The Israeli military said it launched a “broad wave” of strikes in Tehran early on Wednesday, just hours after Iranian state media reported that the Revolutionary Guard had carried out a fresh barrage of missile and drone strikes on Israel.
IDF said the strikes targeted “the Iranian terror regime’s launch sites, aerial defence systems and additional infrastructure”.
The US Central Command said American and Israeli forces had struck over 1,700 targets in Iran since the start of the war and “severely degraded” Iranian air defences.
Capt Cody A Khork, 35, Sgt 1st Class Noah L Tietjens, 42, Sgt 1st Class Nicole M Amor, 39, and Sgt Declan J Coady, 20, were identified on Tuesday, two days after they were killed in Kuwait.
They were killed in a drone attack on a military facility at Port Shuaiba while “supporting Operation Epic Fury”.
The Donald Trump administration had yet to identify two other American service members killed in the conflict.
Israel issued evacuation warnings for multiple villages in southern Lebanon ahead of a likely offensive, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted nine drones overnight.
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Earthquake of 4.3 magnitude hits Iran, no casualties reported
An earthquake hit Iran’s southern city of Gerash in Iran’s Fars province on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey.
The quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), USGS said.
No injuries or casualties have been reported.
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Maira Butt4 March 2026 07:49
Sri Lanka rescues 30 people on board distressed Iranian ship
The Sri Lankan navy has rescued at least 30 people on board a sinking Iranian ship on Wednesday.
A rescue mission was dispatched after a distress call from the Iranian ship, a defence ministry spokesperson said.
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Foreign minister Vijitha Herath did not give further details but said Sri Lanka would take appropriate action.
Local media reported the ship called for help off the coast of Galle in the southern part of the country, and that the injured had been admitted to a hospital in Galle.
Maira Butt4 March 2026 07:41
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In pictures: Israeli attacks on southern Beirut continue
A plume of smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut’s Haret Hreik neighborhood on Wednesday.
Israel launched fresh strikes on Iran and Lebanon, where state media reported a residential building was hit on 4 March, as Iran’s Guards said they had sealed off one of the world’s most vital shipping routes for energy.
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Maira Butt4 March 2026 07:31
Iranians to bid farewell to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Tehran ceremony
A three-day ceremony is to be held in Tehran for Iranians to mourn the death of their supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s Islamic Propagation Council, said the event would continue for three days and the funeral procession would be announced later.
Mr Mahmoudi the public will be able to pay their respects to the body of the Ayatollah at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall starting at 10 pm (6.30pm GMT).
“The Mosalla (prayer hall) will be receiving visitors and the dear people can attend and take part in the farewell ceremony and mark a strong presence once again,” he said in comments carried by Iranian media.
Maira Butt4 March 2026 07:17
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UK Maritime Trade Operations receives report of incident east of UAE’s Fujairah
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said it had received a report of an incident about seven nautical miles east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
According to UKMTO, the captain of a vessel reported it had been hit by an unidentified projectile, damaging its steel hull.
Large fire and plume of smoke is visible after, according to the authorities, debris of an Iranian-intercepted drone hit the Fujairah oil facility, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, 3 March 2026 (Associated Press)
The crew were safe, and there were no reports of fire on board or water entering the ship.
Maroosha Muzaffar4 March 2026 07:00
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it launched 40 missiles against US and Israeli targets
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it fired over 40 missiles in what it described as the 17th wave of aerial attacks against US and Israeli targets.
Maroosha Muzaffar4 March 2026 06:54
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Suspected CIA station inside US embassy in Saudi was struck by drone – report
A suspected Iranian drone struck the CIA station inside the US embassy in Riyadh on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Reuters reported that there is no indication the facility was the intended target, and the CIA has declined to comment.
The embassy, located in the Saudi capital, was hit by two drones, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said, causing a small fire and limited material damage.
Maroosha Muzaffar4 March 2026 06:53
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Limited commercial options available for Britons in UAE, UK embassy says
The British Embassy in UAE has warned that only limited commercial options remain for UK citizens trying to leave the UAE amid regional disruption.
In updated travel advice, the embassy said flights are operating from the UAE and Oman but cautioned: “Travel within or out of UAE is at your own risk.”
Foreign workers look at a tall plume of black smoke that ascends following an explosion in the Fujairah industrial zone on 3 March 2026 (AFP/Getty)
It urged Britons to check airline updates, follow local authority guidance and confirm bookings before heading to the airport.
Meanwhile, the UK government has announced that its first chartered commercial evacuation flight for British nationals in the Middle East will depart from Oman later today.
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Maroosha Muzaffar4 March 2026 06:34
Drone shot down near Baghdad international airport – report
A drone was reportedly shot down near Baghdad International Airport, the site of an earlier attempted strike on the US embassy’s logistical support camp, AFP, citing security sources, reported on Wednesday.
A security source said the incident caused no casualties or damage.
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The development comes a day after another drone attack was thwarted on the airport’s outskirts, according to Iraq’s security media cell.
Maroosha Muzaffar4 March 2026 06:00
US commander Cooper says Epic Fury ‘ahead of game plan’
US commander Cooper says Epic Fury ‘ahead of game plan’
Now, they take on their local rivals, who are also on the hunt for an unlikely European place. David Moyes has led his men to 10th in the table, and they are just one point off sixth-placed Chelsea. A win here would propel today’s hosts into Europa League contention above Liam Rosenior’s Blues, and have them just two points worse off than Liverpool. Stay tuned with all the latest from the Hill Dickinson Stadium with our live blog.
Robots competed in a half marathon race in Beijing on Sunday, with the winning machine leaving its human rivals for dust.
The winning robot, Lightning, was developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor and finished the race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, according to race organisers.
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo holds the men’s half marathon world record, which he set in March in Lisbon with a time of 57 minutes and 20 seconds.
Around 40% of the robots raced autonomously, while the others were remotely controlled.
He told Sky News: “The thing that I think Labour MPs should think about quite carefully now is their Government has been a bit of a failure, frankly, on the economy, on so much, and it’s in chaos, in the way that Conservatives were in chaos, in perpetual crisis, and I don’t think they can get out of that unless Keir Starmer moves aside.”
Tottenham Hotspur has issued a strong condemnation of the “vile, dehumanising racism” aimed at defender Kevin Danso, which followed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.
The abuse surfaced after Danso was implicated in the concession of Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser, a result that left Spurs languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.
The club has confirmed that it has reported the racist abuse, received via social media, to the police.
In a statement, Tottenham said that the incidents occurred during the Premier League’s dedicated “No Room For Racism” weekend.
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“Since yesterday’s fixture against Brighton… Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media,” the club said.
They labelled such behaviour as “without doubt a criminal offence” and said that it “will not be tolerated”.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simons celebrates scoring their second goal with Kevin Danso during the Brighton match (Reuters)
Tottenham are pursuing “immediate action”, reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police, as well as to the appropriate authorities in the countries where perpetrators reside, and to the relevant social media platforms.
The club have pledged to “push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify”.
They also affirmed their “complete and unconditional support” for Danso, stating: “No one at this club will ever stand alone in the face of this.
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“Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not.”
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri both shared images of racist messages they privately received on Instagram after their teams’ 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare also displayed racially aggravated messages sent to him on Instagram following a 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace, a game in which he had a penalty saved.
Spring is a season of transition, as lingering winter influences are gradually replaced by increasing warmth.
The days get longer, the sun is higher in the sky with plants responding to this increased sunlight and rise in temperatures.
Snowdrops and daffodils give way to tulips and bluebells, and the speed and intensity of spring’s blooms are highly influenced by the weather.
This year much of the UK started spring with plenty of moisture in the soil after a wetter than average winter. Met Office figures show that March delivered some notably warm weather for England and Wales in particular, alongside plenty of sunshine.
Maybe, but chances are she’ll have a different face, as Georgia Jayhas reportedly left the ITV soap during her maternity leave and has no plans to return.
While her departure was initially believed to be temporary, it’s since become a permanent one, as Georgia has quit the show to focus on motherhood.
Fans had previously expressed their excitement when Georgia took to Instagram, sharing an image taken on the Emmerdale set, and those hoping for a Steph return were later sent into another tizzy when Georgia shared a picture of a trip to the hairdressers, with a blurred-out script set out in front of her.
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Steph’s time in Emmerdale
Steph made a horrific discovery about her parentage (Picture: ITV/Mark Bruce/Shutterstock)
Ross and Steph had formed quite a bond after getting together initially through a combination of lust and Steph wanting to wind her parents up. The relationship evolved into one of genuine affection on both sides, but it was completely upended when she discovered the truth of her parentage.
In the aftermath of discovering Anthony’s abuse and that he’d been killed by her mum, Steph became fixated on her resemblance to him and was so desperate she even tried to have surgery to alter her appearance. Ross wanted to support her through this hard time, but she pushed him away, though she did begin going to therapy to try to help her move on.
Lewis facilitated a reunion between Ross and Steph (Picture: ITV/Mark Bruce/Shutterstock)
Steph and Ross later reunited, with his brother, Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches), playing cupid for them, though their reunion hinged on Ross’ declaration that there hadn’t been anyone else in his life since he and Steph broke up.
The biggest problem being that their was, as he’d had a fling with Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) who unknowingly revealed all to Lewis and Ruby, meaning it was only a matter of time before word got back to Steph.
Poor Steph, who had worked hard to tell herself that she could trust Ross again, was devastated shoved him straight in the bin. Reeling and wounded, Steph told her parents that she’d booked a yoga retreat in Rome, needing to get away from the village for a while. Though Ross tried to get her to change her mind, Steph made it clear she didn’t want to be anywhere near him.
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Georgia takes maternity leave
Steph’s exit was written to facilitate Georgia Jay’s maternity leave, following the announcement she was expecting her first baby. Announcing her pregnancy on Instagram, Georgia wrote: ‘As you’ve probably guessed, I’ve got some news to share! I know some of you have been wondering if you’ve been seeing a little bump on screen lately… well, it’s not your imagination…I’m having a baby!’.
She added: ‘We’ve never been so excited and a little nervous all at once. Thank you for all the love and support.’
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Georgia has no plans to return
Georgia is enjoying motherhood (Picture: ITV/Mark Bruce/Shutterstock)
A source told The Sun this week that: ‘Georgia loved her time at Emmerdale but she has no plans to return now.
‘She’s loving being a mum, and that’s her focus for now. Obviously, she’s open to opportunities but returning to a full-on soap schedule full-time is just not something she can do at the moment.’
While this doesn’t mean the end of Steph, with Soapworld being one of frequent recasts, it does seem to draw a line under Georgia’s time with the show, and should Steph re-emerge in the Dales, she could look entirely different.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy is now sweating on a trio of players for this summer’s schedule
Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans was taken off the pitch in agony on Saturday during Harlequins’ defeat to Bath.
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Just before the midway point of the second half the former Cardiff No10 suffered a painful shoulder injury which required immediate medical attention.
Evans sustained the injury while attempting a tackle on Bath’s Josh Bayliss, who ultimately went over to score. His arm was placed in a makeshift sling by club staff, using his shirt for support.
Evans was one of three players who were forced off the field during the match at The Rec, with Cadan Murley and Nick David also unable to continue.
“Poor Quins, poor Jarrod Evans, it’s horrible, this,” said David Flatman on TNT Sports commentary.
Quins came into this fixture with 27 players unavailable through injury and events in the West Country will only compound the issues for head coach Jason Gilmore.
He won’t be the only one concerned about Evans’ injury, with Wales head coach Steve Tandy likely to be keeping close tabs on his prognosis.
Tandy is already sweating on the fitness of fellow fly-half Sam Costelow, who has undergone surgery and faces a race to be fit for Wales’ Nations Championship campaign against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa this summer.
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Tandy was in attendance to watch Cardiff pip Scarlets to the post in the Welsh derby at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday night and he saw Mason Grady leave the field with a grim injury, to give him a trio of concerns.
The Wales wing/centre was forced off with a bone sticking out of his hand to extend the powerful utility’s man run of bad luck when it comes to injuries.
Hoping to soak up the sun in Greece? You’re luck this year when it comes to customs (Picture: NurPhoto)
British passport holders heading to Greece this summer are now exempt from new EU biometric requirements.
All travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries are required to be photographed and fingerprinted at EU airports and border points under the new entry and exit system (EES), which was fully operational as of April 10.
Holidaymakers were warned of airport delays of up to four hours because of the EU’s new biometric entry and exit checks, but now, Greece is removing the requirement for UK citizens.
Eleni Skarveli, Director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, said the move would ‘ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece’ and slash waiting times.
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Given that thousands of UK travellers arrive daily on islands such as Corfu, Crete and Rhodes, the move has been welcomed, and some believe other Mediterranean countries could follow suit, to avoid chaos.
Non-EU travellers are required to give biometric data (Picture: Getty)
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Even as Greece drops the requirement, other countries could still see heavy delays for travellers.
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at Abta, the travel agent and tour operator association, said: ‘What we have said to customers is that, because of the checks, you might need to prepare for delays with extra water and snacks.’
Travellers already reported queues of up to two hours at passport control since EES started rolling out in some European countries late last year.
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But airline groups have warned that these waits could double to four hours as holiday traffic increases into the peak summer season.
There are also concerns over IT glitches (remember the Crowdstrike outage), strikes and staff shortages during holiday periods.
What is the entry and exit EES system?
The entry and exit system is a digital system that replaces physical passport stamps at border points across the European Union.
People with passports from non-EU countries, including the UK, are required to use the system once it launches.
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Most travellers from outside the EU, known as third-country nationals, will be required to register their passport details and biometric data when crossing into an EU country for the first time.
Biometric data includes fingerprints and facial pictures. Borders are likely to be kitted with self-service kiosks where passengers can input this information.
This data, as well as the entry and exit details, will be stored for subsequent visits.
Future visits will only require a verification of the biometric data, which can speed up the process.
The Gunners are set to face their rivals at 4.30pm BST at the Etihad Stadium, with Mikel Arteta’s men six points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side at the summit.
However, the travelling Arsenal fans may be forced into adjusting their route from London to Manchester, with train service provider Avanti West Coast announcing on Sunday morning that there was “significant damage to the overhead electric wires”, with Avanti “unable to serve Manchester Piccadilly until 11am today”.
The network has said that “essential repair work” was needed at the station, and that there would be “alterations” to services for Manchester and London Euston routes.
An Avanti statement on X read: “Following significant damage to the overhead electric wires, we are unable to serve Manchester Piccadilly until 11am today (19 April). To allow for Network Rail to complete essential repair work at the station, there will be alterations to services on our Manchester route.
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“Our services to London Euston will start from Stockport until 11am. Avanti West Coast tickets will be accepted on connecting services with other operators between Manchester Piccadilly and Stockport.”
Avanti emphasised that passengers should check their journeys before they began their travel.
The delays will also have caused a problem for those running the Manchester Marathon, which was scheduled to start at 8.55am for the elite wheelchair race.
The elite pen’s gun went off at 9am, while the first standard wave followed shortly afterwards.
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What does it mean for my journey?
The affected services into Manchester Piccadilly are Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales.
Avanti West Coast services between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston are impacted, while CrossCountry trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street, Reading, Bristol Temple Meads, Bournemouth, Southampton Central and Paignton are also impacted.
Should you choose not to travel, refunds will be made available through the respective operator’s help pages.
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Meanwhile, tickets for other networks are being accepted on different routes, such as Bee Network buses, Metrolink, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales and TransPennine Express.
All CrossCountry services are running out of and to Stockport till 11am, while Avanti is running rail replacement buses at Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly.
One person has been taken to hospital after a serious collision in North Belfast. Emergency services were called to the scene on the Crumlin Road shortly before 6pm on Saturday, April 18.
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It followed a one vehicle crash in the area. Traffic on the road was being diverted at the junction of the Crumlin Road and Upper Hightown Road, with the road reopening on Sunday morning.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed one person was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital after initial treatment at the scene.
A spokesperson for the NIAS said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 17:59 following reports of a RTC on the Crumlin Road, Belfast.
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“NIAS despatched one Emergency Crew and 2 HART responses to the scene. The HEMS team was also tasked to the incident, responding in response car.
“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to RVH.”
In a statement on Sunday morning, a PSNI spokesperson said: “The Crumlin Road in North Belfast, which was closed yesterday evening following a one vehicle road traffic collision in the area, has now re-opened.”
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