The UK has approved military action to board sanctioned Russian shadow fleet vessels in British waters, marking its first direct operation against the tankers funding Putin's war effort.
The Iranian regime has resorted to crowdfunding to support its regional activities, raising questions about the stability of its finances and the impact of international sanctions.
While the US quietly eases sanctions on Russian oil, the UK is taking a principled stand and urging allies to keep the pressure dialled up.
The US claims that easing sanctions on Russian oil will barely help Vladimir Putin, but the reality for global energy markets and the UK economy tells a much more complicated story.