The UK urged Donald Trump to step back from his threat to wipe out "a whole civilisation" as his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz drew closer.The US president has given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration.Downing Street again said the UK's focus was on "de-escalation" and a "negotiated settlement" for the region, but Mr Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric and the US-Israeli bombing campaign continued.

The UK urged Donald Trump to step back from his threat to wipe out "a whole civilisation" as his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz drew closer.The US president has given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration.Downing Street again said the UK's focus was on "de-escalation" and a "negotiated settlement" for the region, but Mr Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric and the US-Israeli bombing campaign continued.