President Donald Trump says Iran will “be blown off the face of the earth” if U.S. vessels guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz are attacked, escalating his threats to eliminate Iranian civilization as the countries test a tenuous ceasefire during the weeks-long war.

U.S. military officials said Iran launched missiles, drones and small boats at ships sailing through the passage with U.S. support on Monday. Six small Iranian boats were targeting civilian vessels, according to officials.

If Iranians continue to target commercial ships during the so-called Project Freedom escort operation, the country will “be blown off the face of the earth,” Trump told Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst on Monday.

Trump’s latest rhetoric follows last month’s threats that a “whole civilization will die” in Iran “never to be brought back again” if the nation did not agree to a ceasefire deal and reopen the Strait, whose effective closure has choked off global oil supplies and surged barrel prices.

“Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday as he suggested South Korea should “come and join the mission.”

“We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, ‘fast’ Boats. It’s all they have left,” he wrote. “Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”

On Sunday, Trump vowed to aid commercial vessels stranded in the waterway as part to “free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong” for what he described as a “humanitarian mission.”

“They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders! For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” he wrote.

The operation will deploy 15,000 troops, more than 100 aircraft and guided-missile destroyers, according to U.S. Central Command.

Iranian military officials have warned that any foreign forces approaching the Strait will be “targeted and attacked.”

“We have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be co-ordinated with the armed forces,” according to Major General Ali Abdollahi.

Trump’s increasingly violent threats to Iran have fueled urgent, bipartisan demands to administration officials to remove him from office.

Last month, less than two hours before his self-imposed deadline to begin launching attacks that he said would destroy a “whole civilization,” the president announced a two-week pause in fighting while negotiations with Iran continued.

In an Easter Sunday message, Trump told Iran to “Open the F****’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”

Two days later, he wrote: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

Democratic members of Congress and some former Trump allies have rallied around the invocation of the 25th Amendment, which allows for the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unfit to serve.

This is a developing story

‘I can truly say I saw a difference in my face as little as a week; just softer looking, more refined looking, and now my wrinkles look less crepey’

While ageing is unavoidable, the correct skincare routine can make a significant difference. And one recent launch is already creating a stir amongst mature shoppers who insist it truly works.

Tropic Skincare has introduced the Youth Potion Advanced (£98), an enhanced version of its original Youth Potion (£78), which has been a long-standing favourite for its anti-ageing properties. The updated formula pledges to go considerably further, with the brand asserting it contains the world’s first natural retinal and is seven times stronger than its predecessor.

The serum seeks to diminish the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, enhance firmness, and improve uneven skin tone and texture. Initial customer reviews, particularly from those with mature skin, have been overwhelmingly positive, with some describing it as ‘the best ever.’

Owing to its strength, the brand recommends users apply one to two pumps to freshly cleansed skin in the evening, beginning with two to three applications weekly to give the skin time to adapt. Frequency can subsequently be increased gradually as tolerance develops.

Nevertheless, for anyone uncertain about retinol, Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides (£55) offers a plant-based alternative. Instead, it utilises bakuchiol peptides to calm sensitive skin, enhance radiance, and diminish fine lines. As noted, the Youth Potion Advanced has accumulated more than 70 five-star reviews at the time of writing.

One delighted customer in her mid-50s shared: “I honestly love love this product, I liked the original, but it has been 7x more potent than the original. Advanced is a game-changer” reports the Mirror.

Discover more

Shop the Youth Potion Advanced at Tropic

“I can truly say I saw a difference in my face as little as a week; just softer looking, more refined looking, and now my wrinkles look less crepey. Not gone, but less noticeable and less depth.”

A second user in her 50s chimed in: “This is really wonderful. Its consistency is lovely and thick, so a little goes a long way. It absorbs beautifully into my skin, making it feel soft and plump.

“Although I’ve only used it for a short period of time, it’s certainly improved the texture of my skin, and it feels much softer and more hydrated. The best serum ever.”

Notably, the product has yet to receive a single negative review. However, one four-star review states: “It’s much thicker than the previous version.”

On a more positive note, a Tropic Skincare devotee in her early 70s remarked: “I’m in my early seventies, and this is hands down incredible at making my skin smoother, way firmer, especially my jawline, and fine lines are getting way less pronounced, especially around my lips. It has also faded age spots around my eyes.”

Alongside the serum, the brand has also unveiled the Calm and Correct Treatment (£32), a complexion product engineered to neutralise the appearance of redness. The adaptive formula works in harmony with individual skin tones to deliver natural-looking coverage, steering clear of the grey or chalky finish that can occasionally come with colour-correcting products.

One satisfied reviewer noted: “I struggle with some rosacea and am constantly trying different products. This one has excellent coverage without looking like caked-on makeup.”

Meanwhile, another commented: “Having some redness from previous sun damage as well as from dermatitis/rosacea, I was really looking forward to trying the calm and correct. Was absolutely delighted, it not only covered the redness but made the skin feel much more comfortable and look good.”

Elsewhere, Erborian CC’s Red Correct (£15, Look Fantastic) could prove a more suitable alternative. It works to disguise unwanted rosiness while offering SPF 30 protection.

Britney Spears has avoided jail after pleading to a lesser charge following her arrest for driving under the influence. She was arrested on 5 March for driving “under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol”

Britney Spears has avoided jail after pleading to a lesser charge following her arrest for driving under the influence.

Last week, it was confirmed the singer had been officially charged with DUI. The pop star, 44, was arrested on 5 March for driving “under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol” and taken to Ventura County Main Jail, north west of Los Angeles.

At the time of her arrest, a mysterious substance was found in her car. The star was formally charged with a single misdemeanour count of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug.

In a court hearing today, her lawyer appeared on her behalf. She took a plea bargain that meant the original charge was reduced to a “wet reckless”. The judge sentenced Britney to 2 months probation, and one day of jail time which has already been served.

Also as part of the agreement is that she must complete a three month alcohol education programme and must receive regular support for her mental health, which includes weekly sessions with a psychologist as well as appointments twice a month with a psychiatrist, reports suggest.

It has also been reported that she has been fined $571 by a judge and can only be in possession of drugs if she has a valid prescription. As part of the conditions, Britney must also allow a search and seizure of her vehicle if needed.

“Through her plea today, Britney has accepted responsibility for her conduct. She has taken significant steps to implement positive change which is clearly reflected in the Ventura County District Attorney’s decision to reduce the charge in this case and dismiss the DUI. Britney appreciates this discretion and is also grateful for the outpouring of support she has received,” her attorney Michael Goldstein told TMZ.

Just after the news unfolded in March of Britney’s arrest, her manager told The Mirror: “This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law.

“Hopefully, this can be the first step in a long-overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”

A representative for Britney had previously confirmed that she had checked herself into a facility so that she could be treated for substance abuse.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Manchester United have remained firm in their stance to Barcelona over Marcus Rashford, with the Catalan club holding an option to make his move permanent at the end of the season

Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona team-mate Frenkie De Jong has made it clear how much the Manchester United loanee is valued at the club as a decision about his future approaches. Rashford has spent the season in Catalonia after a difficult spell under ex-boss Ruben Amorim.

Hansi Flick’s side have the option to buy the 28-year-old for £26million this summer, however Barca are said to be keen on taking Rashford on loan for another season in order to sign him for a cheaper fee in the summer of 2027. There has also been noise from Spain suggesting the Spanish giants would like to negotiate a lower fee to sign Rashford at the end of the season.

While uncertainty remains, De Jong has already made his feelings clear, suggesting the England international brings something to the squad that no one else does. “A really good guy,” De Jong told The Guardian when asked about Rashford, making no bones about the forward’s importance to the team.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

“Open and kind and he’s also having a big impact for us on the pitch. With his speed and depth, he really adds a lot to our game.

“And by doing so, he also forces the opponent’s defence to drop back a bit, which creates more space for us in the middle.”

Rashford has already expressed his desire to stay in Spain, having previously said: “Oh yeah, for sure. I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”

From United’s perspective, Barcelona have been informed they will have to pay the full £26m option if they want to sign the forward, with no intention on their side to negotiate a lower fee.

After sealing Champions League qualification with Saturday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, United are now focused on maximising any incoming funds to bolster their summer transfer budget.

United have no plans on the table to try and reintegrate the attacker into the squad, even if former team-mate Michael Carrick remains as head coach into next season.

Rashford, who has produced 13 goals and 14 assists this season, can become a La Liga title winner if Barca avoid defeat against Real Madrid next Sunday. Flick’s side require just one point to take an unassailable lead over Madrid, who defeated Espanyol 2-0 on Sunday.

Barca sit 11 points clear of Alvaro Arbeloa’s side with four games remaining, putting the title within touching distance.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Advertisement

Liam Rosenior was relieved of his duties after losing seven times in an eight-match run, but Chelsea’s fortunes have not improved under interim boss Calum McFarlane. This latest defeat sees them slip to ninth in the Premier League, with their chances of qualifying for Europe rapidly dwindling.

‘I don’t think it is possible for such a shallow squad to make a run through the All-Ireland series’

Advertisement

Last Saturday saw one of the great Ulster Championship games unfold.

This would have turned into a non-event under the new rules after Derry built up a 10-point lead at half-time. They would have sat with 14 men behind the ball, picking off Monaghan on the counter.

Monaghan, who ironically were the lowest two-point scorers in the League, racked up eight two-pointers to Derry’s one.

This is the way amateur sport should be – skill and risk-taking should be incentivised over systems and efficiency.

I referenced Rory Beggan a few weeks back saying he is an outlier in the game. He may have had his definitive career performance. His three two-pointers and assist for Micheál Bannigan’s goal brought the Farney back from the dead.

Numerous Derry fans were already heading for the exits as soon as the foul was awarded at the end of extra-time. A 50-yard free in wet conditions should not have such an inevitable outcome except when Rory Beggan is standing over it.

Opponents have now been forewarned.

Beggan was not on his own on the two-point front and it was clear from the body language of the Monaghan players in the last 10 minutes that they were ready to roll the dice and they didn’t need any encouragement to shoot from distance.

Derry, in contrast, passing on taking chances outside the arc and favoured playing the ball through the hands and trying to work high-percentage point scorers or goal-scoring opportunities.

The rain at half-time made the ball and the surface greasier and Derry’s approach harder to execute.

They had already been turned over as a result of bouncing the ball three or four times before Patrick McGurk’s fatal bounce allowed Monaghan back up the field for the last minute of normal time.

As I suggested last week, Derry’s starting line-up can compete with most, if not all and would be superior to Monaghan.

There’s questions that will now be asked of this Derry team, but, in truth, their management gave the answers on Saturday.

In the second half, a number of Derry’s core players were either playing below their level or fatigued, which inevitably happens in a fast-paced inter-county game.

To bring on three subs in 70 minutes and to then reintroduce Conor Doherty and Niall Loughlin for two of the subs is a definitive statement by the manager on what he thinks of his panel.

I see many of the same names on the Derry bench over the last number of years but I rarely see them on the pitch.

Had Derry closed out the last few seconds of normal time or extra-time, I feel they would have the ability to overturn Armagh.

Now, I don’t think it is possible for such a shallow squad to make a run through the All-Ireland series. As fate would have it, they’ll now face the Orchard County in round one!

All-Ireland contenders aren’t hoping their key men can last it out or keep under-performers on for the last 20 minutes. They run the bench at every opportunity.

This isn’t a slight on the current Derry management. Their strengths and weaknesses personnel wise are largely what they were in 2022 when they were Ulster champions.

Derry have had a number of successful or heavily-hyped minor and U20 teams in the last three or four years – it seems they haven’t yet had a significant impact at senior level.

In the last two seasons, they’ve faced Tyrone at U20 level and I’d been told, on both occasions, that this Derry team were chasing an All-Ireland and would be too strong for the Red Hands.

Both times Tyrone came out on top.

These short-coming for Derry at U20s and the lack of depth in the senior panel should give the county set-up cause for reflection. There’s either unrealistic expectations or something that needs rectified.

On that note, a word for my own county winning a third U20 title on the trot and five in the last seven.

Another game that evidenced the transformation of the sport, as we racked up 4-19, with not a single score coming from a dead-ball.

That’s the type of statistic that will be trotted out on many a high barstool for the next few decades by those who were playing, coaching and supporting the team last Wednesday night.

Of-course winning U20 titles is no guarantee of future glory at senior level, but it’s a good indicator that you have talent and there are indications that the talent can translate to senior football.

There is so much that can change with regards to a players’ fortunes from under-17 to senior, but under 20 level gives a more accurate look on a player’s physical potential and mentality, which of course will go a long way to determine whether they can make a mark at senior county level.

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here .

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories

The airport recently announced that it had achieved a 46 per cent reduction in carbon emissions since 2019, which its chief corporate affairs officer, Alice Andreasen, labelled a “major milestone”, adding that it “clearly shows” that the transport hub is “well ahead of schedule” on its journey to Net Zero by 2035.

Newcastle International said it had done so through several initiatives, including the switch to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to power all non-electric vehicles across its site, the installation of rapid-rise doors in the baggage handling area, AirDoors at the terminal entrance and the decommissioning of the gas‑powered hot water system at outlets in the departure lounge.

The airport’s announcements focused on the 46 per cent cut and its Net Zero 2035 goal, without spelling out that the target applies only to its own operations.

That detail appears in its Masterplan and Net Zero strategy, where aircraft emissions are listed separately under Scope 3, with the airport saying it will “work with airlines to reduce” them.

While local climate campaign groups, Aircraft Noise Action Group (ANAG) and Climate Action Newcastle (CAN), have praised the airport’s steps towards reducing its environmental impact on site, ANAG have stated that the promotion of its Net Zero credentials leaves out flight emissions, which they say “are by far and away the main contributor to climate change”.

“This fact is buried in the Masterplan, and most people will almost certainly assume ‘Net Zero’ covers aircraft as well as buildings and vehicles,” they added.

Both ANAG and CAN also stated that the airport’s Masterplan growth plan – moving from around five million annual passengers currently to nine million in 2040 – will “wipe out” and “outstrip” the emission reductions in its operations hub.

As part of its 2040 Masterplan, the airport is aiming to increase its annual passenger numbers by four million (Image: Newcastle Airport)

CAN has also asked that the airport’s carbon emission reduction information appear alongside projections of emission increases from the “huge number” of extra flights proposed.

Newcastle Airport said that the 46 per cent reduction relates to Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from its “direct operations” with “emissions from flights reported separately by the airlines themselves”.

It added: “Crucially, our ambition to reach Net Zero by 2035 has been developed in line with the growth projections outlined in the Masterplan and reflects the areas where the Airport has direct control.”

A spokesperson for ANAG said: “Provided the airport makes it absolutely clear that its Net Zero target excludes flights, and that flights are by far the main contributor to climate change, we would have no objection to it describing itself as ‘on track’, for its own operations only. The airport needs to be honest with the public so that people can make up their minds based on complete information.

“The Masterplan’s growth plans, moving from around five million passengers now to around nine million in 2040, cannot be achieved without more flights. That increase in flight numbers will bring increased climate‑changing emissions; there is an unbreakable link between the two. In our view, those extra emissions will wipe out the gains made on the ground.

“We think Newcastle Airport is big enough already and would like to see it abandon its expansion plans and drop any ambition to host long‑distance flights, which have the greatest climate impact.”

A spokesperson for Climate Action Newcastle said: “Based on the emissions total arising from current flight numbers, it is clear that the Masterplan’s extra emissions from nearly doubling passenger numbers will totally outstrip emission reductions in its hub operations.

“By positioning both sets of information together, it will help to avoid any confusion about the overall consequences of the airport’s plans.

“The simple fact is that the airport’s plans will generate extra greenhouse gas emissions, which will accelerate harmful global heating.”

A Newcastle Airport spokesperson said: “Our 2040 Masterplan sets out a clear vision for the Airport’s future and was shaped by our largest ever public consultation, with more than 600 responses from residents, businesses and stakeholders.

“This included input from community groups such as the Aircraft Noise Action Group, with whom we continue to meet regularly.

“Through initiatives such as our on-site solar farm, the creation of new woodland areas and the transition to a fully electric vehicle fleet, we have been recognised as an industry leader and are already delivering real, measurable results, putting us significantly ahead of our Net Zero target.”

Copmanthorpe used to dance round the maypole in the community orchard in Low Green every year during its May Day Street Fair.

Acorn Morris dancers at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

But a lack of volunteers and Covid restrictions meant that for some years the fair has not taken place.

Now the organisers of Copmanthorpe Carnival have revived the May Day Street Fair and hundreds of all ages flocked to enjoy traditional and modern music and dance.

Maypole dancing at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s a great success,” said Copmanthorpe resident Nigel Brown. “Let’s hope it keeps going. Once you resurrect something and it’s successful, you’ve got to keep going.  I hope it will be back next year.”

Families and residents of all ages filled Low Green and some joined in as Acorn Morris Dancers gave lessons on morris dancing before performing themselves.

Copmanthorpe Village Choir then took up the May welcoming baton and sang traditional May folk songs as well as more modern classics before Spark – girl singers Tilly and Beau and boy keyboard/singer Daniel – thrilled the crowd with hits from modern musicals and Abba classics.

Then the crowd moved to the site of the community orchard for the highlight of the MayDay celebration.

The May Queen Lucy Taylor at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

May Queen Lucy Taylor said: “My job is to build a maypole and that I have done. All I need now is 16 dancers.”

Children ran to take the coloured ribbons and she guided her recruits through basic maypole dancing moves. 

Alan Murray of Copmanthorpe Carnival said the event used to be run by St Giles Church, Copmanthorpe, but a lack of volunteers and Covid restrictions meant it stopped being held.

So the carnival organisation took it over and hope to interest more young people in getting involved particularly through the May Day traditions.

“It’s been absolutely amazing,” he said as he looked at the crowds visiting stalls laid out along the street and enjoying the entertainment.  “The community has come out to support it.”

Copmanthorpe Primary School opened its playground to house a Kids Area with a bouncy castle and other children-orientated activities which proved a big attraction.

York  City and District Society of Model Engineers provided a miniature steam train with track which was in constant demand throughout the event.

The miniature steam railway in action at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

The hot dog stall was so popular it sold out within an hour.

Stalls were manned by local organisations including local scouts and guides, ABC Gardening Club and St Leonard’s Hospice and there was an art exhibition and child art activities.