Iran Says Its 'Waiting' for US Ground Troops, as More American Marines Arrive in Region | BBC News

Mar 29, 2026 | Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said his country's forces are "waiting for American soldiers to enter on the ground so they can rain fire upon them".

His comments follow the US announcement that about 3,500 personnel have arrived in the region with the warship USS Tripoli.

The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, although it is not clear whether US President Donald Trump will approve them.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the US could achieve its goals in Iran "without any ground troops".

US–Israel Strike Iran: What Comes Next?

Mar 29, 2026 | What lies behind the latest U.S.–Israel escalation against Iran? CGTN's Liu Xin breaks down the strategic, political and legal dimensions, and what this conflict could mean for global stability. Join Liu Xin for a clear-eyed analysis of the US–Israel strikes on Iran and the risk of wider war.

Guests:

Ben Norton, editor-in-chief, Geopolitical Economy Report;
Yin Zhiguang, School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University

Brit in Germany: Why Britain's Story No Longer Holds

Mar 29, 2026 | Many people in Britain say the same thing now: “I feel like a stranger in my own country.”

This video explores why that feeling has become so widespread, and why it isn’t primarily about immigration, culture wars, or political tribes.

Britain is a country historically held together by story rather than systems. But when the economic reality changes and the story doesn’t, coherence starts to break down.

This is an analysis of national identity, economics, culture, and what happens when a country no longer recognises itself, even though life still appears to function.

Rabbi Says 'Netanyahu Is Amalek' and Would '100% Use Nuclear Weapons' | Elhanan Beck | UNAPOLOGETIC

In this episode of UNAPOLOGETIC, Rabbi Elhanan Beck delivers one of the most striking critiques of Zionism and the current Israeli-US wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, you'll hear.

He argues that, according to the Torah, the state of Israel has no right to exist, and goes further—describing Benjamin Netanyahu as “Amalek,” a force that pulls people away from God.

The Rabbi also claims that if necessary, Israel would use nuclear weapons and that “no price is too high,” even suggesting they would kill millions to secure their goals.

We explore the theology behind these views, including the Messiah, the Temple, and the idea of Greater Israel - alongside his belief in Jewish-Muslim coexistence.


It should be well noted that the mere fact that I am posting this video should IN NO WAY be construed as a reflection of my personal views on this subject matter. I post this video for educational purposes, in order to show my visitors that even in the Jewish community and diaspora, views on the existence of the Jewish state—Israel—differ. — © Mark Alexander

Iran and Gaza Are Only the Beginning | Chris Hedges at Princeton

March 27, 2026

Chris Hedges’ independent journalism can be supported here.

Millions Protest Trump's Dictatorship in NOKINGS Rallies across the US on March 28th 2026

Mar 29, 2026 | Millions of people protested against the Trump administration at more than 3,000 “No Kings” events across the United States today at rallies in New York City, Washington DC, Minnesota’s Twin Cities, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, Berlin, Nashville, Dallas, Denver and elsewhere. Photograph: José Luis Magaña/AP


ANTHONY DAVIS/FIVE MINUTE NEWS can be supported on Patreon here.

Iran War Escalates as Yemen's Houthis Attack Israel and Threaten Red Sea | BBC News

March 28, 2026 | Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a wave of missiles and drone strikes against Israel. The group said in a statement that it had targeted "sensitive Israeli military sites" and vowed to continue such attacks. Israel said it had shot down two missiles coming from Yemen.

The entry of the powerful Iranian proxy into the conflict raises fears of further disruption to the world economy as the armed group has capacity to attack shipping in the Red Sea. The vital shipping route is being used by some tankers as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed with strikes on commercial vessels.

Israel said it was prepared for a “multi-front war" and would strike back. In the United States there have been mass protests against the war, but President Trump has insisted the fight will continue against Iran.

Israel’s assault in Southern Lebanon is continuing, with more than 1,100 civilians reported to have been killed there since the start of recent hostilities.
Ben Brown presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Joe Inwood, James Waterhouse and Hugo Bachega.


Bab-el-Mandab »

The Arabic name Bab el Mandab means Gate/Gateway of lamentation/grief/tears. Under the prevailing circumstances of war, this could very well be a very apt name for the strait, methinks! — © Mark Alexander

Full Powerful Speech: “We Don’t Accept Kings!” Bernie Sanders Fires Up Minnesota | DRM News

Mar 28, 2026 | Senator Bernie Sanders delivers a powerful speech at the “No Kings” protest in Minnesota, honoring victims Renee Good and Alex Prey while condemning President Donald Trump’s authoritarian policies. Sanders calls for unity, democracy, and justice, contrasting the vision of solidarity with the dangers of oligarchy and fear.

This is the gentleman who should be the president of the USA! The world would see a very different America evolve if he were the president. Come on, Americans, step up to the plate! If you could find the courage to do so, the world would be a better and safer place for us all to live in. — © Mark Alexander

Ugandas Militärchef droht mit Kriegseintritt an Israels Seite

BERLINER ZEITUNG: General Kainerugaba kündigt auf X militärische Unterstützung für Israel im Nahost-Krieg gegen den Iran an. Aus den USA kommt Kritik.

Ugandas oberster Militärbefehlshaber General Muhoozi Kainerugaba hat in dieser Woche erklärt, sein Land werde in den Nahostkrieg eingreifen, sollte Israel eine Niederlage drohen. „Wir wollen, dass der Krieg im Nahen Osten jetzt endet. Die Welt ist dessen müde. Aber jedes Gerede davon, Israel zu zerstören oder zu besiegen, wird uns in den Krieg bringen – auf der Seite Israels“, schrieb der General auf der Plattform X.

Kainerugaba, der zugleich Sohn des ugandischen Präsidenten Yoweri Museveni ist, setzte in einer Reihe weiterer Beiträge nach. Er bot den USA und Israel die Unterstützung der ugandischen Streitkräfte (Uganda People's Defence Force, UPDF) an. „Wir hätten Teheran in 72 Stunden einnehmen können, ohne zu bombardieren“, behauptete er in einem ebenfalls inzwischen gelöschten Post laut Jerusalem Post, fügte aber hinzu, dass „natürlich niemand auf einen Schwarzen hört“. In einem mittlerweile gelöschten Beitrag erklärte er zudem, eine einzelne UPDF-Brigade würde genügen, um Teheran einzunehmen. Er drohte dem Iran direkt: Sollte Teheran Uganda mit Raketen angreifen, werde man mit eigenen Raketen zurückschlagen. » | Sophie Barkey | Samstag, 28. März 2026

'He Didn't Think He'd Be Kissing My Ass': Trump's Whacky Reference to Saudi Crown Prince MBS

“US President Donald Trump talked about Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman crudely at a recent event. Trump's comments come at a time when the US-Israel war against Iran continues to roil the West Asia region and fan uncertainty in global markets. Speaking at a Saudi-backed investment forum, he said, "He didn't think this was going to happen. He didn't think he'd be kissing my ass. He really didn't."” [Source: THE ECONOMIC TIMES | Saturday, March 28, 2026]

Pope Leo Heads to Monaco 488 Years after the Last Papal Visit

THE GUARDIAN: Decision to choose small, wealthy – but very Catholic – state for first European trip has baffled some Vatican observers

Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | Pope Leo will travel from the Vatican by helicopter for the one-day trip. Photograph: Vatican Pool/Getty Images
Pope Leo will travel to Monaco, the semi-enclave famous for casinos and superyachts, on Saturday on his first European trip since being elected pontiff, causing bemusement among some Vatican observers, not least because it comes 488 years after the last papal visit.

Leo will travel from the Vatican by helicopter for the one-day trip, and will be greeted at Monaco’s heliport by Prince Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene, before being taken to the palace, which has been the residence of the Grimaldi dynasty since the 13th century. It is the first time a pontiff has visited Monaco since Pope Paul III in 1538.

Matteo Bruni, the Vatican’s spokesperson, said Monaco was a “small country with big horizons” and would provide Leo, who was elected as the Catholic church’s first US pope in May last year, with his first opportunity to talk to all of Europe.

Speaking to journalists before the trip, Bruni recalled the biblical image of “the small playing a significant role”, while describing Monaco – the second-smallest state in the world after the Vatican – as a “laboratory of peace” owing to its “responsible” use of wealth and influence. » | Angela Giuffrida in Rome | Saturday, March 28, 2026

Voici un article connexe en français.

Voir aussi : Les images de la visite du pape Léon XIV à Monaco »

Les images marquantes de la visite express du pape Léon XIV à Monaco »

Houthi Forces Enter Iran Conflict with Missile Attacks on Israeli Military Sites

THE GUARDIAN: Escalation represents dangerous spread of war and brings threat of even more damage to the global economy

The US-Israeli war with Iran has expanded with the entry of Houthi forces in Yemen, representing a dangerous spread of the conflict and bringing with it the threat of more damage to the global economy.

Pakistan has said it would host a meeting of Middle Eastern powers on Monday in an effort to find a regional approach to ending the conflict. But the talks, which bring together the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, did not appear to include any of the warring parties, casting further doubt on persistent US claims of diplomatic progress.

Houthi forces, close allies of Iran, said on Saturday they had fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at “sensitive Israeli military sites” and that they would continue military operations until the “aggression” came to an end on all fronts. Israel said it had intercepted one missile originating in Yemen.

Despite US claims to have devastated Iran’s military, Reuters cited intelligence sources as saying Washington could only be certain it had destroyed a third of Iran’s missile and drone arsenal.

US media reported that a missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia wounded at least 12 US soldiers, two of them seriously. Drones also struck Kuwait international airport on Saturday, causing significant damage to its radar system. » | Julian Borger | Senior international correspondent | Saturday, March 28, 2026

Kharg Island

Aug 18, 2025 | Kharg Island, also known as Khark, is a coral island formed in the Persian Gulf. It is located thirty-eight kilometres from Bandar Genabveh, about seventy kilometres west of Bushehr. This historical island is eight kilometres long and four kilometres wide and is positioned in the heart of the sea. Today about eight thousand local people live there.

Activist Confronts US Senator over Cuba

Code Pink avitist speaks her mind.

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

Lawrence Wilkerson: Israel May Cease to Exist & Launch Nuclear Strike

Mar 28, 2026 | Lawrence Wilkerson is a retired Colonel in the US Army and the former Chief of Staff to the US Secretary of State. Colonel Wilkerson discusses why the war against Iran could destroy Israel, and also the consequences if Iran develops a nuclear deterrent.

Tehran: Heavy Bombing Overnight

Watch here.

Trump’s Economy Is Failing; Trump In Denial.

Steve Schmidt explains.

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.

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.

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.

Steve Schmidt: Trump Is a TOTAL Flop

Mar 27, 2026 | Trump's approval is cratering at 36%, the Iran war enters its second month with no end in sight, and gas prices keep climbing while he tells America the economy has never been better. Steve Schmidt delivers his verdict on a week that proves Trump is losing on every front.

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

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15: I. Maestoso · Maurizio Pollini · Berliner Philharmoniker · Claudio Abbado

Jul 30, 2018 | Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group

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.

Trump Has 'No Idea' What He’s Gotten into on Iran | David Cay Johnston

Mar 27, 2026 | On this episode of The Trump Report, Fergus Macphee is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Cay Johnston. They discuss conflicting reports from the US that the President has extended a pause on striking Iranian energy facilities, meanwhile 10,000 additional troops could be deployed. David believes the President is in a difficult situation.

Target Tehran: Civilians under Fire - BBC World Service Documentaries

For the last month, Iran’s capital Tehran has been under attack. Thousands of bombs have been deployed on the city, targeting military installations, police stations, oil depots and sites used by the Basij militia. With rare access inside the city and using satellite maps, social media content and interviews, BBCEye investigates what is being targeted and talks to civilians caught in the crossfire.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines

March 27, 2026

Democracy Now! can be supported here.

"Quagmire": Jeremy Scahill on Iran War, Strait of Hormuz, Market Manipulation & More

Mar 27, 2026 | Drop Site News's Jeremy Scahill joins Democracy Now! to discuss the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, including President Donald Trump's lies about U.S. strategy and negotiations with Iran, possible avenues of U.S. escalation and what Scahill has learned about Iranian strategy in conversations with Iranian officials. "They want to cause enough pain to the world economy … [so] that any nation that thinks of attacking Iran again is going to do so knowing that these are the consequences," he explains.

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

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.

5 STARS 🌟 Ina Garten's Lemon Parmesan Chicken | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network

Learn how Ina makes the perfect crispy Parmesan crusted chicken, from expertly coating to topping it with a fresh arugula salad and more grated Parmesan. This easy yet elegant recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients — perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

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

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

« 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

The International Criminal Court Is about to Arrest Netanyahu for War Crimes | Jeffrey Sachs

March 27, 2026

"Israel’s Right to Exist? The Truth"

March 27, 2026

DOUBLE DOWN NEWS (DDN) can be supported here.

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

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.

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.

Spain’s PM Responds to Trump’s Threats to ‘Cut Off’ Trade | WSJ

Mar 26, 2026 | Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is one of the rare European leaders taking on President Trump. In an interview with WSJ’s Gordon Fairclough, Sanchez argues that blind alignment with the U.S. on the conflict in Iran is a mistake and calls for a more autonomous EU.

„Niemand kann mich stoppen“: Satz von Trump enthüllt seinen wahren Plan für die USA

Mar 26, 2026 | New York – „Niemand kann mich stoppen“, sagte Donald Trump in einem Interview mit der New York Times. Seine Macht sei ausschließlich von seiner Moral und seinem Verstand begrenzt. Er bräuchte kein internationales Recht. Ebenfalls Trump: Der Iran-Krieg endet, wenn ich es in meinen Knochen verspüre. Das Schicksal der Welt abhängig von dem Bauchgefühl eines Mannes, den augenscheinlich niemand und nichts stoppen kann. In I …

Pete Hegseth Delivers Violent Sermon at Pentagon Church Service

Mar 26, 2026 | Jesse talks about Pete Hegseth's alarming sermon delivered at the Pentagon during an unconstitutional worship service. Hegseth said, "First, a reading from the book of Psalms, chapter 18, verses 37 to 42. …

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

Volodymyr Zelensky en entretien exclusif avec « Le Monde » sur la guerre en Ukraine

Mar 26, 2026 | Dans un entretien accordé au « Monde », Volodymyr Zelensky livre sa vision sur une potentielle sortie de conflit et appelle les Etats-Unis et l’ensemble des alliés à maintenir leur soutien à l’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

Iran War Widens Rift between US and Germany | DW News

Mar 24, 2026 | The Iran war is putting further strain on transatlantic relations. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has now spoken of a 'deep rift' with the United States. In unusually strong comments, he said that 'there will be no going back to before January 20, 2025', when Donald Trump began his second presidential term. And President Steimeier slammed the US administration for starting the war against Iran. DW’s head of German politics Max Hofmann analyzes the impact of Steinmeier’s remarks on relations with Washington.