the UK government he would not cause regret in his ambassadorship to the US, but was fired after nine months due to ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Released documents reveal rushed security vetting and ongoing investigations, compounding challenges for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Peter Mandelson assured the UK government he would never regret appointing him as ambassador to the US, but documents released show his appointment caused significant embarrassment for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Mandelson was fired after nine months due to concerns over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and security vetting issues, with ongoing questions about the rushed approval process and missing details related to a police investigation.

The UK summoned Israel's chargé d'affaires in response to a video by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting activists detained after intercepting a Gaza-bound flotilla. International outrage has escalated over the incident, with Israel beginning to release and deport hundreds of activists who attempted to breach the naval blockade of Gaza.

The UK Government Commercial Agency is seeking input from smaller suppliers for a new £2.9B defense tech framework, aiming to increase participation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The framework, DIPS 2, will be open to more buyers and suppliers, including those outside the Ministry of Defence. It will have a total possible value of £2.88 billion including VAT.

James Roscoe, the British diplomat who stood in as interim ambassador after Peter Mandelson's removal, has abruptly left his post at the Washington embassy. Roscoe had served as deputy head of mission since 2022. The Foreign Office has not given a reason for his departure.

The UK's next ambassador to Japan, Corin Robertson, may be called to give evidence in an inquiry over the decision to award Peter Mandelson security clearance despite advice against it. The decision was made in late January 2025 when Robertson was the Foreign Office's chief operating officer. Robertson's involvement in the decision could lead to her facing questions from MPs.

Catherine West has backed down from challenging Keir Starmer's Labour leadership and instead urges him to set a departure timetable by September. West had announced plans to gather support for a formal challenge but stated she did not wish to take over. The move comes after Starmer's recent speech was criticized as 'too little, too late' by West.

The Foreign Office is working to help British citizens on a virus-hit cruise get home. The situation is described as very serious and deeply stressful by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The office is taking urgent action to assist those involved.

The Palestinian ambassador to the UK protested to the Foreign Office after the British Museum removed references to Palestine from its exhibits, replacing it with Gaza and the West Bank. The UK recognised the state of Palestine in September 2025. The removal was made from a panel listing countries of the ancient Levant and Egypt.

MPs warn the closure of the Foreign Office’s international humanitarian law unit will weaken oversight of international law violations and arms exports. The decision, revealed by the Guardian, was defended by Keir Starmer as part of a restructuring.

A UK civil servant accused Keir Starmer of failing to properly vet Peter Mandelson's Foreign Office appointment, claiming officials bypassed standard checks. The mandarin stated the appointment was pushed through without necessary scrutiny.

Philip Barton, a former top civil servant, testified before the UK Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the vetting process of Peter Mandelson ahead of a critical parliamentary vote for Keir Starmer. The committee received a memo from the Foreign Office detailing Ian Collard's role in approving Mandelson's vetting, citing manageable risks.

Morgan McSweeney, former chief aide to UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, denies allegations of pressuring the Foreign Office to approve Philip Mandelson's appointment. The claim centers on accusations of bullying tactics to fast-track Mandelson's role.

Cat Little, head civil servant in the Cabinet Office, testified to the foreign affairs select committee about the Peter Mandelson scandal, revealing new details on the vetting process and lack of documentation for his appointment. Her account sometimes contradicted previous statements by Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office permanent secretary.

Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office head, refused to provide Peter Mandelson’s vetting summary to the Cabinet Office, according to Cat Little, the department’s top civil servant. The summary, which showed Mandelson was granted security clearance despite security officials' advice, was instead shared with Little by UK Security Vetting (UKSV).

UK cabinet ministers expressed concerns over Keir Starmer's decision to sack Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office's top official, due to the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal, warning against alienating the civil service.

Olly Robbins faced scrutiny over Mandelson's denied security clearances, with conflicting claims about access to sensitive files. Former officials like Lord Sedwill and Simon McDonald defended Robbins, criticizing Keir Starmer's decision to sack him.

Keir Starmer faces parliamentary questions amid the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy, with former Foreign Office permanent secretary Olly Robbins' testimony to MPs exacerbating tensions. Mark Sedwill, a former cabinet secretary, has called for Robbins' reinstatement after his evidence highlighted issues with Mandelson's security clearance.

Olly Robbins confirmed government officials debated withholding Peter Mandelson's vetting documents from parliament, which revealed concerns about his clearance. The discussion follows allegations of a 'cover-up' and comes after Robbins was dismissed by Keir Starmer as Foreign Office head.

Olly Robbins, a former top Foreign Office official sacked by Keir Starmer, testified that Downing Street pressured the civil service to approve Peter Mandelson's appointment as Washington ambassador despite vetting concerns. Mandelson received access to classified briefings and the Foreign Office building before security clearance was granted.

Sir Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office chief, testified to a select committee that he was briefed the UK Security Vetting (UKSV) considered Peter Mandelson 'a borderline case' during his vetting process. His account has raised questions about whether he was misled regarding UKSV's findings, following his sacking after Guardian revelations.

Sacked civil servant Oliver Robbins revealed he faced 'constant pressure' from the Cabinet Office to expedite Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US, bypassing standard vetting. The Foreign Office initially resisted but eventually conducted the vetting after pressure.

Olly Robbins, former Foreign Office permanent secretary, testifies before the foreign affairs committee about his role in the Mandelson vetting process. Robbins claims he did not see the formal UK Security Vetting (UKSV) recommendation against Mandelson's security clearance but relied on a verbal briefing stating the case was 'borderline'.

Sir Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office chief, was sacked over the Mandelson vetting scandal and is set to be questioned by MPs, where he will claim he did nothing wrong. The incident involves allegations of improper vetting procedures during his tenure.