LE FIGARO : REPORTAGE - L’Arabie saoudite, le Qatar et les Émirats arabes unis redoutent un durcissement des frappes iraniennes et font tout pour ne pas être amenés à intervenir militairement contre Téhéran.
Pour la première fois depuis le début de la guerre, les téléphones portables ont émis une alerte : « Nous sommes face à une menace, mettez-vous aux abris. » En ce mercredi soir 18 mars, le conflit se durcit au royaume d’Arabie saoudite, jusque-là relativement épargné par les frappes iraniennes. Mais l’alerte résonne quelques minutes après une énorme explosion, ressentie au quartier diplomatique de Riyad. Aussitôt, c’est le branle-bas de combat dans cette ville dans la ville, où sont installées la plupart des ambassades et résidences attenantes. Direction les abris souterrains. Les interrogations fusent : drone ou missile ? Dix jours plus tôt, des débris de drones étaient déjà tombés dans la cour de l’ambassade américaine, sans faire ni blessés, ni dégâts.
L’alerte levée, une vingtaine de minutes plus tard, entre domestiques asiatiques et chats siamois, les diplomates quittent leurs refuges. De premières informations parviennent via les services de renseignements américains. Une batterie de missiles Patriot, installée non loin d’un supermarché, aurait intercepté un drone dont les débris seraient tombés près du ministère de la Défense.
Une demi-heure passe avant qu’un nouveau message strident retentisse sur les portables. Une nouvelle menace, accompagnée d’un nouveau séjour aux abris. Au total, il y en aura quatre au cours de la soirée. Quelques heures plus tard, alors que le calme est revenu, un point de la situation tombe : la défense aérienne saoudienne a intercepté et détruit 21 drones et un missile balistique dans les régions de Riyad et des provinces de l’est du pays, où sont les puits de pétrole.
Les zones ciblées étaient bien le quartier diplomatique, avec deux drones interceptés au-dessus, les provinces orientales avec plusieurs drones neutralisés et la base aérienne de Prince Sultan, à une centaine de kilomètres dans le désert au sud de Riyad. Au-dessus de celle-ci, un missile balistique a été intercepté, et des débris sont tombés sur la base, déjà pilonnée plusieurs fois, où un soldat américain avait été tué et plusieurs blessés. Ce sont les frappes les plus lourdes, depuis le début de la guerre. » | Par Georges Malbrunot envoyé spécial à Riyad, Abu Dhabi et Dubaï | lundi 23 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Iran Calls Trump’s Claim of Peace Talks “Fake News” to Manipulate Markets | BBC News
Mar 23, 2026 | Donald Trump has announced that his threat to attack Iranian power plants has been put on hold, after what he called “very productive” talks with Iran about “a complete and total resolution of hostilities”.
However, Iran said no such talks had taken place. The speaker of Iran’s parliament said Trump’s comments were “fake news” and were being used to manipulate the energy markets. The price of oil had plunged after Trump’s comments.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said its attacks on Iran and Lebanon would continue. It has continued its airstrikes on Iran’s capital Tehran. Iran has fired more missiles at the United Arab Emirates and at Saudi Arabia.
Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by James Landale, Gary O'Donoghue, Jeremy Bowen, Chris Mason, Faisal Islam and Caroline Hawley.
One would have to be very naïve to believe this nonsense from Trump. The Iranians are in no mood to compromise. Trump has clearly bitten off more than he can chew. The man is looking for a way out. He is fearful. He can see that he can’t win this war, so he’s afraid of the economic chaos he has sown worldwide. The Iranians won’t buy this obfuscating poppycock. — © Mark Alexander
However, Iran said no such talks had taken place. The speaker of Iran’s parliament said Trump’s comments were “fake news” and were being used to manipulate the energy markets. The price of oil had plunged after Trump’s comments.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said its attacks on Iran and Lebanon would continue. It has continued its airstrikes on Iran’s capital Tehran. Iran has fired more missiles at the United Arab Emirates and at Saudi Arabia.
Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by James Landale, Gary O'Donoghue, Jeremy Bowen, Chris Mason, Faisal Islam and Caroline Hawley.
One would have to be very naïve to believe this nonsense from Trump. The Iranians are in no mood to compromise. Trump has clearly bitten off more than he can chew. The man is looking for a way out. He is fearful. He can see that he can’t win this war, so he’s afraid of the economic chaos he has sown worldwide. The Iranians won’t buy this obfuscating poppycock. — © Mark Alexander
Monday, March 23, 2026
Jonathan Tetelman, Prague Philharmonia, Carlo Rizzi – Puccini: Tosca, SC 69: E lucevan le stelle
EXPOSED: Tony Blair & Israel’s Favourite Billionaire
DOUBLE DOWN NEWS (DDN) CAN BE SUPPORTED here.
Iran Warns It Has ‘Special Plans’ for Israel Tonight
THE TELEGRAPH: Iran warned of “special plans” for Israel and its allies tonight as it denied that negotiations with Washington were under way.
Sources close to the regime said that the plans – probably referring to missile and drone strikes – would “completely remove the hope of negotiations,” Iranian state media reported.
It is the latest sign from Tehran that it does not intend to bow to Donald Trump’s threats against its energy infrastructure if it does not agree a peace deal.
The US president earlier claimed that there had been “very strong” peace talks with Iran. He insisted that the two sides could be close to a deal and floated the idea of helping to run the country.
But Tehran dismissed his comments as “fake news” and officials have consistently said that no negotiations are taking place.
Iranian sources also told the semi-official Fars news agency that it would not open the Strait of Hormuz until the US completely withdrew, evacuated its Middle East bases, paid compensation and provided the regime with guarantees not to attack again. » | Robert White. Iona Cleave. Benedict Smith, US Reporter | Monday, March 23, 2026
Sources close to the regime said that the plans – probably referring to missile and drone strikes – would “completely remove the hope of negotiations,” Iranian state media reported.
It is the latest sign from Tehran that it does not intend to bow to Donald Trump’s threats against its energy infrastructure if it does not agree a peace deal.
The US president earlier claimed that there had been “very strong” peace talks with Iran. He insisted that the two sides could be close to a deal and floated the idea of helping to run the country.
But Tehran dismissed his comments as “fake news” and officials have consistently said that no negotiations are taking place.
Iranian sources also told the semi-official Fars news agency that it would not open the Strait of Hormuz until the US completely withdrew, evacuated its Middle East bases, paid compensation and provided the regime with guarantees not to attack again. » | Robert White. Iona Cleave. Benedict Smith, US Reporter | Monday, March 23, 2026
A War and Maybe an Unprecedented Depression: It’s Trump’s Mania, But Now All of Us Will Pay the Price
THE GUARDIAN: t had been possible to observe this presidency in abstract terms, but no more. The consequences of the Iran attack will affect our lives and our politics
Nothing has changed. Yet. But we stand on the edge of inevitable economic cataclysm, such as not seen in our lifetimes. It’s an odd, hold-your-breath moment, waiting for what the International Energy Agency (IEA) says is now certain to happen: an energy crisis so critical it will be the equivalent of the two oil crises in 1973 and 1979 and Russia’s 2022 full invasion of Ukraine, put together.
The IEA says it’s already too late to prevent this impending energy crisis. President Donald Trump has swerved the Armageddon destruction of oil and gas facilities threatening the entire Middle East, but too late. The deep recession, probably depression, that his war has caused is heading around the globe. Britain will be hard hit.
Trump calls on the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow their religious dictatorship. The rest of the world is willing the American people to rise up – progressives, Magas and stock marketeers alike – against their wildly out-of-control president who has no exit strategy because he never had an entry purpose. This world-changing conflagration will cost his citizens dear and they need to frighten him out of war: unpopularity is all he fears.
Old allies will never again trust the US after its people elected not once but twice this most unfit, mindlessly dangerous man. “Leader of the free world”? We will never view US presidents that way again, after Trump’s preference for Putin, lifting sanctions on Russian oil, betraying Ukraine, detesting Europe and trashing all the international order it stands for. The attorney general, Richard Hermer’s, speech this evening will stand up for law against Trumpian lawlessness. » | Polly Toynbee | Monday, March 23, 2026
I despise Trump. You should despise him too. He is mean, vengeful, corrupt, cruel, and a blowhard, and much else besides. He is causing misery and suffering throughout the world. How many people would be alive today had Americans not been so stupid as to re-elect this douchebag? I look forward to the day when the world will be well rid of him. — © Mark Alexander
Nothing has changed. Yet. But we stand on the edge of inevitable economic cataclysm, such as not seen in our lifetimes. It’s an odd, hold-your-breath moment, waiting for what the International Energy Agency (IEA) says is now certain to happen: an energy crisis so critical it will be the equivalent of the two oil crises in 1973 and 1979 and Russia’s 2022 full invasion of Ukraine, put together.
The IEA says it’s already too late to prevent this impending energy crisis. President Donald Trump has swerved the Armageddon destruction of oil and gas facilities threatening the entire Middle East, but too late. The deep recession, probably depression, that his war has caused is heading around the globe. Britain will be hard hit.
Trump calls on the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow their religious dictatorship. The rest of the world is willing the American people to rise up – progressives, Magas and stock marketeers alike – against their wildly out-of-control president who has no exit strategy because he never had an entry purpose. This world-changing conflagration will cost his citizens dear and they need to frighten him out of war: unpopularity is all he fears.
Old allies will never again trust the US after its people elected not once but twice this most unfit, mindlessly dangerous man. “Leader of the free world”? We will never view US presidents that way again, after Trump’s preference for Putin, lifting sanctions on Russian oil, betraying Ukraine, detesting Europe and trashing all the international order it stands for. The attorney general, Richard Hermer’s, speech this evening will stand up for law against Trumpian lawlessness. » | Polly Toynbee | Monday, March 23, 2026
I despise Trump. You should despise him too. He is mean, vengeful, corrupt, cruel, and a blowhard, and much else besides. He is causing misery and suffering throughout the world. How many people would be alive today had Americans not been so stupid as to re-elect this douchebag? I look forward to the day when the world will be well rid of him. — © Mark Alexander
Steve Schmidt: Trump’s Posse of Clowns Will Sow Disaster
Colombie : plusieurs dizaines de morts dans le crash d’un avion militaire
LE FIGARO : Un avion militaire colombien, qui transportait des soldats à son bord, s’est écrasé lundi au décollage près de Puerto Leguizamo, dans le sud du pays.
Un avion militaire s’est écrasé au décollage lundi dans le sud de la Colombie avec à son bord au moins 80 personnes, a indiqué l’armée colombienne, tandis que des informations contradictoires circulaient sur le nombre de soldats morts et blessés. « 114 passagers et 11 membres d’équipage » se trouvaient à bord de l’appareil, tandis que « 48 blessés ont été secourus », a annoncé le général colombien Fernando Silva.
Selon une autre source au sein de l’armée, environ 80 soldats ont été tués lorsqu’un appareil Hercules s’est écrasé peu après son décollage de Puerto Leguizamo (sud), près de la frontière sud avec l’Équateur. Cette source a ensuite indiqué que jusqu’à 50 personnes pourraient avoir survécu et que le bilan des morts parmi l’équipage et les soldats restait encore incertain. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 23 mars 2026
Un avion militaire s’est écrasé au décollage lundi dans le sud de la Colombie avec à son bord au moins 80 personnes, a indiqué l’armée colombienne, tandis que des informations contradictoires circulaient sur le nombre de soldats morts et blessés. « 114 passagers et 11 membres d’équipage » se trouvaient à bord de l’appareil, tandis que « 48 blessés ont été secourus », a annoncé le général colombien Fernando Silva.
Selon une autre source au sein de l’armée, environ 80 soldats ont été tués lorsqu’un appareil Hercules s’est écrasé peu après son décollage de Puerto Leguizamo (sud), près de la frontière sud avec l’Équateur. Cette source a ensuite indiqué que jusqu’à 50 personnes pourraient avoir survécu et que le bilan des morts parmi l’équipage et les soldats restait encore incertain. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 23 mars 2026
Has Meloni Turned against Trump over Iran as Key Referendum Tests Her Leadership?
Mar 23, 2026 | Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s criticism of the US-Israeli war on Iran has exposed cracks in her relationship with US President Donald Trump.
She was supposed to be Europe’s ‘Trump whisperer’ but Meloni has even compared the Iran war to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Italian public opinion is firmly against being drawn into the conflict and this weekend Meloni faced a key test of her leadership with a crucial referendum on judicial reform.
So, has Meloni chosen domestic loyalty over transatlantic relations?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Riccardo Alcaro, Head of Research of the Programme at the Istituto Affari Internazionali
Marta Grande, Former President of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Chamber of Deputies of Italy
Amy Frederiksen, Republican Strategist
She was supposed to be Europe’s ‘Trump whisperer’ but Meloni has even compared the Iran war to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Italian public opinion is firmly against being drawn into the conflict and this weekend Meloni faced a key test of her leadership with a crucial referendum on judicial reform.
So, has Meloni chosen domestic loyalty over transatlantic relations?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Riccardo Alcaro, Head of Research of the Programme at the Istituto Affari Internazionali
Marta Grande, Former President of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Chamber of Deputies of Italy
Amy Frederiksen, Republican Strategist
Mort de Lionel Jospin : une certaine idée du socialisme
PARIS MATCH: L’ancien Premier ministre de Jacques Chirac, entre 1997 et 2002, qui fut deux fois candidat à la présidentielle, s’est éteint à 88 ans.
Jusqu’à la fin de sa vie, Lionel Jospin, qui vient de s’éteindre à 88 ans, a noirci des pages et des pages avec minutie, travaillant chaque intervention publique, de plus en plus rare, chaque interview, devenant un événement, comme s’il revivait la préparation de son discours de politique générale prononcé au Palais Bourbon. Ce jour-là, en juin 1997, le nouveau Premier ministre avait martelé à plusieurs reprises devant les députés le mot « exigence ». Celle qu’il s’appliquait encore au soir de son existence. « Ça en était presque touchant », confiait récemment son directeur de campagne lors de l’élection présidentielle 2002, Jean Glavany.
Lionel Jospin naît en région parisienne en 1937, dans une famille protestante, plutôt socialiste, d’une mère sage-femme et d’un père instituteur militant à la SFIO. Pendant la Seconde guerre mondiale, la Gestapo perquisitionne chez eux à la recherche de tracts, qu’elle ne trouve pas. Pendant le conflit, les Jospin hébergent aussi le directeur d’un mouvement de résistance et un juif allemand. » | Florent Buisson | lundi 23 mars 2026
Jusqu’à la fin de sa vie, Lionel Jospin, qui vient de s’éteindre à 88 ans, a noirci des pages et des pages avec minutie, travaillant chaque intervention publique, de plus en plus rare, chaque interview, devenant un événement, comme s’il revivait la préparation de son discours de politique générale prononcé au Palais Bourbon. Ce jour-là, en juin 1997, le nouveau Premier ministre avait martelé à plusieurs reprises devant les députés le mot « exigence ». Celle qu’il s’appliquait encore au soir de son existence. « Ça en était presque touchant », confiait récemment son directeur de campagne lors de l’élection présidentielle 2002, Jean Glavany.
Lionel Jospin naît en région parisienne en 1937, dans une famille protestante, plutôt socialiste, d’une mère sage-femme et d’un père instituteur militant à la SFIO. Pendant la Seconde guerre mondiale, la Gestapo perquisitionne chez eux à la recherche de tracts, qu’elle ne trouve pas. Pendant le conflit, les Jospin hébergent aussi le directeur d’un mouvement de résistance et un juif allemand. » | Florent Buisson | lundi 23 mars 2026
Chas Freeman: Trump Back Down - Armageddon Postponed?
Hongrie : le ministre des Affaires étrangères soupçonné d’avoir partagé des informations sensibles à la Russie
LE FIGARO : Selon le Washington Post, Peter Szijjarto a régulièrement appelé son homologue russe, Sergueï Lavrov, pour lui fournir «des comptes rendus directs de ce qui a été discuté» lors des Conseils de l’UE.
Le premier ministre hongrois Viktor Orbán a dénoncé lundi « la mise sur écoute d'un membre du gouvernement » après des informations du Washington Post selon lesquelles le ministre des Affaires étrangères Peter Szijjarto aurait transmis aux Russes des informations sur des négociations de l'Union européenne. « L'écoute d'un membre du gouvernement est une attaque grave contre la Hongrie », a-t-il déclaré dans un message sur Facebook, ajoutant avoir demandé au ministre de la Justice d'enquêter.
Selon le Washington Post samedi, citant plusieurs responsables européens de la sécurité, en poste ou anciens, Peter Szijjarto aurait régulièrement appelé pendant les pauses des réunions du Conseil de l'UE son homologue russe, Sergueï Lavrov, pour lui fournir « des comptes rendus directs de ce qui a été discuté » ainsi que des pistes de solutions possibles. L'article du Post ne mentionne cependant nulle part que Peter Szijjarto aurait été mis sur écoute. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 23 mars 2026
Le premier ministre hongrois Viktor Orbán a dénoncé lundi « la mise sur écoute d'un membre du gouvernement » après des informations du Washington Post selon lesquelles le ministre des Affaires étrangères Peter Szijjarto aurait transmis aux Russes des informations sur des négociations de l'Union européenne. « L'écoute d'un membre du gouvernement est une attaque grave contre la Hongrie », a-t-il déclaré dans un message sur Facebook, ajoutant avoir demandé au ministre de la Justice d'enquêter.
Selon le Washington Post samedi, citant plusieurs responsables européens de la sécurité, en poste ou anciens, Peter Szijjarto aurait régulièrement appelé pendant les pauses des réunions du Conseil de l'UE son homologue russe, Sergueï Lavrov, pour lui fournir « des comptes rendus directs de ce qui a été discuté » ainsi que des pistes de solutions possibles. L'article du Post ne mentionne cependant nulle part que Peter Szijjarto aurait été mis sur écoute. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 23 mars 2026
Trump Miscalculated on Iran & ‘Needs to Stop’ Right Now | Former US Diplomat
The BBC’s First Homosexual - Lost BBC Documentary on Homosexuality Brought to Life in New Film
Mar 18, 2026 | While exploring the BBC’s written archives for research on the Beatles, an unexpected discovery revealed a hidden chapter of history. A file titled “Sexual Offences 1953–1954” opened a window into the BBC’s internal debates about homosexuality in the early 1950s, how it was understood, discussed, and ultimately suppressed.
At a time when information on homosexuality was scarce, the BBC considered producing a groundbreaking program on the subject. Despite internal support, the broadcast was vetoed by Director-General Ian Jacob, leaving this story buried for decades.
This forgotten history inspired The BBC’s First Homosexual, a powerful stage production that explores the corporation’s attempt to document male homosexuality and its wider social impact. Blending fact with fiction, playwright Stephen Hornby weaves together the real struggles behind the broadcast with a moving story of a young man coming to terms with his identity in 1950s Britain.
Now concluding its UK tour at the Sir Robert Martin Theatre, the production has resonated deeply with audiences. Viewers have reflected on how attitudes have changed over time, while also drawing parallels with the continued challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities around the world. With moving performances and powerful storytelling, this production highlights both how far society has come, and how much further there is to go.
BBC: The BBC's First Homosexual: How we made 1950s work into a play: In 1957, the BBC broadcast its first radio documentary about gay men. The Homosexual Condition had taken three years to come to air, amid a climate of considerable oppression in which you could still be imprisoned for being gay. / The documentary was later lost but, following the efforts of a Leicestershire academic and an award-winning writer, a play named The BBC's First Homosexual has been created about it which is having its first performance on Thursday. The people behind it explain the challenges they faced along the way. »
At a time when information on homosexuality was scarce, the BBC considered producing a groundbreaking program on the subject. Despite internal support, the broadcast was vetoed by Director-General Ian Jacob, leaving this story buried for decades.
This forgotten history inspired The BBC’s First Homosexual, a powerful stage production that explores the corporation’s attempt to document male homosexuality and its wider social impact. Blending fact with fiction, playwright Stephen Hornby weaves together the real struggles behind the broadcast with a moving story of a young man coming to terms with his identity in 1950s Britain.
Now concluding its UK tour at the Sir Robert Martin Theatre, the production has resonated deeply with audiences. Viewers have reflected on how attitudes have changed over time, while also drawing parallels with the continued challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities around the world. With moving performances and powerful storytelling, this production highlights both how far society has come, and how much further there is to go.
BBC: The BBC's First Homosexual: How we made 1950s work into a play: In 1957, the BBC broadcast its first radio documentary about gay men. The Homosexual Condition had taken three years to come to air, amid a climate of considerable oppression in which you could still be imprisoned for being gay. / The documentary was later lost but, following the efforts of a Leicestershire academic and an award-winning writer, a play named The BBC's First Homosexual has been created about it which is having its first performance on Thursday. The people behind it explain the challenges they faced along the way. »
Trump Went to War Being 'Badly Misled' by His Son-In-Law | Andrew Neil
Mar 23, 2026 | "He went to war on an entirely false assumption. Badly briefed, badly misled by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner."
Times Radio presenter Andrew Neil says the US has two choices in the conflict against Iran - either slink away or escalate with no guarantee of success.
Trump is destroying the West with this ridiculous and illegal war on Iran and the Iranians. — © Mark Alexander
Times Radio presenter Andrew Neil says the US has two choices in the conflict against Iran - either slink away or escalate with no guarantee of success.
Trump is destroying the West with this ridiculous and illegal war on Iran and the Iranians. — © Mark Alexander
The US Is Losing Until Iran's Closure of Strait of Hormuz Ends | General Sir Richard Shirreff
Mar 23, 2026 | "It can end in two ways. One is the Americans and the Israelis recognise that this is going nowhere, that they have culminated despite this ferocious bombing campaign."
In order for the US to achieve regime change, they would have to "escalate and this turns into a ground war, which would be an absolute catastrophe", says former deputy Nato supreme allied commander General Sir Richard Shirreff.
In order for the US to achieve regime change, they would have to "escalate and this turns into a ground war, which would be an absolute catastrophe", says former deputy Nato supreme allied commander General Sir Richard Shirreff.
David A Graham on Trump’s Plan to Subvert the Midterms, the SAVE Act and Iran
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
‘An Attack on Us All’: Govt Reacts to Arson Attack on Jewish Volunteer Ambulances
Mar 23, 2026 | "It's a deeply shocking incident.”
Minister Matthew Pennycook gives the first government reaction to the arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer service Hatzalah in Golders Green.
Minister Matthew Pennycook gives the first government reaction to the arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer service Hatzalah in Golders Green.
Steve Rosenberg: Surprising Criticism of Russian Authorities in Mainstream Russian Newspaper
Stock Markets Plunge after Trump’s Ultimatum on Iran
THE GUARDIAN: Stocks slump in Asia and Europe, gold slides and investors brace for higher oil prices after US president’s threat
Global stock markets dropped sharply on Monday after Donald Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants unless the strait of Hormuz is opened.
Stock markets in Asia and Europe slumped at the start of the week. Japan’s Nikkei share index dropping by 3.4%, China’s CSI 300 down 2.8%, and the South Korean Kospi fell 6.5%.
In Europe, Spain’s Ibex was off 1.9%, France’s CAC 40 index declined 1.5%, Germany’s Dax dropped 1.9% and the FTSE 100 fell nearly 1.5%.
The US president said on Saturday that he was giving Iran 48 hours – until shortly before midnight GMT on Monday – to open the strait, which carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Tehran has said it will “irreversibly destroy” essential infrastructure across the Middle East, including vital water systems, if the US follows through on Trump’s threat. » | Lauren Almeida | Monday, March 23, 2026
Global stock markets dropped sharply on Monday after Donald Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants unless the strait of Hormuz is opened.
Stock markets in Asia and Europe slumped at the start of the week. Japan’s Nikkei share index dropping by 3.4%, China’s CSI 300 down 2.8%, and the South Korean Kospi fell 6.5%.
In Europe, Spain’s Ibex was off 1.9%, France’s CAC 40 index declined 1.5%, Germany’s Dax dropped 1.9% and the FTSE 100 fell nearly 1.5%.
The US president said on Saturday that he was giving Iran 48 hours – until shortly before midnight GMT on Monday – to open the strait, which carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Tehran has said it will “irreversibly destroy” essential infrastructure across the Middle East, including vital water systems, if the US follows through on Trump’s threat. » | Lauren Almeida | Monday, March 23, 2026
Trump Is in a Mess of His Own Making. There Is Only One Way Out
THE TELEGRAPH: Iran’s leaders will not be threatened into relaxing their hold on the Strait of Hormuz. The president will have to break it for them
It cannot have been part of America’s plan that on day 23 of this war, Donald Trump should still be issuing furious threats and ultimatums to Iran’s regime.
By now, he must have believed that the Islamic Republic would either have been overthrown or so bludgeoned by American and Israeli firepower that its surviving leaders would be imploring him for terms.
Instead, the reality is closer to being the other way round. Incredibly, it is Mr Trump who now finds himself making ever more fevered demands for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The reason why he has landed himself in this invidious position is that his administration failed to foresee the blindingly obvious: that Iran’s regime, once backed into a corner and compelled to fight for its life, would retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz and firing missiles at America’s allies in the Gulf.
Why else would Iran have spent decades amassing the biggest arsenal of ballistic missiles in the Middle East?
The commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – now the de facto rulers of Iran – always knew that their greatest strategic asset was the power given to them by Iran’s geography to, in extremis, wreck the global economy. » | David Blair | Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator | Sunday, March 22, 2026
Trump is an arrogant, incompetent, cruel, and know-nothing president. He should be kicked out of office forthwith. — © Mark Alexander
It cannot have been part of America’s plan that on day 23 of this war, Donald Trump should still be issuing furious threats and ultimatums to Iran’s regime.
By now, he must have believed that the Islamic Republic would either have been overthrown or so bludgeoned by American and Israeli firepower that its surviving leaders would be imploring him for terms.
Instead, the reality is closer to being the other way round. Incredibly, it is Mr Trump who now finds himself making ever more fevered demands for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The reason why he has landed himself in this invidious position is that his administration failed to foresee the blindingly obvious: that Iran’s regime, once backed into a corner and compelled to fight for its life, would retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz and firing missiles at America’s allies in the Gulf.
Why else would Iran have spent decades amassing the biggest arsenal of ballistic missiles in the Middle East?
The commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – now the de facto rulers of Iran – always knew that their greatest strategic asset was the power given to them by Iran’s geography to, in extremis, wreck the global economy. » | David Blair | Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator | Sunday, March 22, 2026
Trump is an arrogant, incompetent, cruel, and know-nothing president. He should be kicked out of office forthwith. — © Mark Alexander
Seyed M. Marandi: Total War - Attacking Nuclear Plants, Desalination & Infrastructure
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Jeffrey Sachs: The Psychotic Iran War | Judaism’s “Chosen People” Problem | This Ends How?
Mar 16, 2026 | In this wide-ranging conversation, economist and public intellectual Jeffrey Sachs discusses the rapidly escalating conflicts shaping today’s world—from the war with Iran and the crisis in the Middle East to the ongoing confrontation in Ukraine.
We explore the deeper forces driving these conflicts, including the role of ideology, religion, and power in shaping modern geopolitics.
Sachs also weighs in on controversial questions surrounding Zionism, debates about the idea of “chosenness” in Judaism, and how religious identity and historical narratives influence political decision-making.
The discussion also touches on elite power networks, intelligence agencies, and lingering questions surrounding figures like Jeffrey Epstein and the shadowy intersections of influence, politics, and global strategy.
Looking back over his extraordinary career advising governments during the economic transitions of Bolivia, Poland, and the former Soviet Union, Sachs reflects on the experiences that shaped his worldview.
Once deeply embedded within the global policy establishment, he explains how decades of witnessing power up close—from Washington to Moscow—gradually led him to question the assumptions and incentives driving today’s foreign policy decisions. The result is a candid conversation about the psychology of power, the ideas that motivate leaders, and why Sachs believes the international system is drifting toward increasingly dangerous confrontations.
We explore the deeper forces driving these conflicts, including the role of ideology, religion, and power in shaping modern geopolitics.
Sachs also weighs in on controversial questions surrounding Zionism, debates about the idea of “chosenness” in Judaism, and how religious identity and historical narratives influence political decision-making.
The discussion also touches on elite power networks, intelligence agencies, and lingering questions surrounding figures like Jeffrey Epstein and the shadowy intersections of influence, politics, and global strategy.
Looking back over his extraordinary career advising governments during the economic transitions of Bolivia, Poland, and the former Soviet Union, Sachs reflects on the experiences that shaped his worldview.
Once deeply embedded within the global policy establishment, he explains how decades of witnessing power up close—from Washington to Moscow—gradually led him to question the assumptions and incentives driving today’s foreign policy decisions. The result is a candid conversation about the psychology of power, the ideas that motivate leaders, and why Sachs believes the international system is drifting toward increasingly dangerous confrontations.
Why Germany Struggles with National Identity
Mar 22, 2026 | Nationalism in Germany carries a weight it doesn’t in many other countries.
This video explores why German national identity remains so fragile and why this issue can no longer be ignored.
This video explores why German national identity remains so fragile and why this issue can no longer be ignored.
Joe Kent: Why Trump Went to War
Mar 21, 2026 | UnHerd's Freddie Sayers speaks with Joe Kent, the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, in his first international interview since his resignation from the Trump administration.
A highly decorated Green Beret and CIA veteran, Kent became the most senior official to step down in protest of the ongoing war in Iran, which he describes as a ‘quagmire’ driven by external pressure rather than national interest.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Kent alleges that the U.S. was misled into the conflict by the Israel lobby, shares personal reflections on the death of his wife in a ‘manufactured’ war, and raises questions about the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
A highly decorated Green Beret and CIA veteran, Kent became the most senior official to step down in protest of the ongoing war in Iran, which he describes as a ‘quagmire’ driven by external pressure rather than national interest.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Kent alleges that the U.S. was misled into the conflict by the Israel lobby, shares personal reflections on the death of his wife in a ‘manufactured’ war, and raises questions about the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Trump Mocks Death of Robert Mueller & Exposes Free Speech Hypocrisy!
Very strong language alert!
Trump Threatens to ‘Obliterate’ Iran Power Plants over Strait of Hormuz
Cuba Prepares for US Military Action
THE TELEGRAPH: Deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío says it would be ‘naive’ to ignore the possibility of conflict
Cuba is preparing for possible military aggression from the US, one of the island’s leading diplomats has said.
The two countries have been in talks for weeks as an oil blockade of Cuba has caused one of the worst energy crises on the island in decades.
But in recent days, Donald Trump and senior administration officials have ramped up their rhetoric about hopes of seeing a change of government, with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, saying on Tuesday that Cuba needed “new people in charge”.
Speaking to reporters this week, Mr Trump said he believed he would have “the honour of taking Cuba”.
Asked what he meant by “taking” the country, he said: “Whether I free it, take it - I think I can do anything I want with it.”
Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, told NBC in an interview aired on Sunday that it would be “naive” for the country’s leaders to ignore the possibility of conflict with the US.
“Our military is always prepared. And in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression,” he said.
“Our military is always prepared. And in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression,” he said. » | Ben Stockton | Sunday, March 22, 2026
Cuba is preparing for possible military aggression from the US, one of the island’s leading diplomats has said.
The two countries have been in talks for weeks as an oil blockade of Cuba has caused one of the worst energy crises on the island in decades.
But in recent days, Donald Trump and senior administration officials have ramped up their rhetoric about hopes of seeing a change of government, with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, saying on Tuesday that Cuba needed “new people in charge”.
Speaking to reporters this week, Mr Trump said he believed he would have “the honour of taking Cuba”.
Asked what he meant by “taking” the country, he said: “Whether I free it, take it - I think I can do anything I want with it.”
Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, told NBC in an interview aired on Sunday that it would be “naive” for the country’s leaders to ignore the possibility of conflict with the US.
“Our military is always prepared. And in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression,” he said.
“Our military is always prepared. And in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression,” he said. » | Ben Stockton | Sunday, March 22, 2026
“Strait of Hormuz Will Be Closed Completely!” Iran Warns After US Threat | APT
Mar 22, 2026 | Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned of severe retaliation if U.S. threats against Iran’s energy infrastructure are carried out.
He said Iran could fully close the Strait of Hormuz and target energy, power, and IT infrastructure linked to Israel and U.S. interests across the region.
Zolfaghari stated that facilities in countries hosting American bases could also become targets. Emphasising Iran’s readiness, he said any attack would trigger a broad response aimed at American economic interests. He added that Iran does not seek war but will act decisively to defend its national interests.
He said Iran could fully close the Strait of Hormuz and target energy, power, and IT infrastructure linked to Israel and U.S. interests across the region.
Zolfaghari stated that facilities in countries hosting American bases could also become targets. Emphasising Iran’s readiness, he said any attack would trigger a broad response aimed at American economic interests. He added that Iran does not seek war but will act decisively to defend its national interests.
Strait of Hormuz Open, Except for US and Its Allies
China Has a Ten-year Strategy; the US Has None amid Deep Political Division
Donald Trump Warned Against ‘Last Option’ of Iran Power Plant Strikes | Sir Robin Niblett
Mar 22, 2026 | “He does not want this to go as far as it would go if he were to obliterate Iran’s power plants.”
Trump threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants may trigger severe retaliation across the Gulf and global economy - making it a step even Trump likely wants to avoid, says foreign affairs expert and former director of Chatham House Sir Robin Niblett.
Trump threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants may trigger severe retaliation across the Gulf and global economy - making it a step even Trump likely wants to avoid, says foreign affairs expert and former director of Chatham House Sir Robin Niblett.
L’Iran fait peser une menace cataclysmique sur l’accès à l’eau douce des pays du Golfe
LE FIGARO : La mise hors service des sites de dessalement d’eau des pays du Golfe serait dramatique pour les habitants de la région désertique.
Les quelque 9 millions d’habitants de Riyad devront-ils abandonner en urgence la capitale saoudienne brusquement privée d’eau ? À Doha, au Qatar, la population doit-elle redouter la mort ou des maladies par manque d’eau potable ?
C’est la menace que brandit désormais Téhéran. Donald Trump a averti qu’il frapperait les centrales électriques iraniennes si le pays n’ouvrait pas le détroit d’Ormuz dans les 48 heures. L’Iran a riposté qu’il attaquerait alors les infrastructures énergétiques et « vitales » de la région, en particulier les installations de dessalement. Le président du Parlement iranien, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a averti sur X que ces infrastructures pourraient être « irrémédiablement détruites ».
Quelques installations de dessalement ont déjà été touchées, sur l’île iranienne de Qechm près du détroit d’Ormuz, où le site a été visé par les États-Unis, affirme Téhéran ; et dans l’État insulaire de Bahreïn. Les dommages sont restreints, pour l’instant. Mais, l’envoi par l’Iran de quelques missiles ou drones ciblant précisément les grands sites de fabrication d’eau potable de ses voisins, créerait une situation dramatique. » | Par Armelle Bohineust | dimanche 22 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Related.
Les quelque 9 millions d’habitants de Riyad devront-ils abandonner en urgence la capitale saoudienne brusquement privée d’eau ? À Doha, au Qatar, la population doit-elle redouter la mort ou des maladies par manque d’eau potable ?
C’est la menace que brandit désormais Téhéran. Donald Trump a averti qu’il frapperait les centrales électriques iraniennes si le pays n’ouvrait pas le détroit d’Ormuz dans les 48 heures. L’Iran a riposté qu’il attaquerait alors les infrastructures énergétiques et « vitales » de la région, en particulier les installations de dessalement. Le président du Parlement iranien, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a averti sur X que ces infrastructures pourraient être « irrémédiablement détruites ».
Quelques installations de dessalement ont déjà été touchées, sur l’île iranienne de Qechm près du détroit d’Ormuz, où le site a été visé par les États-Unis, affirme Téhéran ; et dans l’État insulaire de Bahreïn. Les dommages sont restreints, pour l’instant. Mais, l’envoi par l’Iran de quelques missiles ou drones ciblant précisément les grands sites de fabrication d’eau potable de ses voisins, créerait une situation dramatique. » | Par Armelle Bohineust | dimanche 22 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Related.
Tehran Is Defiant After Trump Threatens Power Plants
THE NEW YORK TIMES: President Trump said that he would “obliterate” Iran’s electricity plants if it did not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iran dismissed the ultimatum as its missiles hit southern Israel, including near the country’s main nuclear research center.
Fresh threats between Iran and the United States to attack critical civilian infrastructure risked imperiling millions of people across the Middle East, as President Trump warned that he could target Iranian power plants and Tehran vowed that such attacks would lead to retaliation against vital energy and water facilities.
Iran dismissed Mr. Trump’s ultimatum that if the Strait of Hormuz — the vital oil shipping route choked off by Iranian strikes — were not fully reopened by Monday night, the United States would strike Iranian power plants. Tehran said the strait would be “completely closed” if its energy infrastructure were attacked, as it launched new missile attacks on Israeli cities.
Iranian missiles hit Dimona, a city eight miles away from Israel’s main nuclear facility, and the nearby city of Arad on Saturday night. More than 10 people were seriously injured and dozens more sustained minor injuries, underscoring Tehran’s ability to inflict damage despite three weeks of devastating airstrikes by the United States and Israel. More than 2,000 people have been killed across the region, mostly in Iran.
The escalating threats to attack key infrastructure increased the potential for civilian danger as the war entered its fourth week.
Just days after he warned Israel against targeting Iranian energy sites to avoid an escalating cycle of counter-strikes, Mr. Trump said late Saturday that the United States would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants — which millions of Iranians depend on — within 48 hours if the strait were not reopened.
Ebrahim Zolfaghari, an Iranian military spokesman, vowed that his country would strike infrastructure used by Israel, the United States and American allies — including desalination plants that are a lifeline for much of the Middle East. Iran War Live Updates » | Aaron Boxerman and Pranav Baskar | Sunday, March 22, 2026
Fresh threats between Iran and the United States to attack critical civilian infrastructure risked imperiling millions of people across the Middle East, as President Trump warned that he could target Iranian power plants and Tehran vowed that such attacks would lead to retaliation against vital energy and water facilities.
Iran dismissed Mr. Trump’s ultimatum that if the Strait of Hormuz — the vital oil shipping route choked off by Iranian strikes — were not fully reopened by Monday night, the United States would strike Iranian power plants. Tehran said the strait would be “completely closed” if its energy infrastructure were attacked, as it launched new missile attacks on Israeli cities.
Iranian missiles hit Dimona, a city eight miles away from Israel’s main nuclear facility, and the nearby city of Arad on Saturday night. More than 10 people were seriously injured and dozens more sustained minor injuries, underscoring Tehran’s ability to inflict damage despite three weeks of devastating airstrikes by the United States and Israel. More than 2,000 people have been killed across the region, mostly in Iran.
The escalating threats to attack key infrastructure increased the potential for civilian danger as the war entered its fourth week.
Just days after he warned Israel against targeting Iranian energy sites to avoid an escalating cycle of counter-strikes, Mr. Trump said late Saturday that the United States would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants — which millions of Iranians depend on — within 48 hours if the strait were not reopened.
Ebrahim Zolfaghari, an Iranian military spokesman, vowed that his country would strike infrastructure used by Israel, the United States and American allies — including desalination plants that are a lifeline for much of the Middle East. Iran War Live Updates » | Aaron Boxerman and Pranav Baskar | Sunday, March 22, 2026
The Billionaire Funding France’s Far Right
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Pierre-Édouard Stérin is financing projects to make France less Muslim, more Catholic and more capitalist. He says his program has trained thousands running for municipal office on Sunday.
As France elects thousands of mayors this Sunday, one of the most influential players is not on the ballot.
His name is Pierre-Édouard Stérin. He is a billionaire entrepreneur who left France 14 years ago to pay less tax, but has since spent millions, he said in an interview, to “ensure France doesn’t disappear.”
Inspired, he said, by George Soros’s support for liberal causes, Mr. Stérin has steered money to right-wing think tanks, political training programs, social media influencers and nonprofit groups to shape the country according to his beliefs — anti-immigrant, free-market, less Islamic and more Catholic.
One program funded by Mr. Stérin has, by his count, trained at least 4,000 right-wing candidates in the municipal elections. With the far-right National Rally party projected to potentially win the presidency next year, Mr. Stérin is striving to accelerate France’s rightward shift.
“I dream of a France that is once again economically powerful and a France that rediscovers a sense of values, that embraces its Christian roots,” Mr. Stérin, 52, said.
The France of Mr. Stérin’s dreams would be more capitalistic, socially conservative and Trumpian — and to his critics, racist. It would tolerate little immigration, particularly from Muslim countries that France colonized. Undocumented immigrants who commit crimes or do not work would be deported. Muslim dress would be banned in public, and halal food no longer served in schools.
“I am even further to the right than the far right on immigration,” said Mr. Stérin, who also considers the National Rally’s economic program too “statist.”
Mr. Stérin wants to ban abortion, access to which was enshrined two years ago in the French Constitution; to swell Catholic church attendance; and to encourage more French couples to procreate. Since he funds Christian projects, he said, he hopes he might eventually be canonized as a saint. He disputes the idea that his views on migration clash with those of Pope Leo XIV.
Finally, he would slash the country’s taxes; dismantle the welfare system; privatize education and health care delivery; and end public funding for culture. “I am a fervent supporter of competition,” he said.
The ultimate goal, Mr. Stérin said, is to bring to power a right-wing government that fundamentally changes how the country looks and works. » | Catherine Porter | Catherine Porter, who has covered the French far right for years, interviewed Pierre-Édouard Stérin and several of his former and current employees and associates. | Sunday, March 22, 2026
As France elects thousands of mayors this Sunday, one of the most influential players is not on the ballot.
His name is Pierre-Édouard Stérin. He is a billionaire entrepreneur who left France 14 years ago to pay less tax, but has since spent millions, he said in an interview, to “ensure France doesn’t disappear.”
Inspired, he said, by George Soros’s support for liberal causes, Mr. Stérin has steered money to right-wing think tanks, political training programs, social media influencers and nonprofit groups to shape the country according to his beliefs — anti-immigrant, free-market, less Islamic and more Catholic.
One program funded by Mr. Stérin has, by his count, trained at least 4,000 right-wing candidates in the municipal elections. With the far-right National Rally party projected to potentially win the presidency next year, Mr. Stérin is striving to accelerate France’s rightward shift.
“I dream of a France that is once again economically powerful and a France that rediscovers a sense of values, that embraces its Christian roots,” Mr. Stérin, 52, said.
The France of Mr. Stérin’s dreams would be more capitalistic, socially conservative and Trumpian — and to his critics, racist. It would tolerate little immigration, particularly from Muslim countries that France colonized. Undocumented immigrants who commit crimes or do not work would be deported. Muslim dress would be banned in public, and halal food no longer served in schools.
“I am even further to the right than the far right on immigration,” said Mr. Stérin, who also considers the National Rally’s economic program too “statist.”
Mr. Stérin wants to ban abortion, access to which was enshrined two years ago in the French Constitution; to swell Catholic church attendance; and to encourage more French couples to procreate. Since he funds Christian projects, he said, he hopes he might eventually be canonized as a saint. He disputes the idea that his views on migration clash with those of Pope Leo XIV.
Finally, he would slash the country’s taxes; dismantle the welfare system; privatize education and health care delivery; and end public funding for culture. “I am a fervent supporter of competition,” he said.
The ultimate goal, Mr. Stérin said, is to bring to power a right-wing government that fundamentally changes how the country looks and works. » | Catherine Porter | Catherine Porter, who has covered the French far right for years, interviewed Pierre-Édouard Stérin and several of his former and current employees and associates. | Sunday, March 22, 2026
Secretive Tech Mogul Peter Thiel Brings His Antichrist Lectures to the Vatican's Doorstep | DW News
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