A US B-1 Lancer bomber has landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, marking a significant escalation in US military operations in response to increasing tensions with Iran. The B-1 Lancer arrived on the evening of Friday, with sources indicating a dramatic increase in potential strikes against Iranian missile sites. This follows a directive from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorizing "defensive" US action from British bases. The B-1 Lancer, measuring 146 feet in length and capable of carrying up to 24 cruise missiles, is strategically positioned to respond to recent US warnings regarding Iran. On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Pete... [Continue Reading]
Omission of presidents of Brazil, Mexico and Colombia, however, exposes failure of US president’s ‘theatrical’ doctrine, say expertsDonald Trump will welcome the leaders of at least 10 Latin American countries to a palm-dotted golf resort in Miami on Saturday as the president continues his quest to transform the US’s standing in the region and outmuscle China.Since returning to power last year, Trump has launched a dramatic – and at times deadly – crusade to, as the Pentagon chief, Pete Hegseth, put it, “reclaim our back yard”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
A change of leadership means little to an agency ‘shielded from scrutiny and unchecked by oversight’, human rights and advocacy organizations fearUS politics live – latest updatesSome of the most ostentatious enforcers of Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda have left or been forced out of the administration in recent weeks.In January, the president withdrew Greg Bovino – the border patrol commander who was the face of the immigration crackdowns in Chicago and Minneapolis – from his frontline role. Top Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin – who had become notorious for her bombastic and blatantly false press statements –... [Continue Reading]
It seems that Australia finds itself yoked to America's actions whether the government likes it or not. [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of military hostilities in the Middle East, the United States and Israel have launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting sites in Iran and Lebanon, marking the seventh consecutive day of intense conflict. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans for a considerable increase in military firepower, indicating the deployment of more bombers in the region. Concurrently, Eyal Zamir, the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), revealed that Israel is advancing into a new phase of its offensive against Iranian military capabilities, stating that "surprises ahead" are planned but declined to provide further... [Continue Reading]
Republican congressman Tony Gonzales had repeatedly denied affair with former aide who later died by suicideUS politics live – latest updatesTexas Republican congressman Tony Gonzales is ending his bid for re-election but said he will serve out his term, following his admitting, after repeated denials, that he had an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.Gonzales announced his plan late on Thursday after facing calls from party leadership to withdraw from the race for re-election this November. Others in Congress had called on him to resign his seat. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
This live blog is now closed.Trump news at a glance: president marks first week of Iran attacks with call for nation’s ‘unconditional surrender’US lost 92,000 jobs in February just before Trump joined Iran conflictSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxMilitary investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed scores of children on Saturday but have not yet reached a final conclusion, two US officials tell Reuters.Reuters was unable to determine further details about the investigation, including what evidence contributed... [Continue Reading]
Israel's military says the week-long strikes have destroyed most of Iran's missile launchers and air defences as US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth warned that Washington's attacks are "about to surge dramatically". [Continue Reading]
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has escalated significantly, prompting immediate responses from various global actors. Recent military operations by the United States and Israel have reportedly resulted in a tragic strike on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran. Initial assessments indicate that the US may be responsible for this incident, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of scores of children. US military investigators are currently examining the circumstances surrounding the attack, although definitive conclusions have yet to be reached. According to military sources, the potential US strike occurred on the first day of coordinated strikes against... [Continue Reading]
Critics sceptical Pentagon chief’s plan for increased military force – amid rising US intervention – will stop drug gangsPete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, has urged Latin American countries to adopt a more aggressive approach against drug cartels, warning that the Trump administration may otherwise act unilaterally in the region.Hegseth’s remarks come in a context of escalating US intervention in the region, both militarily and in elections, which culminated in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro – the first US ground military attack on a South American country. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. and Israeli forces will obtain “complete control of Iranian skies” within days, and will soon begin a second massive air assault. [Continue Reading]
Plus, why you should not let A.I. do your taxes. [Continue Reading]
Urgent request to dock is submitted by vessel after US submarine sank Iranian warship in same area on TuesdayMiddle East crisis – live updatesSri Lanka has evacuated 208 crew members from an Iranian navy vessel that made an emergency request to dock, a day after a US submarine strike sank another Iranian frigate, killing more than 80 people on board.Sri Lanka’s president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on Thursday confirmed that the country’s navy would take over Iranian military support ship IRIS Bushehr and allow it to dock at the north-eastern port of Trincomalee. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The ongoing conflict involving Iran has intensified following a recent vote in the US Senate, which failed to pass a bipartisan resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's military powers regarding Iran. The resolution, crucially designed to halt military actions without congressional approval, was defeated with a 53-47 vote, predominantly along party lines. As military operations escalate in the region, this legislative setback leaves Congress with limited power to influence the unfolding crisis. This legislative conflict occurs against the backdrop of military actions that began over the weekend, with both the United States and Israel conducting strikes against Iranian targets.... [Continue Reading]
A significant escalation in military tensions has unfolded in the Middle East as the United States and Israel intensified their bombardment of Iran, targeting key areas including Sanandaj and Tehran. This aerial offensive has generated plumes of smoke visible across the night sky and raises pressing questions about the legality and future of military operations in the region. The current military actions coincide with a recent vote in the United States Senate. In a landmark decision, Senate Republicans blocked a war powers resolution that sought to limit President Donald Trump's authority to engage further in military actions against Iran without... [Continue Reading]
A US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, a significant escalation in already heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. This incident, confirmed by Pentagon officials, marks a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighting the operation as proof of America's military reach. Hegseth stated, "An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo." The attack comes amidst a broader military engagement initiated by the US and Israel targeting Iranian forces. This latest escalation follows days... [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of military tensions, a U.S. submarine has torpedoed the Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean, reportedly killing at least 80 sailors. The attack occurred on Wednesday, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who confirmed the strike during a press briefing. Sri Lankan authorities have indicated that they rescued 32 crew members from the ship, which had a total of 180 personnel on board, with 148 still unaccounted for amidst fears that their chances of survival are dwindling. The incident marks a turning point in U.S.-Iran relations, characterized over the years by heightened military and... [Continue Reading]
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran has launched a series of retaliatory strikes following the joint US-Israel airstrikes that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict marks a significant turning point in US-Iran relations and has prompted immediate concerns regarding regional stability and security. As part of the retaliation, Iranian drones targeted the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, underscoring the broad scope of Iran's military responses across diplomatic and industrial sites in the region. On the day of these strikes, Washington also issued warnings to its citizens to... [Continue Reading]
Recent developments in the Middle East have escalated tensions dramatically, primarily due to the military actions undertaken by the United States and Israel against Iran. Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a power vacuum has emerged, leaving the country and the region in a state of uncertainty. On March 1, Iranian forces launched drone attacks targeting energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, inciting retaliatory measures from the US and Israeli military forces. As the situation unfolds, US President Donald Trump has indicated that a larger wave of attacks on Iran is anticipated. In a recent... [Continue Reading]