The Independent, on Iran, 22 October 2026

6.0out of 10Serious

Ed Miliband set for crucial talks over Strait of Hormuz crisis and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

Tap a highlight to see why it matters.2 findings

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband will attend high-level diplomatic discussions in Turkey on Friday focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi Arabia. The summit follows a persistent downturn in shipping traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz compared to pre-war levels in Iran, alongside heightened hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.

Earlier this week, Britain announced an expansion of its military aid to the Saudis, deploying fighter jets to intercept Houthi drones and missiles targeted at the kingdom. The conference brings together the European E4 grouping - the UK, France, Germany, and Italy - with the regional R4 countries of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. During the talks, , noting that Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia strain critical chokepoints like the Bab El-Mandeb and the Suez Canal. open image in gallery Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have increased since Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war ( Getty ) He will warn fellow ministers that Iran and its proxy forces cannot be permitted to cause further destabilisation to regional security and global markets.

Furthermore, Mr Miliband will push for a diplomatic settlement to the Iran conflict that restores full navigational freedoms through the crucial Hormuz Strait. Maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have increased since US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest proposal to end the war and reopen the waterway. Iran’s conditions, which include lifting the US blockade on its ports, mirror terms from a deal that collapsed within days after Washington and Tehran signed it in June.

Meanwhile, Iran’s state television reported on Thursday that seven oil tankers caught fire and were damaged overnight after being targeted or striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. If verified, it would be the largest single-day number of vessels damaged in the waterway since the start of the Iran war on 28 February . Quoting a statement by the Revolutionary Guard's navy, the Iranian report said that four of the tankers were transferring oil when they were targeted and caught fire.

Another three were damaged and immobilized when they hit naval mines. The report didn't provide details about possible casualties or the flags of the tankers.

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What we found (2)

The Independent previews Ed Miliband's talks in Turkey on the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. It says the war began when 'the United States launched joint strikes against Iran' and never names Israel, though the US and Israel launched the war together. It also writes that Miliband 'will highlight how' Iranian tactics are being replicated, treating his claim as established.

  1. Hides who did it

    Serious

    “when the United States launched joint strikes against Iran”

    Why this matters
    The Independent writes 'joint strikes' and names only the United States. The partner in those joint strikes is removed from the sentence.
    The impression it gives
    A reader comes away believing the United States alone started the war on Iran on 28 February, or cannot tell who else took part.
    The context
    The US and Israel launched the war against Iran together. The outlet's own earlier reporting describes the US 'joining Israel's military campaign'. Israel appears nowhere in this article.

    How we know

    Show it in the article

    Written straight

    The war began on 28 February, when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran.

  2. States one side's claim as fact

    Minor

    “the Foreign Secretary will highlight how Iranian operational tactics are being replicated”

    Why this matters
    The Independent writes that Miliband 'will highlight how' Iranian tactics are being replicated. The verb presents his contention as an established fact he is merely pointing out.
    The impression it gives
    A reader takes it as settled that the Houthis are copying Iranian tactics.
    The context
    This is the UK government's argument going into the talks. The article offers no evidence for it beyond Miliband's planned remarks. A neutral verb such as 'will argue' would mark it as his claim.

    How we know

    • Elsewhere in the article“He will warn fellow ministers”

    Show it in the article

How other outlets reported it

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