You don’t have to read between the lines when President Trump posts on Truth Social.

The motive for the bombing of Kharg Island was writ large – literally – some of it, caps on.

The tone was performative, the wording absolute, almost cinematic, and prepared for multiple audiences.

His first audience, Iran. He highlights the completeness of the strike and vulnerability of the island.

Sitting in the Persian Gulf, close to all major shipping routes, it handles 90% of Iran’s oil exports.

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Trump was sending a signal that the country’s “crown jewel”, in terms of its economy, lies within reach of the US.

The underlying signal was deterrence. If military sites can be hit, the oil terminals can be too, “should Iran, or anyone else” disrupt shipping.

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Trump says Iran war to last ‘as long as necessary’

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His second audience, global oil traders. He claimed the US had “totally obliterated every MILITARY target”. Note the caps on.

He stressed that he had “chosen NOT to wipe out” the oil infrastructure on the island.

That’s because he knows crippling Kharg could send crude prices skyrocketing, as high as $150 per barrel according to some analysts.

That makes the island much more than Iran’s economic heart. It is a pressure valve for the global economy.

A single escalation could ripple from the water of the Gulf to petrol stations in Europe, Asia and America.

Read more:
‘Trump is doing a favour for humanity’: Views from ‘Tehrangeles’
All crew members killed in US refuelling plane crash in Iraq
Oil tankers to be escorted through Strait of Hormuz

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Iran war day 14: Videos on the ground

And there’s a third audience: the domestic one. The language of short, sharp strength.

The bombing was over, it was historic, he claimed, declaring the US military “Lethal, Powerful and Effective”.

That turns a complex geopolitical move into a simple narrative for a base already nervous about this war.

Taken together, the president’s post was political theatre – less technical explanation, more strategic signal.

Passengers faced lengthy delays at Washington, D.C.-area airports Friday evening after a “strong odor” at an air traffic control center was reported.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an X post a ground stop was issued for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

He said the Federal Aviation Administration was working to find the source of a “strong odor” at the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control, or TRACON, in Warrenton, Virginia.

More than two hours later, Duffy announced the ground stop had been lifted and “operations have resumed.”

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Flights out of the three airports faced delays of one hour to more than three hours, according to multiple news reports. As of late Friday night, the delays at the D.C.-area airports have ended, per the FFA.

Passenger Kristen Rodrigues told CNN she was set to fly to Chicago early Friday afternoon, but she ended up getting stuck on the tarmac at Reagan Airport for hours before heading back to the terminal.

“Two hours go by, we’re still on the runway – no updates – and I could see that the pilots are pretty frustrated,” Rodrigues said.

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There was also a ground stop at Richmond International Airport, Charlottesville Albemarle Airport and Manassas Regional Airport, all in Virginia, CNN reported.

Duffy said the smell was from an overheated circuit board that was later replaced.

“Firefighters from Fauquier County and Prince William County confirm there is no danger to air traffic controllers, and they are returning to the Potomac TRACON,” Duffy wrote on X. “The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced.”

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During the commotion, Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, wrote on X he was “thinking of all workers impacted by this incident and praying for their health and safety.

“Thank you to all first responders addressing the situation.”

The Frauquier County Fire Rescue System said in a press release it, along with a Hazardous Materials Team from Prince William County, responded to the incident after FAA employees reported a “strong smell of chemicals.”

“The Hazardous Materials team identified a faulty building monitor being worked on by a contractor,” Fire Rescue System Chief Kalvyn Smith said in a statement.

More than 30 FAA employees were evaluated and none needed to be taken to the hospital.

President Donald Trump said U.S. forces on Friday “obliterated” targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, which is home to the primary terminal that handles the country’s oil exports. The speaker of the Iranian Parliament had warned that such strikes would provoke a new level of retaliation.

Meanwhile, an American official said 2,500 more Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being sent to the Middle East nearly two weeks into the war with the Islamic Republic.

Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes, even as U.S. and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

The moves appear to signal the two-week-old war is not nearing an end.

Here is the latest:

Iranian media reports 15 explosions in Kharg following US strikes

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported at least 15 explosions with thick smoke rising over Kharg Island, earlier hit by U.S. strikes.

It said the strikes targeted an air defense facility, a naval base, the airport control tower, and an offshore oil company’s helicopter hangar, adding no oil infrastructure was damaged in the attack.

Iran reiterates threats to target US-linked oil facilities

Iran’s joint military command reiterated its threat to attack U.S.-linked oil and energy facilities in the region if the Islamic Republic’s oil infrastructure were hit.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters made the threat early Saturday, according to Iran’s state-run television.

He warned that Iran will target “all oil, economic, and energy infrastructures belonging to oil companies across the region that have American shares or cooperate with America” if energy and economic infrastructure in Iran is attacked.

No comment from US Embassy after strike on Baghdad compound

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad after a strike hit it’s compound in the Iraqi capital.

On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones in the past by Iran-aligned militias.

The groups have recently stepped up attacks on bases hosting U.S. and coalition troops.

A drone strike in northern Iraq on Thursday killed a French soldier and wounded several others stationed there as part of an international coalition.

Missile strikes helipad inside US Embassy compound in Baghdad

A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, two security officials said.

The projectile landed within the embassy’s boundaries after the Green Zone, the heavily fortified district in central Baghdad that houses Iraqi government institutions and foreign embassies, added the security officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to speak with the press.

Video obtained by The Associated Press showed smoke billowing from inside the compound.

By Qassim Abdul-Zahra

“Did you know your blood sugar can spike even if you haven’t had a single bite to eat?” he said

A doctor has shared five “surprising” factors that could spike your blood sugar – that don’t include food. In some cases, this might not always be a “bad thing”, he said.

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the body’s primary energy source, which comes from food and is regulated by insulin. Having too much or too little blood sugar can be dangerous for different reasons.

A common cause of blood sugar spikes is food. Eating refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, or large meals is known to make your levels go up. However, this is not the only potential cause.

In a video posted to his Instagram account, Doctor Amir Khan shared some “surprising” reasons your blood sugar may spike. Dr Amir, who is best known for his appearances on ITV, said: “Did you know your blood sugar can spike even if you haven’t had a single bite to eat?

“Let me share five surprising things that can raise your blood sugar and why it might not always be a bad thing.”

Stress

You may not realise the physical impact stress can have on your body. Dr Amir explained: “Number one, stress. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, the fight or flight hormone. That tells your liver to release stored glucose to give you energy.

“Great if you’re running from a tiger, less helpful if you’re just stuck in traffic. Remember, chronic stress equals chronic glucose spikes, and that is not good for long-term health.”

Poor sleep

Struggling to sleep can also have a knock-on effect. Dr Amir said: “Number two, poor sleep. One bad night, your body becomes more insulin-resistant.

“That means glucose hangs around in the blood for longer.” Over time, poor sleep could even increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, he warned.

Exercise

This is not necessarily a bad thing, Dr Amir said. “Certain types of exercises, especially intense or resistance training, can temporarily raise your blood sugars,” he said.

“Why? Well again, it’s your body releasing glucose for fuel, but really importantly, long-term exercise improves insulin sensitivity, meaning lower blood sugars overall.

“So this is not a bad spike.”

Infections or illness

Again, this can be the body’s way of trying to stay healthy. Dr Amir said: “When you’re fighting off a bug, your immune system has to ramp up and that comes with a glucose surge.

“It’s your body’s way of fuelling the immune response. People living with diabetes often notice higher blood sugar levels when they’re unwell.

“That’s totally normal and they may have to adjust their medication accordingly.”

Hormones

His final word of advice was aimed at women. Dr Amir said: “Ladies, this one’s for you because it’s maybe around your periods or the menopause. In the second half of your menstrual cycle, that’s the luteal phase, progesterone levels rise.

“This can make your cells more insulin resistant, meaning higher blood sugars, and of course, the perimenopause and the menopause oestrogen levels decline and that comes with insulin sensitivity dropping.

“So you become more resistant to insulin, leading to more frequent spikes in blood sugar. That’s why women in their 40s and 50s may notice weight gain, fatigue or brain fog, which can be linked to blood sugar shifts.”

He added: “So remember, not all blood sugar spikes are bad, context matters. But if you’re seeing high readings and you’re not sure why it’s always worth talking to your doctor and not always about what you’re eating, knowledge is power.”

If you’re concerned about your blood sugar levels, you should speak to your GP.

This makes Northern Ireland the sole region in the UK where the gender pay gap has consistently shifted in the wrong direction.

As families throughout Northern Ireland gear up to celebrate Mother’s Day, fresh figures from PwC’s Women in Work Index 2026 reveal the reality of working life for women – particularly working mothers across the region.

Northern Ireland has dropped one position to third place in the UK in PwC’s regional rankings, following a 2.7-point fall in its overall Index score. The region is now experiencing a growing divide between the opportunities accessible to women locally and those available elsewhere in the UK.

Central to this challenge is participation. Northern Ireland records the lowest female labour force participation rate of any UK region, standing at just 71.3% – nearly three percentage points beneath the regional average.

The region also experienced the largest rise in its participation rate gap, the difference between male and female participation, climbing by 1.88 percentage points, whilst regions across the UK on average witnessed that gap reduce by 0.67%.

The gender pay gap in Northern Ireland has widened every year since 2020, rising from 7.5% to 7.9% this year, driven by a greater proportion of women in part-time positions and longer working hours for men. This makes Northern Ireland the sole region in the UK where the gender pay gap has consistently shifted in the wrong direction.

There is, nonetheless, one positive development: Northern Ireland maintains its leading position for the lowest female unemployment rate in the UK, at just 1.4% compared to the regional average of 3.4%. Whilst this is encouraging, it highlights a paradox – women within Northern Ireland remain in employment, yet far too many women are being excluded from the workforce entirely or restricted to lower-paid, part-time positions.

On a national level, the UK rose one spot to 17th in the worldwide Index, reclaiming its status as the highest-ranking G7 nation. However, underlying advancement has plateaued, hindered by increasing female unemployment and declining full-time employment rates amongst women.

Cara Haffey, Partner at PwC Northern Ireland, commented:. “This Mother’s Day is a moment to celebrate everything that working mums contribute to their families, their workplaces and the Northern Ireland economy. But it should also be a wake-up call. The data shows that women here face the steepest barriers to participation of anywhere in the UK, and the gender pay gap continues to move in the wrong direction.”

“If we want Northern Ireland to thrive, we need to make it easier for women to fully participate in the workforce. That means investing in affordable childcare, creating more flexible working opportunities, and ensuring that the pipeline of talent into well-paid roles is open to everyone.

“The fact that we have the lowest female unemployment rate in the UK shows that when women here can access work, they do – and they stay. The challenge now is to remove the barriers that are keeping too many on the sidelines.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. destroyed military sites on an island vital to Iran’s oil network and warned that its oil infrastructure could be next if Iran continues to interfere with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said U.S. forces on Friday “obliterated” targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, which is home to the primary terminal that handles the country’s oil exports. The speaker of the Iranian Parliament had warned that such strikes would provoke a new level of retaliation.

Meanwhile, an American official said 2,500 more Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being sent to the Middle East nearly two weeks into the war with the Islamic Republic.

The moves appear to signal the 2-week-old war is not nearing an end.

Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes, even as U.S. and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepened, with nearly 800 people killed and 850,000 displaced as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants and warned there would be no let up.

Marines and assault ship will add to US forces

Elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East, according to the U.S. official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

Marine Expeditionary Units are able to conduct amphibious landings, but they also specialize in bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians, and disaster relief. The deployment does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place.

The new Marine deployment was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well as the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military. The Tripoli was spotted by commercial satellites sailing alone near Taiwan, putting it more than a week away from the waters off Iran.

Earlier in the week, the Navy had 12 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers, operating in the Arabian Sea. Should the Tripoli join this flotilla, it would be the second-largest ship behind the Lincoln in the region.

While the total number of U.S. service members on the ground in the Middle East is not clear, Al-Udeid Air Base alone, one of the largest in the region, typically houses some 8,000 U.S. troops in Qatar.

US strikes Persian Gulf island after Iranian warning

The U.S. strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf targeted military sites but left alone its oil infrastructure for now, Trump said in a social media post.

But he warned that if Iran or anyone else interferes with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, he will reconsider his decision not to “wipe out the Oil Infrastructure.”

On Thursday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned in a social media post that attacks on the islands on Iran’s southern maritime frontier would cause Iran to “abandon all restraint,” underscoring how central they are to the country’s economy and security.

Missile stirkes inside US Embassy compound in Baghdad

A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.

Associated Press footage showed a column of smoke rising Saturday morning over the embassy compound.

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones fired by Iran-aligned militias.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”

Explosion rocks area of mass demonstration

Earlier Friday in the Iranian capital, a large explosion rocked a central square where thousands of people gathered for an annual state-organized rally to support the Palestinians and call for Israel’s demise. There were no reports of casualties.

The explosion in Tehran rocked the Ferdowsi Square area midday, where thousands had gathered for an annual Quds Day rally, chanting “death to Israel” and “death to America.”

Israel had issued a warning on a Farsi-language X account for people to clear the area shortly before the blast. But few Iranians would have seen it, as authorities have almost completely shut down the internet. Footage showed people chanting “God is greatest,” as smoke rose in the area.

The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Iran’s judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning.

The hard-liner who leads Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, was giving an interview on state television at the demonstration when the strike happened. His bodyguards encircled him, as he raised his fist and said Iran “under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.”

US says 15,000 targets struck in Iran since the start of the war

Israel earlier announced another wave of strikes in Iran targeting infrastructure, and said its air force had hit more than 200 targets in the last 24 hours, including missile launchers, defense systems and weapons production sites.

In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck — more than 1,000 a day since the war began.

He also sought to address concerns about the bottling of the Strait of Hormuz, telling reporters: “We have been dealing with it and don’t need to worry about it.”

___

Rising reported from Bangkok. Toropin reported from Washington, and Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands. Associated Press writers Sally Abou AlJoud, Kareem Chehayeb and Bassem Mroue in Beirut; Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel; Will Weissert at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; and Tia Goldenberg in Washington contributed to this story.

A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.

Associated Press footage showed a column of smoke rising Saturday morning over the embassy compound.

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones fired by Iran-aligned militias.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”

Manchester City and Manchester United are both chasing an Academy double

Manchester City and Manchester United could meet in a blockbuster FA Youth Cup final after the two teams were kept apart in the semi-final draw.

United have yet to complete their last eight fixture with Sunderland, which takes place next week, while City booked their place in the semi-finals with a win over Everton on Friday night.

The Manchester rivals met in the Youth Cup final in 1986, with City prevailing 3-1 on aggregate, and 40 years on a repeat is now on the cards.

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The two teams are battling it out at the top of the Under-18 Premier League North with City currently two points clear with a game in hand, although second place United did win the derby last month.

Should United get past Sunderland, they will host Crystal Palace in the last four, while City will be at home to Blackburn. The semi-final ties must be played by Saturday April 11, while the final is on Saturday, May 9.

City’s win over Everton on Friday turned on a controversial penalty decision early in the second half with Ademide Akarakiri appearing to win the ball when challenging Xavier Parker. Floyd Samba made no mistake when tucking the spot kick away from 12 yards to give City the lead.

The decision irked the Everton players and their mood didn’t improve minutes later when Malik Olayiwola was shown a straight red card, seemingly for something he said to referee Richie Watkins after the official gave a throw in City’s way.

The home side made the most of their man advantage to pull clear as Reigan Heskey curled in a fine second before sub Teddy Lamb tapped in a third.

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Unit 30 at Navigation Point, Hartlepool, County Durham, has hit the market with a guide price of just £90,000.

This property was previously home to The Fuschia Lounge, bringing in an annual income of £15,000.

This business premise is presently housing The Fuschia Lounge. (Image: Bradley Hall)

The sale is being conducted via an online auction with specific terms and conditions.

The commercial unit boasts an impressive frontage at Navigation Point, overlooking the marina, and promising “strong street presence and visibility”.

‘The floorplate is open plan, allowing flexible subdivision or fit-out to suit incoming occupiers’, stated the estate agent.

The property overlooks Hartlepool Marina. (Image: Bradley Hall)

It comes along with ancillary facilities such as store rooms, service access, and toilets.

Parking and servicing are available on-site.

It shares the location with an ‘established marina mixed-use scheme’.

The surrounding area is known for its ‘strong trade synergy’ from adjacent hospitality and retail operators.

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Its strategic location offers ‘good transport links’.

According to the estate agent, the property brings ‘a strong opportunity for investors seeking exposure in a growing waterfront destination’.

Bidders willing to purchase the property or looking for more information can contact Bradley Hall on 01917437550.

Crimestoppers is urging people across the North West to report information about knife and gun crime anonymously, following a rise in reports to the charity over the past nine months.

The campaign emphasises the critical role of community intelligence in saving lives and disrupting criminal activity.

Gary Murray, North West regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “We’ve seen a clear rise in the number of people contacting Crimestoppers across the North West, proof that local communities want to stop the violence that harms their neighbourhoods.

“Serious crime often thrives on silence, and we understand that some people fear the consequences of speaking up.

“Crimestoppers is here to remove that fear.

“You can tell us what you know about weapons, drug gangs or violent behaviour completely anonymously.

“We don’t ask for names or personal details, and your call or online form can’t be traced.”

The charity is calling on residents to share information about weapons, organised crime, intimidation, drug-related violence and exploitation.

Crimestoppers hopes that by raising awareness of its anonymous reporting service, more people will feel empowered to speak out without fear of retaliation.

The organisation stresses that every tip-off passed to authorities can help prevent serious harm and protect the wider community.

Mr Murray added: “Every piece of information we pass on helps to make our communities safer.

“Your voice can help stop violence before someone gets hurt.”

Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.