Saturday, March 28, 2026
Kharg Island
Gulf Countries Warn of Rising Threat from Iran-backed Militias and Proxies
THE GUARDIAN: Fears grow that Tehran may start activating sleeper cells across Middle East as part of war with US and Israel
Gulf countries have raised concerns over the prospect of attacks by Iran-backed militias and proxy armed groups in the region, which they fear could destabilise their regimes and escalate the war in the Middle East.
In a joint statement this week, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned Iranian attacks on their soil, both as strikes carried out directly from Iran and “through their proxies and armed factions they support in the region”.
On Wednesday, Kuwait said it had foiled a plot to kill state leaders, and arrested six suspects believed to be associated with Iran’s most powerful proxy group, Hezbollah.
For decades, Iran has used proxy militias as a pillar of its foreign and security policy, as a means to export its revolution, expand its regional influence and destabilise enemy countries. The most prominent examples are Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen but other brutal and influential Iran-backed militias also operate in Iraq and Syria.
On Friday, the Houthis confirmed they had launched a missile strike on Israel, the first time the proxy group have admitted involvement in the war in Middle East. » | Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Dubai | Saturday, March 28, 2026
Gulf countries have raised concerns over the prospect of attacks by Iran-backed militias and proxy armed groups in the region, which they fear could destabilise their regimes and escalate the war in the Middle East.
In a joint statement this week, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned Iranian attacks on their soil, both as strikes carried out directly from Iran and “through their proxies and armed factions they support in the region”.
On Wednesday, Kuwait said it had foiled a plot to kill state leaders, and arrested six suspects believed to be associated with Iran’s most powerful proxy group, Hezbollah.
For decades, Iran has used proxy militias as a pillar of its foreign and security policy, as a means to export its revolution, expand its regional influence and destabilise enemy countries. The most prominent examples are Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen but other brutal and influential Iran-backed militias also operate in Iraq and Syria.
On Friday, the Houthis confirmed they had launched a missile strike on Israel, the first time the proxy group have admitted involvement in the war in Middle East. » | Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Dubai | Saturday, March 28, 2026
Lawrence Wilkerson: Israel May Cease to Exist & Launch Nuclear Strike
Rob Groves: Who's Really Bankrolling Reform UK?
Mar 28, 2026 | The government has moved to ban cryptocurrency donations to UK political parties and cap overseas donations at £100,000 a year.
On the face of it, that's a victory for democracy. But dig a little deeper and this story is really about one man: Nigel Farage, and the £12 million pumped into his Reform UK by a Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire.
This week we follow the money, and ask why Farage has gone so uncharacteristically quiet.
On the face of it, that's a victory for democracy. But dig a little deeper and this story is really about one man: Nigel Farage, and the £12 million pumped into his Reform UK by a Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire.
This week we follow the money, and ask why Farage has gone so uncharacteristically quiet.
Michael Lambert: Nigel Farage: The £1.5m Grifter Who Will NEVER Be PM
Mar 28, 2026 | Nigel Farage finally got into Parliament, but he’s already acting like he’s too good for the job. While his constituents in Clacton are left with a "Ghost MP," Nigel is busy raking in over £1.5 million a year from GB News, Trump-style rallies, and £40 Cameo videos.
In this video,
I break down why Nigel Farage will NEVER be Prime Minister and why his party has become a dumping ground for the political scrapheap. We’re looking at the "Loser’s Gallery" of defectors—from Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick to the has-beens like Nadhim Zahawi, Nadine Dorries, and Jonathan Gullis.
Are they "patriots," or just "deadbeats" looking for their next taxpayer-funded gravy train? From Zia Yusuf’s corporate gloss to James McMurdock’s loan scandals and Rupert Lowe’s ego trips—it’s time to expose the Reform UK grift for what it really is.
The Defector Deadbeats: Why Jenrick, Braverman, and Kruger are political rejects.
The Trump Strategy: Why Nigel is more interested in being a celebrity than a leader.
In this video,
I break down why Nigel Farage will NEVER be Prime Minister and why his party has become a dumping ground for the political scrapheap. We’re looking at the "Loser’s Gallery" of defectors—from Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick to the has-beens like Nadhim Zahawi, Nadine Dorries, and Jonathan Gullis.
Are they "patriots," or just "deadbeats" looking for their next taxpayer-funded gravy train? From Zia Yusuf’s corporate gloss to James McMurdock’s loan scandals and Rupert Lowe’s ego trips—it’s time to expose the Reform UK grift for what it really is.
The Defector Deadbeats: Why Jenrick, Braverman, and Kruger are political rejects.
The Trump Strategy: Why Nigel is more interested in being a celebrity than a leader.
Friday, March 27, 2026
Top German Soldier Warns Russia Threat Is More Urgent Than Ever | BBC News
Mar 27, 2026 | Germany’s most senior soldier has told the BBC that western leaders must “join the dots” on the war in Iran and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, because they can no longer be seen "in separate boxes".
General Carsten Breuer, the head of the Armed Forces also warned that the threat from Russia had never been more urgent.
The General is overseeing a rapid expansion of Germany military might, which is turning the country into the most powerful conventional force in Europe, as our Special Correspondent, Allan Little reports.
General Carsten Breuer, the head of the Armed Forces also warned that the threat from Russia had never been more urgent.
The General is overseeing a rapid expansion of Germany military might, which is turning the country into the most powerful conventional force in Europe, as our Special Correspondent, Allan Little reports.
Steve Schmidt: Trump Is a TOTAL Flop
Trump is such a know-nothing lightweight. He should have stuck with reality TV, or maybe with real estate! If Trump had done that, he would have had far fewer headaches, and so would we! The global economy would have been in a far healthier state, very many people would still be alive, and billions of dollars’ worth of damage in the Middle East would have been avoided. America’s national debt, already alarmingly high, would not be being swollen by the billion by the day, and inflation would not be set to go through the roof. Further, a probable wave of immigrants, people who have been made homeless by the relentless bombings, would not be about to start moving westward, which is now a distinct probability. In short, Trump has done what he always does: Screw everything up! — © Mark Alexander
A War of Regression: How Trump Bombed the US into a Worse Position with Iran
THE GUARDIAN: Analysts fear Iran has played a weak hand well and the US has blundered into a defining strategic failure
Four weeks into a war that was going to take four days, and that has so far cost the US about $30-40bn and Israel $300m a day, Washington is further away from a diplomatic agreement with Iran than it was in May 2025.
Not only has the war failed to persuade Iran to agree to dismantle its nuclear programme in the comprehensive and irreversible way the US demanded in a 15-point paper that it tabled on 23 May last year, Washington is now having to negotiate to reopen the strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has been open ever since the invention of the dhow, with a short exception of a tanker war in the 1980s between Iran and Iraq.
This regression is proving to be perplexing for the American high command. Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defence, recently said that “the only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran shooting at shipping”, but this was not quite right. Iran has not been shooting at shipping that much in recent weeks. Instead, it is the fear of Iran shooting at shipping that is scaring off insurers and tanker owners.
Still worse from the US perspective, Iran has set up a waterside stall whereby prime ministers and tanker owners can bargain with the Iranian navy over the toll they are willing to pay for their tankers to be given “free passage”. Iran plans to turn the strait into a money spinner, just as Egypt charges for access to the Suez canal. By some calculations, given the massive scale of the traffic that passes through the strait each year, Iran could raise $80bn a year. If a law currently being rushed through the Iranian parliament passes, tankers carrying oil from favoured non-hostile nations such as India, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea and China will be waved through or offered cheaper rates. » | Patrick Wintour | Diplomatic editor | Friday, March 27, 2026
Four weeks into a war that was going to take four days, and that has so far cost the US about $30-40bn and Israel $300m a day, Washington is further away from a diplomatic agreement with Iran than it was in May 2025.
Not only has the war failed to persuade Iran to agree to dismantle its nuclear programme in the comprehensive and irreversible way the US demanded in a 15-point paper that it tabled on 23 May last year, Washington is now having to negotiate to reopen the strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has been open ever since the invention of the dhow, with a short exception of a tanker war in the 1980s between Iran and Iraq.
This regression is proving to be perplexing for the American high command. Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defence, recently said that “the only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran shooting at shipping”, but this was not quite right. Iran has not been shooting at shipping that much in recent weeks. Instead, it is the fear of Iran shooting at shipping that is scaring off insurers and tanker owners.
Still worse from the US perspective, Iran has set up a waterside stall whereby prime ministers and tanker owners can bargain with the Iranian navy over the toll they are willing to pay for their tankers to be given “free passage”. Iran plans to turn the strait into a money spinner, just as Egypt charges for access to the Suez canal. By some calculations, given the massive scale of the traffic that passes through the strait each year, Iran could raise $80bn a year. If a law currently being rushed through the Iranian parliament passes, tankers carrying oil from favoured non-hostile nations such as India, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea and China will be waved through or offered cheaper rates. » | Patrick Wintour | Diplomatic editor | Friday, March 27, 2026
Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15: I. Maestoso · Maurizio Pollini · Berliner Philharmoniker · Claudio Abbado
Being Gay in Saudi Arabia: The Hidden Truth No One Talks About
Aug 25, 2025 | Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world with futuristic cities, luxury resorts, and ambitious visions of modernization. But behind the glossy image lies a stark reality: for LGBTQ+ people, Saudi Arabia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world.
In this video, Truth Travels dives deep into what it means to be gay in Saudi Arabia. From strict laws based on Sharia, to social pressures, underground LGBTQ+ communities, and the risks faced by both locals and travellers, we uncover the truth about life in the kingdom.
In this video, Truth Travels dives deep into what it means to be gay in Saudi Arabia. From strict laws based on Sharia, to social pressures, underground LGBTQ+ communities, and the risks faced by both locals and travellers, we uncover the truth about life in the kingdom.
Trump Has 'No Idea' What He’s Gotten into on Iran | David Cay Johnston
Target Tehran: Civilians under Fire - BBC World Service Documentaries
"Quagmire": Jeremy Scahill on Iran War, Strait of Hormuz, Market Manipulation & More
Drop Site News.
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
« Nous voulons des alliés fiers de leur culture » : Marco Rubio, émissaire de l’Amérique qui aime encore l’Europe à condition qu’elle change
LE FIGARO : ANALYSE - Le secrétaire d’État américain est arrivé à Paris pour le sommet du G7. Depuis un an, il incarne le messager d’une Amérique souhaitant réaffirmer l’alliance transatlantique, mais tout en la soumettant à certaines conditions redéfinies bon gré mal gré par Donald Trump.
Dans une histoire d’amour, mieux vaut savoir lire entre les lignes. Surtout avec Donald Trump. Après plus d’un an de mandat d’un président qui aura bousculé, chahuté, brusqué et parfois humilié ses alliés, certains au centre de son administration ou parmi ses anciens alliés ont à cœur de faire dire à l’Amérique ces mots doux que l’Europe (et ses 450 millions de citoyens consommateurs de produits américains) aime tant entendre. Marco Rubio, attendu aux Vaux-de-Cernay pour rencontrer ses homologues européens rassemblés autour de Jean-Noël Barrot pour évoquer les nombreuses crises géopolitiques actuelles, est l’un d’entre eux.
Difficile d’imaginer qu’il apporte de grandes concessions sur les ambitions du président américain qui semble continuer de vouloir mener une guerre qu’il a pourtant annoncé avoir déjà gagné le 11 mars dernier. Mais à l’heure où les relations entre les États-Unis et l’Europe sont en pleine reconfiguration, et où certains l’évoquent comme potentiel successeur à Donald Trump, il est bon de savoir qui est Marco Rubio et de quelle Amérique il se fait l’émissaire. » | Par Vincent Jolly, pour Le Figaro Magazine | vendredi 27 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Dans une histoire d’amour, mieux vaut savoir lire entre les lignes. Surtout avec Donald Trump. Après plus d’un an de mandat d’un président qui aura bousculé, chahuté, brusqué et parfois humilié ses alliés, certains au centre de son administration ou parmi ses anciens alliés ont à cœur de faire dire à l’Amérique ces mots doux que l’Europe (et ses 450 millions de citoyens consommateurs de produits américains) aime tant entendre. Marco Rubio, attendu aux Vaux-de-Cernay pour rencontrer ses homologues européens rassemblés autour de Jean-Noël Barrot pour évoquer les nombreuses crises géopolitiques actuelles, est l’un d’entre eux.
Difficile d’imaginer qu’il apporte de grandes concessions sur les ambitions du président américain qui semble continuer de vouloir mener une guerre qu’il a pourtant annoncé avoir déjà gagné le 11 mars dernier. Mais à l’heure où les relations entre les États-Unis et l’Europe sont en pleine reconfiguration, et où certains l’évoquent comme potentiel successeur à Donald Trump, il est bon de savoir qui est Marco Rubio et de quelle Amérique il se fait l’émissaire. » | Par Vincent Jolly, pour Le Figaro Magazine | vendredi 27 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Breaking: US Plans Weekend Iran Invasion. Devastating Consequences | Amb. Chas Freeman
Mar 27, 2026 | Donald Trump seems to think that "signalling de-escalation" by announcing that hits on Iranian gas facilities have been further suspended until April 6 would lull Iran into believing they are safe for now.
But we know that the US is finishing its troop amassment in the region. The logical conclusion: the US is planning another sneak attack over a weekend with the hope that once markets are closed the troops would have two days to capture either some important economic infrastructure that will calm the oil traders or even create the fundament for gaining control over the Strait of Hormuz. What a folly!
I'm discussing today with Ambassador Chas Freeman, a former top official in the Department of Defence and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
But we know that the US is finishing its troop amassment in the region. The logical conclusion: the US is planning another sneak attack over a weekend with the hope that once markets are closed the troops would have two days to capture either some important economic infrastructure that will calm the oil traders or even create the fundament for gaining control over the Strait of Hormuz. What a folly!
I'm discussing today with Ambassador Chas Freeman, a former top official in the Department of Defence and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
5 STARS 🌟 Ina Garten's Lemon Parmesan Chicken | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network
Ukraine Signs Deal with Saudi Arabia Offering Drone Expertise
BBC: President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to share its drone defence expertise and technology.
Zelensky said Saudi Arabia was facing the same type of ballistic missile and drone attacks from Iran that Ukraine had been resisting for more than four years from Russia.
"We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives," he said in a post on X.
Ahead of a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Zelensky posted that the defence deal laid the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation and investment.
"Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial," the Ukrainian president added.
Zelensky said he had also discussed with Mohammed bin Salman reports that Russia was assisting Iran's regime, as well as developments in the fuel market and energy co-operation.
On Thursday, in a video message to the Joint Expeditionary Force, a security alliance which held a summit meeting in Helsinki, Zelensky said: "The key is not only producing new weapons - especially drones - not just technology, but also real experience in using it, and integrating it with radars, aviation, and other air defence systems. We have this experience," he added.
Zelensky said that in exchange he would be looking for assistance in defending Ukraine against the ongoing Russian invasion. » | Vitaly Shevchenko | Reporting from Kyiv | Thursday, March 26, 2026
Zelensky said Saudi Arabia was facing the same type of ballistic missile and drone attacks from Iran that Ukraine had been resisting for more than four years from Russia.
"We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives," he said in a post on X.
Ahead of a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Zelensky posted that the defence deal laid the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation and investment.
"Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial," the Ukrainian president added.
Zelensky said he had also discussed with Mohammed bin Salman reports that Russia was assisting Iran's regime, as well as developments in the fuel market and energy co-operation.
On Thursday, in a video message to the Joint Expeditionary Force, a security alliance which held a summit meeting in Helsinki, Zelensky said: "The key is not only producing new weapons - especially drones - not just technology, but also real experience in using it, and integrating it with radars, aviation, and other air defence systems. We have this experience," he added.
Zelensky said that in exchange he would be looking for assistance in defending Ukraine against the ongoing Russian invasion. » | Vitaly Shevchenko | Reporting from Kyiv | Thursday, March 26, 2026
Israel droht mit Ausweitung der Angriffe in Iran
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Während es aus den USA Signale für eine mögliche Verständigung mit Iran gibt, kündigt Israels Verteidigungsminister eine Ausweitung der israelischen Angriffe in Iran an. Grund sei der andauernde Raketenbeschuss aus dem Land auf Israel, teilte Israel Katz nach Angaben seines Büros mit.
Israels Armee werde deshalb ihre Angriffe „eskalieren“ und mehr Ziele und Gebiete in Iran ins Visier nehmen. Im Fokus sollen demnach Ziele in Verbindung mit iranischen Waffen stehen.
Ministerpräsident Benjamin Netanjahu und er hätten Teheran dazu aufgefordert, Raketenangriffe auf Israels Zivilbevölkerung einzustellen, sagte Katz. Aber trotz der Warnungen gehe der Beschuss weiter. Am frühen Nachmittag hatte es in Israel abermals Raketenbeschuss aus dem Iran gegeben. Berichte über Schäden oder Opfer gab es zunächst nicht. Weiter lesen » | Franca Wittenbrink | Freitag, 27. März 2026
Israels Armee werde deshalb ihre Angriffe „eskalieren“ und mehr Ziele und Gebiete in Iran ins Visier nehmen. Im Fokus sollen demnach Ziele in Verbindung mit iranischen Waffen stehen.
Ministerpräsident Benjamin Netanjahu und er hätten Teheran dazu aufgefordert, Raketenangriffe auf Israels Zivilbevölkerung einzustellen, sagte Katz. Aber trotz der Warnungen gehe der Beschuss weiter. Am frühen Nachmittag hatte es in Israel abermals Raketenbeschuss aus dem Iran gegeben. Berichte über Schäden oder Opfer gab es zunächst nicht. Weiter lesen » | Franca Wittenbrink | Freitag, 27. März 2026
« Nous devons frapper là où ils se trouvent » : l’Iran menace de cibler les hôtels du Moyen-Orient accueillant des soldats américains
LE FIGARO : Quand des soldats américains « entrent dans un hôtel, alors, de notre point de vue, cet hôtel devient américain », a affirmé jeudi soir à la télévision d’État le porte-parole des forces armées Abolfazl Shekarchi.
L'armée iranienne a prévenu que les hôtels du Moyen-Orient accueillant des militaires américains seraient désormais des cibles dans la guerre menée contre Israël et les États-Unis. Quand des soldats américains « entrent dans un hôtel, alors, de notre point de vue, cet hôtel devient américain », a affirmé jeudi soir à la télévision d'État le porte-parole des forces armées Abolfazl Shekarchi. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | vendredi 27 mars 2026
L'armée iranienne a prévenu que les hôtels du Moyen-Orient accueillant des militaires américains seraient désormais des cibles dans la guerre menée contre Israël et les États-Unis. Quand des soldats américains « entrent dans un hôtel, alors, de notre point de vue, cet hôtel devient américain », a affirmé jeudi soir à la télévision d'État le porte-parole des forces armées Abolfazl Shekarchi. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | vendredi 27 mars 2026
Saudi Arabia Urging US to Ramp Up Iran Attacks, Intelligence Source Confirms
THE GUARDIAN: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is said to view US-Israeli war as ‘historic opportunity’ to remake Middle East
Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | Mohammed bin Salman has urged Trump not to cut short war, according to New York Times report confirmed by a Saudi intelligence source. Photograph: AP
Saudi Arabia has urged the US to ramp up attacks on Iran, a Saudi intelligence source has confirmed, while it is weighing a decision on whether to join the fight directly.
The Saudi source confirmed reporting in the New York Times, which said the kingdom’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has urged Donald Trump not to cut short his war against Iran, and that the US-Israeli campaign represented a “historic opportunity” to remake the Middle East.
The intelligence source said Riyadh was not just calling for the military campaign to be continued, but to be intensified. Trump appeared to confirm the report about the crown prince’s role, telling journalists on Tuesday: “Yeah, he’s a warrior. He’s fighting with us.”
There are no reports of active Saudi military involvement in the nearly four-week-old war so far, but a Saudi political analyst said the kingdom was likely to take that step if current peace efforts led by Pakistan failed.
“What matters now is Iran’s decision,” Mohammed Alhamed, a Saudi geopolitical analyst, said. “If Iran engages seriously, there is still a path to contain escalation. If it rejects the conditions and continues its attacks, the threshold for Saudi action will be crossed.”
Alhamed added that Saudi Arabia “is not reacting impulsively”. » | Julian Borger and Aram Roston in Washington | Friday, March 27, 2026
Wallahi! as a Muslim might say. So much for brotherhood in Islam! Calling in the infidel to fight your brothers and sisters in Islam!
Actually, this should not surprise us. Not at all! This is a clear manifestation of the Sunni-Shia divide in Islam. Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni, though not exclusively. The Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia is home to a significant Shia population, much to the chagrin of the Saudi ruling class. Iran, by contrast, is Shia, though even in Iran, there is a significant Sunni minority, estimated as being between 5 and 10% of the whole population.
Unbeknownst to Trump, he has got himself into a fine pickle with this unnecessary and illegal war, because he has unknowingly enmeshed himself in one of the greatest and most troubling divides in Islam. The distrust and often hatred between Sunnis and Shias goes back centuries and is, in many ways, legendary. It is very much part of the historical narrative. Trump has fallen into the trap. He has become ensnared in a religious and political schism.
This could get ugly. Very ugly! — © Mark Alexander
Saudi Arabia has urged the US to ramp up attacks on Iran, a Saudi intelligence source has confirmed, while it is weighing a decision on whether to join the fight directly.
The Saudi source confirmed reporting in the New York Times, which said the kingdom’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has urged Donald Trump not to cut short his war against Iran, and that the US-Israeli campaign represented a “historic opportunity” to remake the Middle East.
The intelligence source said Riyadh was not just calling for the military campaign to be continued, but to be intensified. Trump appeared to confirm the report about the crown prince’s role, telling journalists on Tuesday: “Yeah, he’s a warrior. He’s fighting with us.”
There are no reports of active Saudi military involvement in the nearly four-week-old war so far, but a Saudi political analyst said the kingdom was likely to take that step if current peace efforts led by Pakistan failed.
“What matters now is Iran’s decision,” Mohammed Alhamed, a Saudi geopolitical analyst, said. “If Iran engages seriously, there is still a path to contain escalation. If it rejects the conditions and continues its attacks, the threshold for Saudi action will be crossed.”
Alhamed added that Saudi Arabia “is not reacting impulsively”. » | Julian Borger and Aram Roston in Washington | Friday, March 27, 2026
Wallahi! as a Muslim might say. So much for brotherhood in Islam! Calling in the infidel to fight your brothers and sisters in Islam!
Actually, this should not surprise us. Not at all! This is a clear manifestation of the Sunni-Shia divide in Islam. Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni, though not exclusively. The Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia is home to a significant Shia population, much to the chagrin of the Saudi ruling class. Iran, by contrast, is Shia, though even in Iran, there is a significant Sunni minority, estimated as being between 5 and 10% of the whole population.
Unbeknownst to Trump, he has got himself into a fine pickle with this unnecessary and illegal war, because he has unknowingly enmeshed himself in one of the greatest and most troubling divides in Islam. The distrust and often hatred between Sunnis and Shias goes back centuries and is, in many ways, legendary. It is very much part of the historical narrative. Trump has fallen into the trap. He has become ensnared in a religious and political schism.
This could get ugly. Very ugly! — © Mark Alexander
Iran War - Ordinary Iranians Reflect on the Conflict and Their Country's Future BBC News
Mar 26, 2026 | Since the start of the Iran War, hearing the views of ordinary Iranians has been difficult. There's a ban on international contact imposed by the authorities, the media is controlled and there are internet blackouts.
But some voices are getting through. Footage and interviews obtained by the BBC gives a rare insight into the experiences of some of those living through the war.
Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Fergal Keane.
But some voices are getting through. Footage and interviews obtained by the BBC gives a rare insight into the experiences of some of those living through the war.
Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Fergal Keane.
Trump Extends Deadline for Iran to Re-open Strait of Hormuz as Stock Markets Fall | BBC News
President Trump has claimed that talks with Iran are “going very well” and he’s said he’s giving its leaders a further 10 days to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, before launching threatened attacks on the country’s energy sites.
In a post on his Truth Social media platform Trump wrote: "As per Iranian Government request... I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days.”
Earlier, the US president said the US would be Iran’s “worst nightmare” if it doesn’t agree to a peace plan. His special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that he has sent a 15-point peace plan to Iran.
Trump said talks with Iran were continuing and claimed it had let some oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “present” to him. Iran has denied that talks to end the war are taking place.
US stocks fell again, adding to steep falls seen since the start of the war.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Gary O’Donoghue, Faisal Islam and James Landale.
In a post on his Truth Social media platform Trump wrote: "As per Iranian Government request... I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days.”
Earlier, the US president said the US would be Iran’s “worst nightmare” if it doesn’t agree to a peace plan. His special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that he has sent a 15-point peace plan to Iran.
Trump said talks with Iran were continuing and claimed it had let some oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “present” to him. Iran has denied that talks to end the war are taking place.
US stocks fell again, adding to steep falls seen since the start of the war.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Gary O’Donoghue, Faisal Islam and James Landale.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Spain’s PM Responds to Trump’s Threats to ‘Cut Off’ Trade | WSJ
„Niemand kann mich stoppen“: Satz von Trump enthüllt seinen wahren Plan für die USA
Pete Hegseth Delivers Violent Sermon at Pentagon Church Service
TW: Extremely strong language alert! Beware!
Trump Says Americans Should Like the War in Iran Because Iranians “Throw Gays Off the Buildings”
LGBTQ NATION: Meanwhile, Trump and his cronies have relentlessly supported people and policies that seek to decimate LGBTQ+ rights.
Donald Trump recently told Americans they should be grateful for the war in Iran because Iranians “throw gays off the buildings” and Americans don’t do that.
Trump made the comment during a conversation earlier this month with MAGA influencer and boxer Jake Paul.
Paul lavished praise on Trump for attacking Iran, telling him it was a “phenomenal” decision.
“I was shocked that so many activists in America didn’t like it,” Paul said, “but meanwhile they’re like, we support women, we want women to have all these rights. Meanwhile, you’re liberating the women of Iran, and then they have an issue with it. I thought that was very confusing.”
Trump then replied with a series of lies: “We support gays, but they throw gays off the buildings… I think I have tremendous support on this. This is something that’s been incredible. I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had now, and it’s not because of this, I think. You know, the economy’s great. You take a little bit of a winding road for a little while, but you have to wipe out the evil. It’s an evil place. They’re evil people.” » | Molly Sprayregen | Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Just imagine the jollity and rejoicing in Iran if Iranians had the opportunity to throw Trump off a building! — © Mark Alexander
Donald Trump recently told Americans they should be grateful for the war in Iran because Iranians “throw gays off the buildings” and Americans don’t do that.
Trump made the comment during a conversation earlier this month with MAGA influencer and boxer Jake Paul.
Paul lavished praise on Trump for attacking Iran, telling him it was a “phenomenal” decision.
“I was shocked that so many activists in America didn’t like it,” Paul said, “but meanwhile they’re like, we support women, we want women to have all these rights. Meanwhile, you’re liberating the women of Iran, and then they have an issue with it. I thought that was very confusing.”
Trump then replied with a series of lies: “We support gays, but they throw gays off the buildings… I think I have tremendous support on this. This is something that’s been incredible. I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had now, and it’s not because of this, I think. You know, the economy’s great. You take a little bit of a winding road for a little while, but you have to wipe out the evil. It’s an evil place. They’re evil people.” » | Molly Sprayregen | Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Just imagine the jollity and rejoicing in Iran if Iranians had the opportunity to throw Trump off a building! — © Mark Alexander
Volodymyr Zelensky en entretien exclusif avec « Le Monde » sur la guerre en Ukraine
Maduro wieder vor Gericht in New York: Trump bringt weitere Anklagen ins Spiel
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Der entmachtete venezolanische Präsident Nicolás Maduro steht erneut vor Gericht in den USA. Donald Trump erhöht parallel den Druck und stellt weitere Anklagen in Aussicht.
Der entmachtete venezolanische Präsident Nicolás Maduro ist am Donnerstag erneut vor einem Bundesgericht in New York City erschienen. Auch seine Ehefrau Cilia Flores nahm an dem Termin in Manhattan teil.
Die Anwälte des Paares beantragten laut US-Medien, die Anklage fallenzulassen. Sie argumentieren, die US-Regierung verhindere, dass Maduro und Flores ihre Verteidigung angemessen finanzieren können. Konkret gehe es demnach um blockierte Vermögenswerte, die mit venezolanischen Staatsstellen verbunden sind. » | Alexander Schmalz | Donnerstag, 26. März 2026
Der entmachtete venezolanische Präsident Nicolás Maduro ist am Donnerstag erneut vor einem Bundesgericht in New York City erschienen. Auch seine Ehefrau Cilia Flores nahm an dem Termin in Manhattan teil.
Die Anwälte des Paares beantragten laut US-Medien, die Anklage fallenzulassen. Sie argumentieren, die US-Regierung verhindere, dass Maduro und Flores ihre Verteidigung angemessen finanzieren können. Konkret gehe es demnach um blockierte Vermögenswerte, die mit venezolanischen Staatsstellen verbunden sind. » | Alexander Schmalz | Donnerstag, 26. März 2026
Iran War Widens Rift between US and Germany | DW News
Global Recession If Oil Price Hits $150, Boss of Financial Giant BlackRock Warns | BBC News
Mar 25, 2026 | If the price of oil hits $150 a barrel it will trigger a global recession, the boss of US financial giant BlackRock has told the BBC.
Larry Fink, who leads the world's largest asset manager, said if Iran "remains a threat" and oil prices stay high it will have "profound implications" for the world economy.
In a wide-ranging exclusive interview, he also denied there was an AI bubble, although he said the new technology meant too many people were pursuing university degrees and not enough doing technical training.
BlackRock is a financial colossus, controlling assets worth $14 trillion (£10.5tn), and is one of the biggest investors in many of the world's largest companies.
Larry Fink, who leads the world's largest asset manager, said if Iran "remains a threat" and oil prices stay high it will have "profound implications" for the world economy.
In a wide-ranging exclusive interview, he also denied there was an AI bubble, although he said the new technology meant too many people were pursuing university degrees and not enough doing technical training.
BlackRock is a financial colossus, controlling assets worth $14 trillion (£10.5tn), and is one of the biggest investors in many of the world's largest companies.
Steve Schmidt: The World Is Stuck in Trump's Web
Léon XIV à Monaco : les raisons d’un voyage inattendu
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Le pape américain se déplace samedi dans la Principauté. Une première historique qui suscite de nombreuses interrogations.
Cette visite a un accent de mystère. Pourquoi Léon XIV se rend à Monaco, en voyage pastoral, ce samedi 28 mars ? La question est sur toutes les lèvres, même au Vatican. Le Prince Albert II a lui-même reconnu dans les colonnes de La Croix sa surprise de voir que le pape, avec qui il partage une connivence culturelle américaine, avait presque immédiatement accepté l’invitation formulée lors d’une audience au Vatican le 17 janvier dernier. « C’est tout simplement extraordinaire. Je ne m’attendais pas à ce que le pape Léon XIV choisisse une date aussi proche de l’invitation que je lui ai présentée », témoigne-t-il. Ce projet de voyage avait été ébauché sous le pontificat de Benoît XVI en 2011, mais il ne s’était pas concrétisé. D’autres invitations avaient été envoyées à François, sans suite. Léon XIV est donc le premier pape à venir fouler le sol du deuxième plus petit État du monde après le Vatican.
Il est vrai que Monaco fait partie du club restreint des pays juridiquement catholiques, au sens strict, avec Malte, le Lichtenstein, Saint-Marin et le Costa Rica. Cette identité religieuse et son statut princier conduiront d’ailleurs le Prince Albert II et toute sa famille à se positionner non loin de l’autel, lors de la messe dans le stade Louis II samedi après-midi, sur le même plan que leur illustre visiteur. Une tradition locale, explique l’abbé Christian Venard, délégué épiscopal à la communication. « Ce sera une particularité de cette messe : on verra le souverain avec ses deux sœurs, son épouse et leurs deux enfants présents sur le podium à côté de l’autel du pape. » Cela peut surprendre, reconnaît ce religieux, mais « notre souverain est un prince catholique. Quand le prince vient assister à la grand-messe solennelle à la cathédrale, il est dans le chœur parce qu’il a un droit de patronage ». » | Par Jean-Marie Guénois | jeudi 26 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Cette visite a un accent de mystère. Pourquoi Léon XIV se rend à Monaco, en voyage pastoral, ce samedi 28 mars ? La question est sur toutes les lèvres, même au Vatican. Le Prince Albert II a lui-même reconnu dans les colonnes de La Croix sa surprise de voir que le pape, avec qui il partage une connivence culturelle américaine, avait presque immédiatement accepté l’invitation formulée lors d’une audience au Vatican le 17 janvier dernier. « C’est tout simplement extraordinaire. Je ne m’attendais pas à ce que le pape Léon XIV choisisse une date aussi proche de l’invitation que je lui ai présentée », témoigne-t-il. Ce projet de voyage avait été ébauché sous le pontificat de Benoît XVI en 2011, mais il ne s’était pas concrétisé. D’autres invitations avaient été envoyées à François, sans suite. Léon XIV est donc le premier pape à venir fouler le sol du deuxième plus petit État du monde après le Vatican.
Il est vrai que Monaco fait partie du club restreint des pays juridiquement catholiques, au sens strict, avec Malte, le Lichtenstein, Saint-Marin et le Costa Rica. Cette identité religieuse et son statut princier conduiront d’ailleurs le Prince Albert II et toute sa famille à se positionner non loin de l’autel, lors de la messe dans le stade Louis II samedi après-midi, sur le même plan que leur illustre visiteur. Une tradition locale, explique l’abbé Christian Venard, délégué épiscopal à la communication. « Ce sera une particularité de cette messe : on verra le souverain avec ses deux sœurs, son épouse et leurs deux enfants présents sur le podium à côté de l’autel du pape. » Cela peut surprendre, reconnaît ce religieux, mais « notre souverain est un prince catholique. Quand le prince vient assister à la grand-messe solennelle à la cathédrale, il est dans le chœur parce qu’il a un droit de patronage ». » | Par Jean-Marie Guénois | jeudi 26 mars 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Why Trump's War Has Made Iran More Dangerous - Interview with Danny Citrinowicz
Mar 26, 2026 | What did Trump and Israel get wrong in their war with Iran, and can the remaining elements of the regime hold out?
We speak to Danny Citrinowicz, the former head of the Iran branch in the Research and Analysis Division in Israel Defense Intelligence and now Senior Researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies.
Citrinowicz says one of Trump's "biggest mistakes" was assuming the regime would fall as soon as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed - when in fact it has left an even more emboldened and radicalised regime in his place.
He says what's left is a series of "bad options" for the US president and Israel.
We speak to Danny Citrinowicz, the former head of the Iran branch in the Research and Analysis Division in Israel Defense Intelligence and now Senior Researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies.
Citrinowicz says one of Trump's "biggest mistakes" was assuming the regime would fall as soon as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed - when in fact it has left an even more emboldened and radicalised regime in his place.
He says what's left is a series of "bad options" for the US president and Israel.
'Trump Lied and Iranians Are Telling the Whole Planet'
I Travelled Venezuela after Maduro’s Capture - Here’s What’s Really Happening | Rare Access
Mar 26, 2026 | On a rare journalist visa, BBC South America Correspondent Ione Wells travels across Venezuela, just weeks after the US military operation that captured President Nicolás Maduro.
In this reporter vlog, Ione explores the reality of a nation in transition - from the streets of Caracas to the coastal state of Sucre. What has actually changed since the US announced it would “run” the country? …
In this reporter vlog, Ione explores the reality of a nation in transition - from the streets of Caracas to the coastal state of Sucre. What has actually changed since the US announced it would “run” the country? …
USA vs. Kuba: Was will Trump?
Richard Wolff: Iran War Destroys Global Economy & US Empire
Donald Trump Surrounded by Sycophants Laps Up Endless Praise
Strong language alert!
Only Americans suffering from softening of the brain would believe the cr** coming out of the mouths of people like Stephen Miller and Kash Patel! — © Mark Alexander
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