News
Milford Haven gas imports at risk as Iran votes to close Strait of Hormuz
Qatari tankers could be blocked from reaching Wales if Gulf tension escalates
IRAN has voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to cut off LNG supplies to Milford Haven and raising the stakes in an already volatile Middle East crisis.
The vote, passed by Iran’s parliament on Sunday (June 22), comes in retaliation for recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. While the decision has not yet taken effect, and must still be approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, the symbolic move has sent shockwaves through global energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but vital shipping lane between Iran and Oman through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports flow. This includes the majority of Qatar’s LNG shipments—gas that arrives in Wales via Milford Haven, one of the UK’s most strategically important energy ports.
Senior Iranian military commanders have warned that retaliation is “already under way” and that the closure of the strait remains on the table as a military and economic weapon. General Esmail Kowsari of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard told Iranian media: “Closing Hormuz is under consideration… Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy.”
A direct threat to Wales

Milford Haven’s two LNG terminals—South Hook and Dragon—receive regular shipments from Qatar’s Ras Laffan port. With Qatar entirely reliant on free access through Hormuz, any disruption, even temporary, could choke off Britain’s most reliable source of imported gas.
“This isn’t a theoretical risk,” a senior UK energy analyst told The Herald. “If the Strait closes, Qatar can’t deliver, and Milford Haven’s supply is directly impacted. It’s a sharp reminder that our energy security is still tied to global flashpoints.”
Shipping industry sources have reported increased GPS interference, spoofing signals, and navigation issues in the Gulf, raising concerns about potential Iranian sabotage or electronic warfare. Some LNG tankers have already begun rerouting or delaying travel through the area.

Economic impact already being felt
Global oil prices surged past $100 per barrel on Monday, while UK gas futures climbed sharply in early trading. Analysts warn that if the closure proceeds, prices could leap to $120 or more, with ripple effects across heating bills, manufacturing costs, and inflation.
“If Qatari tankers are forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, it would add two weeks to shipping times and increase insurance and fuel costs,” said energy security expert Dr Leila Marwood of King’s College London. “That cost ends up hitting British consumers directly—especially in winter.”
Milford Haven’s terminals are equipped with local storage capacity, and contingency plans are being reviewed to manage supply shortfalls. However, alternative sources such as US or African LNG come with longer delivery times and higher prices.
Strategic wake-up call
Milford Haven plays a vital role in Britain’s energy infrastructure, with capacity to handle over 30% of the country’s gas needs during peak periods. Any sustained disruption would place further strain on a system already navigating post-Brexit import pressures, North Sea production decline, and the global transition to renewable energy.
One local port expert told The Herald: “This isn’t just about Iran or Israel—it’s about what’s coming through our own port here in Pembrokeshire. If tankers stop arriving in the Haven, the knock-on effect will be felt across the UK.”
Although the Iranian vote is not yet legally binding, Western intelligence officials warn it reflects a dangerous shift in Tehran’s posture—and that military escalation in the Gulf could trigger action at short notice.
As diplomatic efforts intensify behind the scenes, Milford Haven remains in the spotlight. The port may be thousands of miles from the Strait of Hormuz, but its future—as well as the UK’s winter gas reserves—may soon be shaped by events in the Persian Gulf.
News
Land Rover swallowed by tide at popular Welsh beach
A LAND ROVER Discovery has been lost to the sea at Abersoch after becoming stranded on the resort’s Main Beach.
The vehicle, worth tens of thousands of pounds, was spotted by early morning dog walkers on the sand at the Gwynedd coastal village before being completely covered by the incoming tide at around 10:00am.
Stranded on sand
Images circulating on social media showed the 4×4 marooned on the beach, with some locals initially questioning whether the pictures were genuine.
However, witnesses later confirmed the incident, with one RIB owner reporting: “People are paddleboarding over its roof!”
It is believed the vehicle may have become stuck while being used to recover a boat trailer or jet ski.
‘Not the first’
Locals said the incident was a familiar sight at the popular seaside resort, where vehicles have previously become trapped by soft sand and fast-moving tides.
One man wrote: “Not the first and it won’t be the last.”
Another joked: “The tide comes in. Who knew?”
Others described it as the start of the “silly season”, when coastal mishaps increase as visitor numbers rise.
Expensive mistake
New Land Rover Discovery models can cost around £80,000, while Discovery Sport models start from about £55,000.
Commenters suggested the vehicle’s off-road reputation may have given the driver false confidence.
One wrote: “It probably gave him a sense of security that it can go anywhere — we all know it can’t.”
Recovery expected
As the tide began to recede, boat owners reported the outline of the vehicle starting to reappear beneath the water.
Recovery was expected to require a beach tractor, but seawater damage means the Land Rover is likely to be written off.
One local said: “Very sad to see that something went wrong. You see many cars go into the sea to retrieve boat trailers, and you know that car will be rotten very soon afterwards.
“There’s a reason why old tractors are used.”
Despite the flood of “can’t park there” jokes and “Chelsea tractor” comments online, many said they felt sorry for the owner, who now faces what one person called a “very expensive weekend.”
Community
Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood
A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.
Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.
He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”
The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.
A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.
The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.
Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.
Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].
Caption:
Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.
News
Welsh Labour manifesto pledge: Direct London train for Milford Haven
WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.
This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.
Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Labour Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.
Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.
It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.
“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”
Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.
“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.
“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”
The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.
-
Local Government6 days agoFishguard children’s home application is a ‘legal test’, not planning merits decision
-
Community4 days agoDogs removed after welfare concerns at Milford Haven property
-
Crime6 days agoDrink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop
-
Crime5 days agoPembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault
-
Sport7 days agoNeyland make early statement as cricket season begins
-
Crime5 days agoPembrokeshire man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children
-
Business5 days agoHandcrafted garden furniture built to last across Pembrokeshire
-
Charity5 days agoRow erupts at Spitfire museum after Reform poster displayed at charity premises










