One of the most notable aspects of the war in Iran so far has been the extent of Tehran’s isolation in the region. This has been exemplified not only by the widening divide between Iran and its Gulf Arab neighbours, but also by the highly variable responses to the conflict by Iran’s proxy groups.

Iran has relied on a network of proxies to protect and bolster its position in the region since the earliest days of the Islamic Republic in 1979. The most important elements in this network have been Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Syria under the rule of the Assad family, Iran-aligned militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen.

However, this network is in serious disarray as a result of various conflicts in the region since late 2023. Hamas has been devastated by the Israeli onslaught that followed the October 7 terrorist attacks in southern Israel, with a succession of its leadership killed during the conflict. This has left the group unable to play a part in the Iran war.

Hezbollah, on the other hand, entered the conflict early on. The group has launched rockets, missiles and drones at Israel since March 2 in response to the killing of the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in an Israeli airstrike days earlier. But Hezbollah finds itself damaged to the point it constitutes a far greater threat to Lebanese stability than it does to Israel.

Hezbollah was subjected to an Israeli military campaign after attacking Israel following the start of the war in Gaza. Its political and military leadership were targeted, culminating in the assassination of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in 2024. Hezbollah’s capacity to launch missiles into Israel was also degraded.

The resumption of Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel now poses a very significant threat to Lebanon on political and humanitarian levels, while being largely ineffective in Israel to date. Lebanon’s health ministry says Israeli attacks have killed 968 people since March 2. No deaths have been reported in Israel, though two Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah ambush in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun, announced on March 2 that Hezbollah’s actions were unlawful. He also demanded that the group hand over its weapons, and spoke of Lebanon’s willingness to engage in formal negotiations with Israel to avoid the Israeli military imposing new security arrangements on the country.

But the current conflict has exposed the Lebanese state’s limited capacity to control events in its own territory. Meanwhile, Israel has announced plans for an expanded ground campaign in southern Lebanon, fuelling fears of an extended occupation and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

Like Hezbollah, Iran-aligned militias in Iraq joined the conflict soon after the US and Israeli assault on Iran began. They have targeted Israel, as well as US military bases in Jordan and Iraq, with drones and missiles. Iranian Kurdish groups in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq have also been attacked following reports that the US might arm them to fight the regime in Tehran.

In response, Iraqi militias have been targeted by US and Israeli airstrikes. As in Lebanon, a weak central government in Iraq is struggling to maintain a balance between domestic and external forces. Elections in November 2025 saw a coalition of Shia parties emerge as the largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament.

However, their nominee for prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, has been rejected by the US. This is due to the widely-held perception that he stoked sectarian tensions when he was last in office from 2006 to 2014 and is too close to the regime in Tehran.

In the meantime, the caretaker government is struggling to contain the influence of pro-Iran militias while the war devastates Iraq’s oil sector. The Iraqi economy is heavily dependent on the sale of hydrocarbons, with oil revenues accounting for roughly 90% of government revenue. Oil production has reduced sharply since the start of the conflict.

Houthis in Yemen

The final Iranian ally of substance in the region, the Houthis, have been conspicuous by their absence from the fray. When the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, the Houthis mounted a series of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The group also targeted Israel with long-range missile strikes, which were largely ineffective.

The outbreak of the current war with Iran has led to protests and declarations of condemnation in Yemen, with Houthi leadership warning on March 5 that their “fingers are on the trigger”. But, so far, this has not been followed with concrete action. There are a number of possible explanations for this apparent reluctance to offer support to the regime in Tehran.

Analysts such as Nadwa al-Dawsari of the US-based Middle East Institute have suggested that Iran may be holding any intervention by the Houthis in reserve. She argues that Tehran may be doing so on the basis that longer-range missile and drone attacks against the Gulf states and Israel will prove more effective later in the conflict.

But it is also possible that Houthi leadership are fearful of the impact of US and Israeli retaliation should they become directly involved in the conflict. Previously, in August 2025, Israeli attacks killed at least 12 senior members of the Houthi leadership ranks. This included Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled government in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a.

However, whether the Houthi leadership has the capacity to withstand Iranian pressure to enter the conflict is doubtful. So they may ultimately be dragged in, if somewhat reluctantly.

The North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York has built a strong reputation online, earning a 4.9-star rating from 382 reviews on TripAdvisor, with 97 per cent of travellers recommending the experience.

The full-day tour, which typically lasts around eight hours, offers visitors the chance to leave the city behind and explore the North York Moors National Park, alongside stops at destinations including Byland Abbey, Helmsley, Goathland and Whitby.

North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

For many, the appeal lies in the mix of scenery, history and screen connections.

Goathland is a particular highlight, having been used as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter films, while the wider route takes in landscapes familiar to viewers of TV dramas filmed across North Yorkshire.

However, reviews suggest the experience goes far beyond its film links.

Visitors repeatedly highlight the “quality of the guides, with knowledgeable commentary and local insight”, seen as a key part of the tour’s success.

One traveller described it as “a wonderful day with a wonderful guide”, praising the small-group format and regular stops to take in “absolutely beautiful landscapes and charming small towns”.

Another said the trip remained “lively and enjoyable” despite poor weather, thanks to a guide who was “informative and personable”.

Several reviewers singled out individual guides for particular praise.

One wrote that their guide was “absolutely brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable and such a talent at engagingly sharing stories”, while another described theirs as a “fountain of knowledge” with a clear passion for Yorkshire.

North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

The scenery itself is a major draw, with travellers frequently pointing to the moorland views as a highlight of the day.

One reviewer said a stop on the moors was “simply breathtaking”, while others described the journey through the national park as “a pleasure in itself”.

Whitby remains one of the most popular stops on the tour, with visitors typically given around two hours to explore the coastal town.

Famous for its abbey ruins, harbour and fish and chip shops, the town continues to attract strong praise from those taking part in the trip.

One visitor described Whitby as “a real gem”, while another said the tour provided the “perfect side trip” for those staying in York.

The tour’s structure is also seen as a key strength, with travellers highlighting the balance between guided commentary and free time to explore.

Many reviews also mention the comfort of the transport and the benefits of travelling in a smaller group, which allows for more frequent stops and a more personal experience.

Of the 382 reviews, 359 are rated “excellent” and just a handful fall below average, underlining the consistency of the experience.

The tour is operated by Mountain Goat Tours, which itself holds a strong reputation among travellers, with many reviews also praising the company’s “organisation, professionalism and value for money”.

With North Yorkshire continuing to attract visitors seeking countryside, heritage and filming locations, tours such as this are becoming an increasingly popular way to explore the region.

As one reviewer summed it up: “A grand day out.”

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho Frello has hit out at singer Chappell Roan after the footballer’s step-daughter – Jude Law’s child – was left ‘shaking’

Chappell Roan has come under fire from former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho Frello after his 11-year-old step-daughter was left in tears after an encounter with the singer. The Brazilian footballer, who now plays for Flamengo, shared a statement about the “sad situation”. It involved his wife, The Voice star Cat Cavelli – aka Catherine Harding – and her and Jude Law’s daughter, Ada.

The family were staying in the same hotel as Roan – real name Kayleigh Rose Amstutz – during Lollapalooza in Brazil, with huge fan Ada excited to see her idol there. But things took a turn for the worse when the youngster walked past the artist’s table.

Posting on Instagram, Jorginho explained what happened.: “I went through a very upsetting situation with my family earlier today. My wife (@catcavelli) is in São Paulo for @lollapaloozabr. This morning, my daughter woke up incredibly excited, she even made a sign because she was so happy to see an artist she really admires, or used to admire. @chappellroan.

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“By coincidence, they’re staying at the same hotel as this artist. During breakfast, the artist walked past their table. My daughter, like any child, recognised her, got excited, and just wanted to make sure it was really her.

“And the worst part is she didn’t even approach her. She simply walked past the singer’s table, looked to confirm it was her, smiled, and went back to sit with her mum. She didn’t say anything, didn’t ask for anything.

“What happened next was completely disproportionate. A large security guard came over to their table while they were still having breakfast and began speaking in an extremely aggressive manner to both my wife and my daughter, saying that she shouldn’t allow my daughter to ‘disrespect’ or ‘harass’ other people.

“Honestly, I don’t know at what point simply walking past a table and looking to see if someone is there can be considered harassment.

“He even said he would file a complaint against them with the hotel, while my 11-year-old daughter was sitting there in tears. My daughter was extremely shaken and cried a lot.

“I’ve lived with football, public exposure, and well-known people for many years, and I understand very well what respect and boundaries are. What happened there was not that. It was just a child admiring someone.

“It’s sad to see this kind of treatment coming from those who should understand the importance of fans. At the end of the day, they are the ones who build all of this.

“I sincerely hope this serves as a moment of reflection. No one should have to go through this, especially not a child. @chappellroan WITHOUT YOUR FANS, YOU WOULD BE NOTHING. AND TO THE FANS, SHE DOES NOT DESERVE YOUR AFFECTION.”

The Mirror has reached out to Chappell Roan’s reps for comment on the incident.

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Hawaii is currently suffering its worst flooding in more than 20 years, with people in the hardest-hit areas being urged to “LEAVE NOW” by officials.

One of the largest dams on the Oahu island is at “risk of imminent failure”, warned the island’s emergency team on social media.

“We’ve got a little over 4,000 people directly within the dam evacuation area,” said Molly Pierce, a spokesperson for the Oahu Department of Emergency Management, according to Sky’s partner newsroom NBC.

“It could fail,” Ms Pierce said of the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam.

The team also warned the only remaining access road out of the nearby town of Waialua is at “high risk of failure”.

“Residents in the Waialua area are strongly urged to LEAVE NOW. The remaining access road out of Waialua is at high risk of failure if rainfall continues,” posted the Emergency Management team on X on Saturday afternoon UK time.

More than 5,500 people north of Honolulu are under evacuation orders because of the historic weather.

The situation was made worse by a storm last week, which had already left the ground saturated and susceptible to flooding.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the cost of the storm could reach $1bn (around £750m), with airports, schools, roads, homes and a hospital all damaged.

“This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state,” Mr Green said.

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With the exception of emergency workers, Hawaii’s state employees have been sent home to “allow families to focus on getting to safety”, he told reporters.

“With catastrophic flash flooding already impacting parts of Oahu, including evacuation orders on the North Shore and the potential for dam-related impacts, we are taking this situation extremely seriously.”

Oahu’s North Shore is famous for its big-wave surfing but the area was submerged in vast stretches of muddy floodwater, as the floods lifted homes and cars.

On social media, local residents were organising clean-up parties and rescue attempts, with one man filming as he tried to rescue a neighbour’s cat from the muddy waters.

“Mahalo for your service to the community,” replied one Instagram user.

All ten boroughs will benefit from £18m national drive to restore ailing parks

Greater Manchester is set to benefit from a national £18m drive to improve or build new playgrounds in deprived communities.

The fund was first announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget in November – but tonight the 66 areas around the country which will get a share of the cash has been revealed.

Among them are all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester: Salford, Tameside, Bolton, Oldham, Trafford, Rochdale, Manchester, Stockport, Wigan and Bury.

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The cash is ‘to buy new or upgrade playgrounds across the country’, according to an update from Communities Secretary Steve Reed. Areas with the ‘highest income deprivation affecting children and the poorest access to play’ have been chosen, according to the government.

A further £301m is being invested to revive struggling high streets as part of the government’s ‘pride in place’ strategy, it has also been announced. The details of where this money is to be spent is yet to be announced.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: “People have watched their communities decline for too long, with little say over how they’re run. This government is determined to change that – giving communities the tools, the funding and the power they need to rebuild.

“From new playgrounds to reimagined high streets, we’re putting power back in people’s hands. People across the country will see and feel the difference this investment makes, restoring pride in local areas.”

Funding for playgrounds will flow straight to local areas, with no requirements to bid or compete against other places, according to the government. Councils receiving funding ‘will also be encouraged to consider buying British materials’.

Here’s how Swansea’s players rated during the defeat to Coventry City

Swansea City slipped to a 3-0 defeat at home to Coventry City on Saturday.

Goals from Brandon Thomas-Asante, Matt Grimes and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto were enough to seal a fairly comfortable victory for the visitors.

Here’s how Swansea’s players rated on the night.

Lawrence Vigouroux 6

Can’t really be blamed for the goals and produced a couple of good saves.

Ethan Galbraith 5

Didn’t really influence the game at right-back or in midfield. Subbed.

Ben Cabango 5

Can have not complaints about the penalty. A difficult day for the skipper.

Cameron Burgess 6

Given a torrid time by Coventry’s front line but stood up reasonably well with several decent contributions.

Josh Tymon 6

Hit the post in the first half. Worked hard down the right, but just couldn’t quite have the influence he would have liked. Subbed.

Goncalo Franco 5

Unlucky not to score in the first half. Competed fairly well, but struggled to really influence the game. Subbed.

Jay Fulton 5

Did quite well early on. Played in some decent passes and mopped up well, but influence faded in face of that first-half onslaught. Subbed

Ronald 5

Made a couple of tackles, but was otherwise a pretty forgettable performance.

Melker Widell 6 – STAR MAN

Denied by the post in the first half. Worked so hard, but just couldn’t find a way through. Denied late on.

Eom Jisung 6

Had a couple of lively moments, including a lovely cross for Franco’s chance. But a slightly frustrating outing on the whole. Subbed.

Zan Vipotnik 5

Anonymous for the most part. Missed a sitter at the end too.

Subs:

Joel Ward (on for Eom 46) – Nothing to really take issue with. A decent cameo – 6

Marko Stamenic (on for Galbraith 67) – Put in a couple of heavy challenges that did at least add some steel in midfield – 6

Malick Yalcouye (on for Fulton 67) – Industrious but largely understated off the bench – 6

Liam Cullen (on for Franco 67) – As above – 6

Ishe Samuels-Smith (on for Tymon 76) – Couple of decent tackles – 6

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Mum-of-five Stacey shared a video montage of her son from over the years

Stacey Solomon has left her fans feeling emotional with a tribute to her eldest child on his 18th birthday.

Prior to meeting her husband Joe Swash, X Factor singer Stacey had sons Zachary and Leighton from a previous relationship. She and Joe went on to have three children, Rex, six, Rose, four, Belle, three.

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Taking to Instagram on Saturday (March 21), Stacey posted a video montage of Zachary from over the years. Throughout the video he could be seen looking after his younger siblings.

She captioned the post: “I blinked & my baby boy turned 18. Zachary, growing up with you has been the biggest privilege of my life. Looking through our memories, every video I have of you shows just how special you are.

“The kindest man with the biggest heart. The world is so lucky to have an human like you in it. Happy birthday darling boy.

“To the moon & stars and back again. sorry that I’ve spent the whole morning crying. I’ll pull myself together eventually.”

Returning to her account later in the day, Stacey proceeded to share a number of pictures of her and Zachary from his birthday. Stacey stunned in white sleeveless jumpsuit, while Zachary sported a casual black t-shirt and shorts.

“Today is all about you Zachary. 18 wonderful years of you. We are SO lucky. Now let’s go OUT out @zachsolomon08,” she wrote.

The comments sections of Stacey’s posts saw her famous friends and fans rushing to explain why they got emotional by her kind words and wish Zachary a happy birthdAY.

Celebs Go Dating’s Nadia Essex said: “He really does have kind eyes. What a joy. You must be so proud.” Beauty expert Caroline Hirons added: “Happy Birthday Zachy!”

@squashedpickle wrote: “Happy birthday Zac! You’ve both watch each other grow.” @little_house_life posted: “Aw beautiful video Stacey. Happy 18th Birthday to Zach.”

@woodenyoulove1 commented: “Such a beautiful montage of your Zachary. Happy birthday young man.” @marie_buckingham stated: “Beautiful video, happy birthday, what an amazing loving lad.”

Meanwhile, in a week where Stacey had to address their relationship on This Morning, Joe shared a post of his own in honour of Zachary.

“Happy 18th birthday, Zachary! Watching you grow into such a kind and caring young man has been something really special. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in the years ahead, this is just the start of something great,” he said.

The former hotel is in a ‘poor structural condition’

A mix of flats and houses could be built on site of a former Cambridgeshire hotel. Woodgate Developments Ltd has proposed to build 14 homes on site of the former Station Hotel in Station Road, March.

It also proposes to demolish the former hotel. Of the 14 homes proposed includes four one-bedded flats and 10 two-bedded flats. It also proposes cycle storage and parking.

The developers said it would deliver “much-needed housing” to the area and be the “regeneration of a prominent site”. The applicants added: “The redevelopment of the site will remove a redundant and deteriorating building and replace it with a well‑designed residential scheme that makes efficient use of a brownfield site in a highly accessible location.

“The proposal will contribute positively to the vitality of the area by introducing new residents who will support nearby services, facilities and public transport.” The developers propose to demolish the former hotel building as it is in a “poor structural condition and no longer suitable for reuse”.

If approved, the demolition will take place in a “controlled manner” and in line with health and safety regulations. In its conclusion, the developers added: “The proposed redevelopment of the former Station Hotel represents sustainable development.

“It makes efficient use of previously developed land, delivers high‑quality housing in a highly accessible location, and responds positively to its physical, social and environmental context.” The plans have attracted some objections, including from March Town Council.

The council said it has “ongoing concerns” about drainage at the site, and it was “very disappointed” the developers were “seeking not to deliver any affordable housing or make essential S106 contributions”.

It added: “Further, it is disappointing to see another building of historical value being destroyed.” A resident in Stevens Way, March, also objected to the plans.

They described the percentage of the site being developed as “excessive”, and the proposed height of the building would “dwarf” neighbouring buildings. They added: “The proposal would be completely out of character in its setting.”