Blinken and Lammy unite in London to address Iran and Brexit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met in London to discuss pressing issues, including Iran's military support to Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Their collaboration comes amid efforts by the Labour government to strengthen ties with the EU post-Brexit, which Blinken acknowledged as beneficial for trans-Atlantic relations. The two leaders emphasized their united stance against Iran, which has been accused of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, potentially escalating the conflict in Ukraine. During their meeting, Blinken announced that the US would impose further sanctions on Iran, with the UK expected to follow suit. Both officials expressed optimism about a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, stating it is nearly finalized. They also planned a joint visit to Ukraine, marking a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at supporting the country amid its ongoing struggles against Russian aggression. Lammy highlighted the importance of their trip to Kyiv, where they would engage with Ukrainian leaders, including President Zelensky, to understand the situation on the ground. This visit is particularly notable as it is the first of its kind in a decade for both the US and UK foreign secretaries. The discussions are expected to address Ukraine's needs and the broader implications of Iran's actions in the region. The meeting underscores a renewed commitment to international cooperation and security, with both nations recognizing the necessity of a united front against threats posed by Iran and Russia. The evolving dynamics of UK-US relations post-Brexit are also seen as crucial for maintaining stability in Europe and beyond.