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Iran has launched an attack on a United States military base in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes on several key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

No injuries have yet been reported after Iran on Monday fired a missile barrage targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which had been evacuated and was protected by Qatari air defences.

While some analysts believe the relatively limited Iranian response signals a desire to de-escalate tensions with the US, numerous countries have strongly condemned the attack.

Here are some of the statements released by various countries in response.

United States

Posting on the Truth Social social media platform, US President Donald Trump wrote: “Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered. There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was ‘set free,’ because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction. I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE. I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Qatar

“Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari expressed the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack that targeted Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and considered this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter.

“He affirmed that Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale of this brazen aggression, in line with international law.”

Saudi Arabia

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its condemnation and denunciation, in the strongest terms possible, [of] the aggression launched by Iran against the brotherly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness, and an entirely unacceptable act that cannot be justified under any circumstances.”

United Arab Emirates

“The United Arab Emirates condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s targeting of Al Udeid Air Base in the sisterly State of Qatar, considering it a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, and a clear contravention of international law and the UN Charter. The UAE affirmed its categorical rejection of any attack that threatens the security and safety of Qatar and undermines the security and stability of the region.”

Bahrain

“The Kingdom of Bahrain affirms its full support for the sisterly State of Qatar following the Iranian attack on its territory.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain also expresses its full solidarity with the sisterly State of Qatar, as required by the bond of brotherhood and blood, which confirms the solidarity of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in these sensitive circumstances the region is going through to exert the necessary efforts to exercise self-restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through peaceful means.”

Kuwait

“The State of Kuwait expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attacks targeting Al Udeid Air Base in the sisterly State of Qatar by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This attack constitutes a flagrant violation of Qatari sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law and the United Nations Charter. It constitutes a dangerous escalation that threatens peace, security, and stability in the region.

“The State of Kuwait affirms its full support for the brothers in the sisterly State of Qatar, its leadership, government and people, and its full support for all measures taken to preserve its sovereignty, security and stability, including its right to respond directly in a manner commensurate with the magnitude of this blatant aggression.”

France

President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement saying: “France’s solidarity [is] with Qatar, which has been struck by Iran on its soil. I am in close contact with the country’s authorities and our partners in the region. I call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, de-escalate, and return to the negotiating table. This spiral of chaos must end.”

Iran

Posting on the social media platform X, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote: “We didn’t harm anyone. And we will not accept any harassment from anyone under any circumstances. And we will not submit to anyone’s harassment; This is the logic of the Iranian nation.”

In 2024, Japan set a new tourism record as visitors from across the globe flocked to the island nation. The rising number of tourists has led to a “new challenge”

One of the friendliest countries in the world is planning to charge tourists more than locals in restaurants.

Japan is developing a strategy to manage its booming tourist industry. In 2024, the country smashed its previous tourism records as international travellers swarmed the archipelago. The nation was voted Best Country for a second year running in last year’s Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, and it secured sixth place as the friendliest country globally with an impressive score of 93.25. Despite these accolades, Japan faces a “new challenge” due to the overwhelming tide of tourists.

Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, told Fox News Digital of the challenges facing the country.

“Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community. So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists.” A potential solution cited in the report may involve a “two-tier” pricing model at eateries, theme parks, and attractions, placing a higher price tag on those coming from abroad.

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Mr Asano remarked: “The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel – the price is also increasing. So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism. But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists.”

Mr Asano noted that last year’s tourist figures hit 36 million, revealing that Japan aims to almost double its visitor numbers within the next five years, reports the Express.

Across the world, a number of countries are grappling with the booming tourism trade and attempting to work out how best to manage demand. Earlier this month, protesters hit the streets in nations across Europe, demanding legislative changes to lessen the impact of tourism on locals.

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While the campaingers in Spain have been grabbing most of the headlines, there is a growing overtourism protest movement in Italy. At the start of June campaigners came out in full force in Venice.

The watery city has been at the sharp edge of overtourism issues for years, with locals selling up and moving out of the limited supply of homes on the central island, and holiday let landlords moving in.

“We’ve been emphasising for a couple of years now that there are more tourist beds than registered residents,” said Remi Wacogne of Ocio, a civic observatory on housing. “Tourism is physically and practically taking over homes.”

In Venice, a couple of dozen protesters unfurled a banner calling for a halt to new hotel beds in the lagoon city in front of two recently completed structures, one in the popular tourist destination’s historic centre where activists say the last resident, an elderly woman, was kicked out last year. The upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jezz Bezos in the city has also become a point of tension among overtourism protesters.

Following rising passenger numbers and impressive financial results, Eurostar is investing £1.7bn to launch a fleet of up to 50 trains that operate three new direct routes, including two from the UK

Eurostar is ramping up its railway offerings as part of a major €2 billion (approximately £1.7bn) investment.

Earlier this month, the company announced it would launch a fleet of up to 50 trains that will be in service from the early 2030s, operating three new direct routes. The announcement comes after Eurostar released its 2024 financial results, which found it had achieved an impressive EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of €346 million (£296 million).

In a press release, Eurostar said passenger numbers rose to over 19.5 million, marking a five per cent year-on-year increase. It follows the ‘successful reinstatement’ of direct services between London, Rotterdam and Amsterdam in February this year, which will see a fourth daily service added from September 9 and a fifth from mid-December.

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In the next decade, Brits will be able to hop on a train at London St Pancras and travel straight to Frankfurt in Germany. This city is known for homing one of the largest financial hubs in Europe, and has become a tourist hotspot in recent years thanks to its stunning architecture, ubiquitous history and close proximity to the ethereal Hohenzollern Castle.

Alternatively, Brits will be able to head directly to Geneva in Switzerland, and marvel at the stunning Mont Blanc in the Alps. Geneva is an excellent base for ski enthusiasts, offering convenient access to a plethora of resorts including Villars, Gryon, and Les Diablerets. The upgrade will also see trains running straight from Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva.

Eurostar’s CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said the company was witnessing ‘strong demand’ for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to ‘go further by rail than ever before’. “Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future,” she added.

“Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality – notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time. A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a ‘huge step in promoting green travel across Europe’ as well as boosting the UK’s international rail connections. “Today’s announcement by Eurostar shows that the government’s plan for change is rapidly strengthening the links between major cities in counties across Europe, creating more opportunities to travel, work, and socialise,” the politician said.

Eurostar’s expansion comes as several companies are desperate to gain access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London, which Eurostar currently monopolises. As previously reported, a report conducted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) found: “There is some available capacity at Temple Mills International (TMI) depot for more trains to be stabled, serviced and maintained.”

The investigation is great news for Virgin Group, which says it is now ‘ready to take up the challenge’ of launching high-speed passenger train services through the Channel Tunnel. “The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line,” a spokesperson said. “Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome and we thank the ORR for commissioning this report, which will now unlock competition on the cross-Channel route for the benefit of all passengers.”

Alstom, a French manufacturer specialising in locomotives, is also in talks to use its new Avelia Horizon trains to ramp up journeys across Europe. The company has already signed an €850 million (around £715 million) contract to provide and maintain 12 of its double-decker trains for a Proxima, a private operator in France – as well as France’s state-owned company The Société nationale des chemins de fer français (SNCF).

Chief executive Henri Poupart-Lafarge says the new fleet could lower fares and increase capacity in the undersea Channel Tunnel, which connects the UK to France. However, it will first need to seek approval from regulators to make sure it adheres to strict Channel Tunnel safety rules.

What do you think of the Eurostar announcement? Let us know in the comments section below

Experts say many people are being drawn to the North African region by its wide availability of high-quality hotels costing considerably less than similar properties in locations such as Spain, France and Italy

A surge in UK holidaymakers are swapping traditional European destinations for North Africa, according to travel firms.

Experts suggest the region’s appeal lies in its abundance of high-quality hotels that are significantly cheaper than similar properties in Spain, France and Italy. Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are all seeing an influx of visitors from the UK.

Data from aviation analysts Cirium reveals that 19,847 flights are expected to serve routes from UK airports to these countries this year, more than double the 8,653 flights in 2019. In contrast, the number of flights to Spain and Portugal is predicted to rise by 10% and 9% respectively over the same period.

This indicates that many holidaymakers seeking better quality accommodation without paying more are willing to endure a longer flight, despite airlines like easyJet and Ryanair offering non-reclining seats and no onboard entertainment.

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Flights from Gatwick airport in West Sussex to Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh take approximately five hours and 20 minutes. This means an additional hour and 45 minutes on a plane compared to trips to the traditional southern Spanish hotspot of Alicante.

EasyJet commenced flights between Gatwick and Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, in March, marking its longest route serving England. These flights cover the distance of 2,332 nautical miles in six hours and 10 minutes.

Tui, the travel company, has reported a 30% increase in bookings for summer holidays in Egypt compared to last year, from both flight-only and package holiday customers. The firm also noted “double-digit growth” for Tunisia and a strong demand for Morocco.

Chris Logan, Tui’s UK commercial director, stated that these three destinations offer “fantastic value for money”, making it difficult for traditional European destinations to compete. Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: “There’s good quality accommodation and great weather beyond the traditional summer season.

“Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, making them a perfect choice for year-round travel.”

To meet the growing demand, Tui has increased its flights from the UK to North Africa this summer, introducing new routes from Stansted to Enfidha in Tunisia and from Newcastle to Agadir, Morocco. Booking.com, the online accommodation marketplace, reported a 68% increase in searches for summer breaks in Tunisia during the first five months of this year, compared with the same period in 2024.

Egypt and Morocco saw increases of 64% and 39% respectively. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director at Barrhead Travel, commented that Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia offer “incredible value for money” which is “proving increasingly attractive for holidaymakers this year”.

She added: “The investment in high-quality hotels and experiences across these regions is turning the heads of customers who may previously have favoured mainland Europe.”

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According to Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, “Although favourites such as Spain and Turkey are still our top-selling destinations, it’s safe to say north Africa is a region to watch over the next few years.”

She observed a “clear trend toward value-conscious holiday planning”, attributing this to the ongoing cost of living pressures and reduced disposable incomes.

Lo Bue-Said noted: “This shift has driven growing popularity for destinations like Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, which offer more competitive pricing and high-quality accommodation options compared to the more traditional western Mediterranean resorts.”

Budget airline Ryanair has scathed a cluster of European countries in what it describes as a ‘scandal’ of understaffing and mismanagement responsible for thousands of delayed flights

Ryanair has unleashed a savage attack on five European countries, including the UK, over thousands of delayed flights. The budget airline has slammed France, Spain, Germany, Greece, and the UK for having the ‘worst’ Air Traffic Control (ATC) delays in 2024, based on Eurocontrol data.

It is a drum Ryanair has long banged, and comes shortly after it published its name-and-shame ‘ATC League of Delays’. ATC delays can be caused by a plethora of reasons, including unavoidable factors such as the weather or military activity.

However, Ryanair argues a huge ‘majority’ of these delays are directly caused by understaffed airports and ‘mismanaged ATCs’. “Despite 20 years of investment in SESAR (Europe’s failed ‘Single Sky Project’) no progress has been made,” the airline fumed.

“The new Commission under Ursula von der Leyen has committed itself to delivering competitiveness and efficiency in Europe. Yet, it continues to allow the mismanagement and staff shortages in French, Spanish, German, Greek and UK ATC services.”

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According to Ryanair’s latest press release, in 2024, France experienced a staggering 35,1000 flight delays – impacting some 6.3 million passengers. Spain came a close second, with 32,700 delayed flights affecting 5.9 million passengers. Germany (18,700 delayed flights), Greece (5,000), and the UK (3,380) were also cited in the top five worst ATCs.

“If the Danes, the Belgians, the Dutch, the Irish and the Slovakians can properly staff their ATC services and eliminate ‘ATC capacity’ delays, then why can’t we expect a similar service from the very well-funded (by airlines), but hopelessly mismanaged French, Spanish, German, Greek and UK ATC providers,” Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said. “The difference is that these are protected State Monopolies, who don’t care about customer service.

“They don’t care about passengers, and they don’t care about their airline customers either. Every year they are short-staffed and they are responsible for over 90 per cent of Europe’s flight delays, which adds an extra 10 per cent to aviation emissions in Europe.”

The boss described the data as a ‘scandal’ of short-staffing and mismanagement, arguing it is now time for the European Commission to ‘intervene and demand an efficient, competitive ATC service’ from all of Europe. “Ryanair, our customers, and our passengers are fed up with these avoidable ATC delays, which are imposed on us every Summer by the French, the Germans, the Spanish, the Greeks and the British,” he added.

Christian Petzold a travel expert and Marketing Director over at BCN Travel, echoed Ryanair’s sentiment – arguing ATC delays continue to ‘frustrate’ both passengers and airlines every summer. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, he said: “Ryanair are right to point out the contrast with high-performing ATC services in countries like Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Slovakia.

“These countries have managed to staff their control centres and keep operations smooth even in peak summer. For example the Irish Aviation Authority is consistently one of the best for punctuality and minimal en-route delays, due to proactive recruitment and training pipelines for air traffic controllers. In contrast strikes, understaffing and bureaucratic inertia cripple ATC in France and Germany – two of the busiest airspaces in Europe.”

Christian added that the European Commission must take “action and demand accountability” as well as push for competition. Otherwise, passengers will see no ‘real change’ in European aviation.

The Mirror has approached the European Commission for comment.

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The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued fresh travel guidance following hostilities between Israel and Iran, and it says visiting certain nations could invalidate your travel insurance

Two more countries have been added to the list of place Brits should avoid, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCDO) says.

Brits are warned not to travel to Jordan and Israel amid the latter’s conflict with Iran, which saw Iran fight back on the weekend. Brits already in these countries should follow local authorities’ advice, the FCDO stressed.

With reference to Jordan, it added: “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. There are reports of military debris falling in various locations.

“Travel disruption, including flight cancellations and airspace closures may occur. Demonstrations and protest activity may take place. Jordanian airspace is open but airports and airspace may close at short notice.”

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Donald Trump said he believes Iran would be “foolish” not to sign the deal he will be offering them in an attempt to ease tensions. If it is rejected, it is feared Iran could begin producing nuclear weapons.

Due to this, the FCDO says Brits should not travel to Israel too. Airspace there has been closed since the violence ramped up on Friday morning. The FCDO continued: “Following Israeli strikes against targets in Iran, Iran has launched multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks against Israel. On 13 June, a nationwide state of emergency was declared in Israel. Israeli airspace remains closed and Ben Gurion Airport is currently closed. No travel can be guaranteed safe.”

Ignoring any advice from the FCDO may invalidate your travel insurance, the agency added. Those planning trips to Jordan or Israel should monitor local and international media for the latest information, and be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.

The FCDO’s new advice comes amid the fast-moving situation which poses significant risks as it could deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. Mr Trump acknowledged this late on Monday UK time (6.30pm in Washington).

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The US President posted on Truth Social: “Iran should have signed the “deal” I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.”

The Israeli Air Force yesterday sent fighter jets over central Iran on the fourth day of its military operation to strip away Iran’s capacity to produce nuclear weapons. Among the targets hit by Israel was a building used by Iran’s state TV – and the attack was caught live on air.

Israeli officials put the death toll from Iran’s overnight strikes at eight people after the Islamic Republic punctured Israel’s Iron Dome defence system, hitting targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa. In total, 24 Israeli civilians have died as a result of Iranian strikes. Meanwhile, in Iran, the country’s health ministry reported that the death toll has climbed to 224 people in the 72 hours since the war began.