Keir Starmer heads to the Gulf after the US and Iran agree to a ceasefire

The Briefing explores the sudden ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran following a high-stakes diplomatic standoff, with President Donald Trump claiming credit for a deal that averted full-scale war. The episode examines the immediate aftermath, including regional relief and lingering concerns about the ceasefire's durability. Monocle's Gulf correspondent Inzimam Rashid shares firsthand accounts from the region, highlighting the intense pressure during negotiations and the cautious optimism among Gulf states, despite feeling sidelined in the process. The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's upcoming visit to the Gulf is discussed as part of Europe's effort to reassert diplomatic relevance, especially as the U.S. remains the dominant actor. Alexis Self, Monocle's foreign editor, analyzes how Europe, particularly the UK, is seeking to position itself as a trusted partner on stability and energy security, even as relations with the U.S. grow strained. The episode also delves into the economic fallout, with Odile Renaud-Bassot of the EBRD warning of lasting impacts on inflation, growth, and food security due to sustained high oil prices and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, a cultural segment highlights Tokyo’s new Museum of Narratives, a boundary-pushing institution blending tradition, technology, and public space. The episode underscores both the fragility of peace and the potential for long-term structural shifts in global energy, diplomacy, and culture.