The venue is described as a ‘rare opportunity’

A popular bar in the heart of Cambridge is looking for new tenants. The Castle Bar on St Andrew’s Street has been listed by Greene King, who describe it as a “rare opportunity”.

The building is set in the heart of Cambridge’s “busiest nightlife district” and has been described as having a “strong reputation, high footfall and seven valuable letting rooms”, according to Greene King. The venue has been praised by locals and visitors alike as “very accommodating, kind, professional [and] welcoming”.

The venue is currently “wet-led” but a trade kitchen creates an opportunity for future tenants to introduce a “complementary food offer” alongside to broaden appeal and increase daytime trade.

The weekly rent costs £1,500, with the annual rent costs reaching £78,000. The estimated annual turnover for the Castle bar is £542,907, according to Greene King. The listing is offering a Standard Tenancy Agreement for a fixed five year term.

A suitable applicant is described as an “experienced operator with strong hospitality credentials, a passion for creating memorable customer experiences and the ambition to maximise the venue’s prime city centre location”.

A statement from the Greene King listing added: “Whether building upon the site’s established identity as a renowned nightlife destination or introducing a fresh new concept, the incoming operator will have the opportunity to shape a thriving business in one of the UK’s most vibrant and historic cities.

“The additional income potential from the seven letting rooms further enhances the opportunity, providing multiple revenue streams within a venue that is perfectly positioned to become an even bigger part of Cambridge’s hospitality scene.”

If you want to take the next steps in hospitality and had your sights set on a Cambridge location, this venue could be perfect for you. You can view the full details here.

The team news will make interesting reading a little later. City are without Jeremy Doku through injury, meaning Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki could be in the same XI but with one pushed into a wider role. There are other options, Rayan Ait-Nouri could be deployed, Matheus Nunes could be pushed forward or Jack Grealish could be handed a start.

The other questions are around which defender missess out if Nunes and Nico O’Reilly are at full back, with Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov competing for two spots.

In midfield Elliot Anderson is certain to start and Mateo Kovacic could win the race to partner him ahead of Nico Gonzalez despite a poor showing in the Community Shield, Gonzalez has been linked with a move to Newcastle before the deadline.

Read our predicted XI here.

A stroll along the seafront in Bognor Regis puts you in two very different places  depending on which direction you’re looking in. 

Face the beach and there’s a vast expanse of clear sea, a pebble shore and an immaculate pathway. In the other direction is a slightly different proposition: the town. 

It becomes immediately clear as I stroll along the promenade, that this West Sussex town is full of contrasts. 

It’s a seaside resort that basks in around 1,919 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest spots in the UK. 

It has another, less sunny, title attached to it though: consumer champion Which? named it Britain’s worst coastal spot – twice.  

Bognor got the ‘Regis’ part of its name after King George V visited in 1929, in search of fresh air and a place to convalesce. To honour the town that improved his health, he added the royal suffix, which means ‘of the King’ in Latin. 

Nearly 100 years on, many no longer see it as fit for a king – with the local council promising to re-invest in this run-down resort and help it find its former glory. 

Could Bognor, whisper it, become the South Coast’s answer to Margate? The Kent resort has seen its fortunes transformed in recent decades thanks to investment led by the artist Tracey Emin.  

With the regeneration efforts very much in the works, I’m here to find out just how much of a makeover it’s getting. 

The Daily Mail’s Erin Waks went to Bognor to find out if plans for redevelopment are working

Advertisement

Local MP Alison Griffiths has launched a new initiative called ’29 for 29′, which asks residents to suggest small, specific changes that would make a visible difference to the town. 

July 2029 marks the 100th anniversary of George V granting the town its royal suffix.

Ms Griffiths tells the Daily Mail: ‘The aim is simple: let the people who know Bognor Regis best choose 29 practical improvements ahead of the town’s centenary in 2029. 

‘This is about meaningful, achievable changes people can see and feel, not a glossy plan sitting on a shelf.’

And other developments are already underway in Bognor. 

A new Premier Inn has sprung up on the seafront, the esplanade has been spruced up and the former Alexandra Theatre, with aimed completion for 2027, is being revamped into a major new cultural hub.

Ms Griffiths explains: ‘What is clear is that businesses have confidence in Bognor Regis and our local economy. What they lack is a Labour Government prepared to match it.

‘I recently brought Tory culture spokesman Nigel Huddleston to meet tourism and hospitality businesses here, because Westminster needs to hear directly what higher staffing costs, business rates, and Labour’s new red tape are doing. Our businesses are doing their bit for Bognor Regis, and we need to make it easier for them to succeed.’

Local MP Alison Griffiths says she’s keen to see on-the-ground improvements 

She admits: ‘I won’t pretend everything is fixed. What has changed is that there is now a route from complaint to action, with clearer pressure on the organisations responsible. A cleaner, safer, better-connected town gives families more reason to return, shopkeepers a fairer chance to thrive, and residents a town centre they enjoy using.’ 

But what does this actually look like on the ground for those pitching up there this weekend? 

Central London Road has all the hallmarks of a small town main shopping street, as does the High Street itself (Poundland, Peacocks, New Look and various charity shops) and the chirp of seagulls overhead, but otherwise there’s little of note. Bunting adds colour to the mix, and it’s relatively clean.

It’s not especially good, but it’s not notably bad, either. It is eerily quiet though, especially for a sunny August morning. 

The signs of regeneration in the town are clear. Scaffolding, cordoned-off zones and trucks filled with building materials punctuate the town centre, especially around the Alexandra Arts Centre development.

The town centre has all the markers of a typical British town – with the usual chain shops, but it’s certainly not the worst

Scaffolding and building works are, however, everywhere you look

Advertisement

It’s the parts in between the main stretch of beach and the town that need work. Housing estates, crumbling and faded buildings and run-down alleys dominate the back streets of Bognor.

The pier is, perhaps, the worst part. From the outside, the paint work is peeling, the windows are dirty and the scenery is bleak.

The inside is no better. Bleach is the only word that comes to mind when you enter the arcade – the chemical scent of cleaning products is so strong it’s hard to comprehend how the screaming children inside remain focused on their pinball machines.

Fleeing the site, and with my hopes for Bognor drastically on the decline, I set off for the promenade, hoping the locals can tell me what’s really going on.

Some are happy to sing Bognor’s praises.

Ben Handley, 32, immediately suspects why I am here once I strike up a conversation: ‘Oh, of course, Bognor’s the “worst seaside town”,’ he says teasingly.

Ben, who works for the local council, explains: ‘It’s the sunniest place in the UK, it’s very diverse and there’s lots of culture.

Many have noted the opening of the new Premier Inn – MP Alison, pictured at its opening

Advertisement

Rachael Roberts, 33, works at chic Luna Hut Sauna – and absolutely loves Bognor

‘Walking along the seafront in the summer, it’s like being in the Med.’

A stretch, perhaps, but he says it with confidence. I guess the pebble beach could somewhat resemble Nice in the south of France. If you squint hard.

As for the redevelopments, Ben says: ‘We could do with some more money. But there’s a lot of people who love Bognor.’  

Another resident who adores the town is Rachael Roberts, 33, who works at a surprisingly chi-chi Scandi-style sauna on the beach – surely not, I think when I first see it.

Rachael, who originally hails from Wales, tells me: ‘There’s stuff in the works, for sure. Bognor’s really fun and beautiful. I’ve been here for three years and it has really improved in that time. I think that when you give a town opportunities to thrive, you’ll get a more thriving community – and definitely this summer, we’ve seen a lot more tourists. It’s not Brighton-level busy, though!’

In response to the ‘worst seaside town’ claims, Rachael says: ‘It’s just awful, decided by people who have clearly never been here. We have a gorgeous ocean, steady tides. A positive vibe.’

As for why she thinks the negative reputation has spread, she says: ‘If you expect bad, you’ll see the bad. But Bognor has a small-town vibe, there’s a real sense of community.’

Rachael’s not the only Briton to make the move from elsewhere in the UK to Bognor. I’m not sure what more evidence for its growing appeal there could be.

Rob Chamberlain, 53, grew up in Cornwall and then moved to London – but work opportunities brought him to Bognor.

‘The “worst” title, I believe that’s nonsense. It’s better than London!’ says Rob, who relocated to the town in 2020 to run a local pub. 

Local pub owner Rob Chamberlain sings the town’s praises

Advertisement

The establishment, now rebranded as The Waverley and under his ownership, might not look like much from the outside – but inside, it’s all polished wood, spacious seating and original fireplaces. There’s no denying the buzzing atmosphere – it’s the busiest part of Bognor I see.

‘When I first got the offer to move to Bognor, I thought, it’s not really where I wanted to end up. I panicked. But when I actually moved here, it was something else. I love it. 

‘People leave their keys and wallets on the table – no one’s worried about theft. The summer’s phenomenal. Now I’ve got friends who have moved here too and said it’s the best thing they’ve ever done. That’s because of the community.

‘I’ve certainly noticed the redevelopment. The theatre, and there’s a new Premier Inn that’s sprung up. It’s like somebody’s got a crystal ball and knows there’s something going on in Bognor.’

Another local, who preferred to remain anonymous, adds: ‘I love Bognor, I’m a fan. I lived in Chichester before, but Bognor is better, and I’ve been here for 18 years. I love being by the sea. 

‘The people are friendly and always say good morning. Since 2005, there have been lots of improvements. I hate it when people say bad things – I don’t know where the “worst” label came from.

‘I will say, though, that people don’t like that there’s not much to do as a seaside resort. I guess it depends what you come for – it’s great if you come without children.’

Parts of Bognor are genuinely lovely. A short stroll around Hotham Park is like visiting a smaller version of my own local Hampstead Heath, and the seafront is, despite the wind and (naturally) a spot of rain, very pleasant. 

A slice of vanilla and peach cheesecake at Sunday’s Bread bakery is superb, and restaurant Chez Moi – although closed for some of the summer – has received standout reviews, raved about by Giles Coren at The Times.

A retro sweet shop is on any Bognor bucket list, and I quickly spy Olde Bognor Rock Shop – all nostalgia and brightly coloured sticks of rock candy.

Stacey Kelly, 42, who works in the shop, tells me however that she doesn’t think the regeneration has made much difference. 

She says it remains Butlin’s that is the town’s main draw – and the work outside of the resort has made little difference: ‘People still come here mainly for Butlin’s, that’s our sweet shop clientele.’

Another teenage local, who has grown up in the town, agrees. She says: ‘It’s so rough, it’s gone so downhill. I will not come back to Bognor after I leave.’ 

Regarding the ‘worst’ claims, MP Ms Griffiths says: ‘It’s a tired label. Which? itself says its final data was unweighted and may not represent everyone who visited. That matters when such a sweeping verdict is being attached to an entire town.

‘I’m not going to pretend every criticism is wrong. Some parts of Bognor Regis need more care. Some buildings have been neglected for too long. Residents knew that before a league table arrived, and they are right to expect action.

‘A ranking can be useful if it makes the organisations responsible sit up and pay attention. What I will not accept is allowing it to define Bognor Regis.’

Other than the local MP, authorities in Bognor are keen to bolster the town’s credentials. 

Olde Bognor Rock Shop bears all the hallmarks of a genuinely retro sweetshop

Hotham Park is gorgeous, quiet and with a boating lake and miniature train

Parts of the town are, however, rundown, crumbling and peeling

Advertisement

Mayor of Bognor Regis Paul Ralph, says: ‘Whilst we of course acknowledge there are always things to improve on, as is the case in nearly every seaside town, Bognor Regis is a place full of community spirit; volunteers and organisations around every corner working tirelessly to improve the services and offerings for the town and its residents and visitors. A town where, millions of pounds’ worth of investment has been, and continues to be made.’

A Butlin’s spokesman added: ‘We welcome more than 400,000 guests to our Bognor Regis resort each year across our family breaks and adult only Big Weekenders, and we’re proud to play a significant role in the local visitor economy. 

Butlin’s remains a huge draw for tourists but many of those who stay don’t explore the actual town

‘This summer alone, around 70,000 guests have stayed with us, with many also heading into Bognor Regis during their break.’ 

With all that said, what’s the future on Bognor’s horizon? 

It’s hard to say, for sure. The potential is evident – the undisturbed coastline and advantageous sunshine mean the spot is primed for seaside success. 

But it’s a long way off from perfect – more than just a lick of paint is required to turn the town into the likes of Margate or Rye.

So, is Bognor getting a makeover? Yes, it is – but whether it succeeds, well, that remains to be seen.

Donald Trump took Canada to task in a blistering late night tirade, blasting the nation for wanting ‘the benefits of a state without being one,’ as the bitter trade war with the America’s historic ally reached a boiling point.

Trade talks collapsed on Friday night, when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney withdrew from negotiations hours before Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion worth of goods were due to take effect. 

Carney cited ‘last-minute changes in the US proposed terms’ which were ‘unfair, uneconomic, and called into question the reliability of any deal’ for the withdrawal, while setting September 8 as the start date for retaliatory tariffs.  

Trump hit back just after 1am on Sunday, writing on Truth Social: ‘Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!!’ 

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also said in a statement that ‘Canada declined to finalize the trade deal under the terms agreed earlier this week’.

‘Despite the US offer to Canada to receive the best treatment of any major exporter to our market, new demands and walk backs of other commitments by Canada have upended the careful balance reached in the past days,’ he added. 

Speaking about the latest tariffs on Canada, Greer also told Fox & Friends Weekend that the US was compelled to act after a year of retaliation by its longtime partner.

‘We’ve said enough, and so we’ve taken countermeasures. Our interest is in protecting American workers and protecting American supply chains,’ he said. 

Trade talks between the countries collapsed on Friday night, when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (pictured) withdrew from negotiations hours before Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion worth of goods were due to take effect.

Trump’s import taxes will impact about five percent of Canadian goods shipped to the US each year, ranging from hockey sticks to tongue depressors.  

Carney said Ottawa would respond with targeted tariff protection for industries exposed to the new US duties, including some steel products. 

He also mentioned the dairy, appliance, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper and electronics sectors. No further talks were planned. 

Carney accused Washington of using ‘economic integration as a weapon’ and said ‘its signature was written in pencil.’ 

Resorting to the language of battle, he said his country had been ‘attacked’ by the new American tariffs. 

‘You’re at war when you get attacked,’ he said, adding that Canada had the reserves, resilience and plan to respond. 

Trump hit back at Carney just after 1am on Sunday with the Truth Social post shown above 

Advertisement

Carney said Canada had been willing to drop remaining retaliatory tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos if the US substantially lowered its own, and to encourage provinces to restore US alcohol sales. 

However, he said Washington’s final demands went too far. ‘They asked too much and offered too little,’ Carney said. 

The breakdown in negotiations marked a sharp reversal from two days earlier, when officials from the two countries sounded as if they were headed toward a compromise.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who leads Canada’s most populous province, praised Carney for rejecting the deal, saying it would have hurt Ontario’s auto, steel and manufacturing sectors. 

Ford urged Canada to use ‘every tool in our toolbox’ to fight the US tariffs.

The moves also call into question the future of a North American trade agreement covering the United States, Canada and Mexico that is crucial to industry in all three countries.

Carney said the breakdown was ‘certainly not good news’ for the review of that agreement and that the failed negotiations had given Canada ‘a new perspective’ on what Washington wants from the broader economic relationship.

Some $880 billion worth of goods and services were traded between Canada and the US last year.

The US and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, poking each other over sore spots such as Canadian softwood lumber imports and US access to Canada’s protected dairy market.

Somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners. Canadian soldiers fought alongside Americans in Afghanistan after 9/11. 

The 5,525-mile U.S.-Canada border is undefended, and nearly 330,000 people and $2 billion worth of goods cross it every day. The US is home to 800,000 Canadians. 

After the event, Wright, 52, shared a selfie with Davis and Pegg, 56, on Instagram captioning the picture: “What a delight to hang with my old mucker @simonpegg and the always lovely @reallucydavis yesterday at @ftlofantasyscifi. Thanks to everyone who came out. Loved seeing you all!”

An injured man was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries

Two men arrested in connection with a stabbing on Co Antrim have been released by police.

The PSNI was alerted to a report that a man had been stabbed in the Glenville Park area of Newtownabbey at around 8.25am on Saturday.

The injured man was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, which were not thought to be life-threatening.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon used with intent.

A second man, aged 58, was also arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon used with intent and disorderly behaviour.

The PSNI said on Sunday afternoon that the 32-year-old had been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

It added that the 58-year-old man had been released unconditionally.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “A 32-year-old man who was arrested following a report of a stabbing in the Glenville Park area of Newtownabbey on Saturday, 22nd August, has been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.

“A 58-year-old man, who was also arrested on Saturday in relation to the same incident, has been released unconditionally.”

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

Paul Lennon, who founded the Thai Tims, has been laid to rest in Thailand.

Paul Lennon has been carried to his final resting place by members of the Thai Tims as mourners gathered to say a heartbreaking final farewell to the devoted Celtic fan.

The beloved dad was surrounded by fellow Hoops fans as his funeral procession made its way from Pattaya Irish House, with “You Never Walk Alone” ringing out during the emotional send-off.

Mourners could be seen wearing Celtic strips and some donned kilts as they walked behind Paul’s casket for one final journey.

His two sons and wife were among those who joined the long line of family, friends and supporters paying their respects.

A video shared on TikTok showed Paul’s casket being carried to a local temple with the huge procession following behind. Mourners were seen at the religious site paying their respects beside Paul’s open casket and laying flowers.

Pipes played as a Celtic flag was held aloft, while hundreds of flowers were left in tribute to the man who devoted much of his life to helping children in Thailand.

One of Paul’s sons paid an emotional tribute to his dad and his love of the Hoops.

He said: “Celtic meant everything to him. He loved Celtic. And Celtic helped me and my father bond together as father and son.”

Posting the footage to TikTok, staff at the Pattaya Irish House added: “Today the Thai Tims and the Celtic Supporters Club from Pattaya Irish House had the privilege and honour to carry Paul Lennon to his final resting place. It was a humbling moment to be part of his send off and to walk with him one last time. We are deeply grateful for the chance to stand by him and to share this with Paul, the boys, and all who loved him. Rest easy, Paul. You’ll always be one of us.”

Advertisement

Paul, the founder of the Thai Tims and the Good Child Foundation in Thailand, passed after a battle with an aggressive brain tumour earlier this week.

The 60-year-old had been diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype) and had been receiving palliative care after undergoing major brain surgery. His diagnosis had left him unable to communicate, but the Celtic support rallied around Paul and his family in his final months.

Hundreds of tributes were paid to the kind-hearted dad, who spent more than two decades helping children with Down’s syndrome in rural Thailand alongside his wife Pun.

Advertisement

Paul and Pun founded the Good Child Foundation after their son, Berni, was born with Down’s syndrome.

Paul used his love of Celtic to help teach English to children who had been excluded from mainstream education, using songs sung by supporters at Celtic Park in his lessons.

The youngsters became known affectionately as the Thai Tims and their videos singing Hoops favourites went viral, attracting millions of views online.

Paul’s legacy extended beyond the Thai Tims and his work teaching children. He also devoted himself to keeping alive the memory of murdered Blantyre teenager Reamonn Gormley.

Reamonn volunteered at the Good Child Foundation in Thailand during a gap year in 2010 before he was tragically stabbed to death in an attempted street robbery in his hometown the following year.

Paul formed a partnership with Blantyre Soccer Academy in Reamonn’s memory and helped organise tributes involving the Thai Tims.

The children recorded a special charity version of Just Can’t Get Enough in his honour, raising money for the Good Child Foundation and knife crime charity Crimestoppers.

Following news of Paul’s death, Celtic issued a tribute to the lifelong supporter. A statement from the club said: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club sends their prayers and deepest condolences to the family of Paul Lennon, who has passed away.

“Paul did such great work with the Good Child Foundation and Thai Tims, and we know he will be sadly missed by so many. May he rest in peace.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

On Belmont Road, closer to the Horrocks Fold side, police confirmed they had arrived at a “concern for welfare” report on Sunday (August 23).

It’s understood emergency services were no longer seen there by midday, after they arrived in the morning.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers are responding to a concern for welfare.”

The identity of the person involved in the report has not been disclosed, and no casualties have been confirmed by police.

The Bolton News will provide updates if we hear anything.

I couldn’t wait to try out this classic tourist activity for the first time

Punting is a longstanding tradition in Cambridge and is one of the things the city is most famous for, alongside the university. Although I work in Cambridge and live in the county, I have never actually been punting.

While on a visit to Cambridge to see a friend, I decided it was finally time to get on a punt and explore the sights from the water. Not wanting to risk this sunny Saturday in August being fully booked, I paid £39 to pre-book a time slot online.

At 1.30pm, we made our way down to the water and got onto the punt. As I sat down, it was a little unnerved at how close the water was to me. However, my nerves soon eased as we began our trip. Our guide told us she was going to give us a little bit of a history lesson on the sights as we passed them.

One building that particularly stood out to me was part of St John’s College. There was a wall almost completely covered in ivy, and the guide claimed this was a special type of ivy that couldn’t be cut by students. She said that it was so precious that if it covered the windows, it had to be left due to its rarity.

Advertisement

One thing that made my friend and I laugh was some of the accommodation on offer to students at the university. The buildings being pointed out as accommodation seemed more like castles or grand mansions. They are worlds away from the tiny flats I lived in at Nottingham Trent when I was a student.

Although it was a bit more overcast on this day than it had been all week, I was actually quite glad. Being on the punt with no shade from the sun wouldn’t have been as enjoyable.

One of the best sights of the journey was seeing the Backs. I’d seen so many photos of the Backs, with King’s College Chapel in the background and beautiful greenery in front. It was just as beautiful in real life, and I’m so pleased I got to see it. As we went further down the river, we were joined by families of ducks and the odd swan swimming amongst the boats.

I felt so immersed in Cambridge tradition, and the quiet of the water made it such a relaxing tour. Coupled with a little tipple, it was a really lovely way to spend an afternoon in Cambridge.

Iran‘s president defended a memorandum of understanding with the United States as the best way out of a stalled war.

Meanwhile, the new head of the Islamic Republic’s top security body warned, in a more forceful tone, of retaliation if neighboring countries support U.S. threats to further sanction Tehran.

Pakistan’s army chief planned to travel to Tehran on Monday, Iranian media reported.

A Palestinian man was beaten by an Israeli settler outside his home, and Israel’s military said they were pursuing a stabbing suspect in a separate attack, the latest violence in the occupied West Bank. An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a child, according to a local hospital.

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Sunday. Full coverage can be found here.

Iran seeks to get past this stalled phase

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended a recent memorandum of understanding as the best way for the country to move beyond what he described as a situation of “neither war nor peace.”

“There is not a single provision in this agreement that amounts to capitulation,” Pezeshkian said in a speech published by state-run IRNA early on Sunday. “The supreme leader sets the policies, and we will follow that path.”

The deal known as the Memorandum of Understanding that U.S. President Donald Trump signed in June set a 60-day deadline for ending the war with Iran and reaching an accord on its nuclear program. That period ended last week, but no signs of compromise have emerged, especially on the crucial issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, vital to global shipping.

Pezeshkian also linked the agreement to Iran’s economic prospects, saying the country couldn’t attract investment in this stalled phase.

Nearly six months into the war with the United States and Israel, Iran’s economy is suffering under sanctions and a naval blockade.

Iran’s security chief warns neighbors not to join any sanctions

Meanwhile, the hard-line new leader of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council warned Tehran’s neighbors against joining the new U.S. effort to hurt Iran’s economy.

“If (Trump) wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner,” Mohsen Rezaei said in an interview with the state broadcaster that aired Saturday.

Rezaei was named this month as part of senior appointments widely seen as hardening Tehran’s political and military stance. His interview with IRIB is his most extensive public statement since then.

Rezaei said Iran would target oil-shipping routes out of the Persian Gulf — alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz — if neighbors join what he described as the economic war against Iran.

Pakistan’s army chief will visit Tehran

Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir will lead an official delegation traveling to Tehran on Monday, Iranian state television reported, citing Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei.

Two regional officials said that the visit was part of Islamabad’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, and urge both countries to return to the negotiating table. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

— By Munir Ahmed in Islamabad.

Iran executes man arrested during January’s protests

The judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported on Sunday the latest execution connected to the protests, identifying the man as Majid Adineh and saying he was arrested Jan. 9 in Mohammadshahr, near Karaj, west of Tehran. Authorities said that he was carrying a handgun with 30 rounds of ammunition, two stun guns, two cans of tear gas and a battery-powered chain saw.

The judiciary said that forensic examinations indicated the handgun had been fired on Jan. 8 and 9. Mizan said Adineh had joined the unrest following calls by groups opposed to Iran’s government and alleged that he had received training from groups outside the country.

A Revolutionary Court in Karaj later convicted Adineh under Iran’s law imposing harsher penalties for espionage and cooperation with hostile states. Mizan said that the verdict accused him of carrying out operations on behalf of Israel, the United States and other groups Iran considers hostile.

Israeli settler teen arrested in beating of Palestinian amputee

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy from the Israeli settlement of Avigayil in the beating of a 61-year-old Palestinian man. Saeed Muhammad Ibrahim Rabah was struck with a pipe outside his home in the occupied West Bank, leaving him with bruises and pain, a year after he lost a leg after being shot by a settler.

Rabah told The Associated Press that two settlers arrived with a tractor at his home in Khirbet al-Rakeez in the southern West Bank on Saturday afternoon. One of them began moving stones the family had placed at the property entrance and tried to enter.

One settler struck him on his back with a pipe when he approached them to find out what they were doing, Rabah said. He said the violence is an effort to make families like his leave.

“We will remain, no matter what happens,” he said after going to the police on Sunday to file a report. “This is our land and this is our homeland, and we must protect it.”

Police said they also took in for questioning a 17-year-old from Jerusalem, who allegedly stood nearby and filmed the assault with a phone.

Rabah said in April 2025, he confronted settlers on his land while his son filmed and one of them shot him in the leg, which was amputated at a hospital.

Separately, Israel’s military said Sunday they were pursuing the suspect in a stabbing attack that injured a 24-year-old Israeli man in the area of al-Auja, in the eastern West Bank. Israel’s emergency services said the victim was taken to a hospital in moderate condition.

Airstrike in Gaza kills a 4-year-old child

Four-year-old Mohammed Taha died after an Israeli airstrike hit a house in central Gaza on Sunday, hospital authorities said. The strike in the town of Zawaida also wounded at least five other people, including a child, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, which received the casualties.

The strike came minutes after residents said they received a warning from the Israeli military to evacuate the area where the house is located. Israel’s military didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a statement released on Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he instructed the military to “act immediately and forcefully” to prevent the launches of balloons, kites or drones from Gaza toward Israeli communities bordering it.

“We view every launch as an act of war in every respect,” he said.

Before the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas-led militants on Israel — when 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage — burning kites and balloons were sent from Gaza into southern Israel, causing fires and other damage.

While the heaviest fighting has subsided since a fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war took hold in October, Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes, killing more than 1,280 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza.

The overall war death toll in Gaza has passed 73,400 Palestinians, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. But it doesn’t give a breakdown of civilians and militants.

Militants have carried out shooting attacks on troops, and Israel says its strikes are in response to that and other violations. Five Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire.