Trump was set to convene top advisers in the White House Situation Room Tuesday to discuss options for a return to the bombing campaign he has spent months claiming as a “total victory” over Tehran before he announced Monday on Truth Social that he’d be postponing renewed attacks at the request of Qatari, Saudi and Emirati leaders, who he claimed are involved in “serious negotiations” towards “a deal which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond.”
“Based on my respect for the above mentioned Leaders, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Daniel Caine, and The United States Military, that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached,” he said.
Trump’s latest eleventh-hour reversal comes a day after he told Axios that he believes Iranian leaders still want to come to some manner of agreement and warned that Tehran is “going to get hit much harder” if they don’t capitulate to his demands.
Advertisement
President Donald Trump has threatened Iran several times on social media. But, so far, hasn’t carried out further attacks as Iran continues to control the Strait of Hormuz (Getty Images)
The president also cautioned that “there won’t be anything left of them” if they fail to rush through a deal to end the war, writing on Truth Social that “the clock is ticking” for Iran.
“They better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
In the midst of a days-long stream of Truth Social posts about upcoming House and Senate primaries interspersed with AI-generated slop content showing him with captured aliens, among other things, Trump lashed out at the New York Times,The Wall Street Journal and CNN for reporting about the war’s depletion of American munitions stockpiles that defense experts say will take years to rebuild as well as how Iran’s own capabilities remain largely intact despite Trump’s insistence that their forces have been “decimated.”
Meanwhile, Tehran is carrying on with its efforts to inflict as much economic pain on the global economy as possible without regard for anything Trump tells journalists or thumbs into his social media account. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz leading to a spike in gas prices across the globe.
Advertisement
On Monday, Iranian officials created an X account for what the regime is calling the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” — as prosaic and anodyne-sounding an organization as, say, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
A post announcing the establishment of the new agency described it as the “legal entity and representative authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran for managing the passage and transit through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Iran’s closure of the Strait has led oil and gas prices to spike across the globe (Getty Images)
It appeared to be a giant middle finger raised defiantly in Trump’s direction ahead of his reported war council session and came on the same day that Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned that his country is “fully prepared for every scenario” and “will not be subdued by contradictory behavior and threats” from the U.S. side of the conflict .
“In the event of any reckless action we will respond with full strength, and I assure you that our armed forces will definitely have new ‘surprises’ for the enemy,” he said.
There was a time when Trump’s Twitter tantrums could be said to have garnered at least some results.
Advertisement
His threats of “fire and fury” against North Korea and talk of a “nuclear button” arguably brought about a lull in Pyongyang’s provocations against South Korea and Japan during his first term, even as a pair of summits with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un failed to bring about anything remotely resembling progress towards the longstanding goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.
Not anymore.
By now, Iranian leaders can see Trump’s appetite for more war falling just as fast as his approval rating — or as fast as gas prices continue to rise while they choke off the world’s access to a fifth of its oil supply by seizing control of the Strait.
Trump has both boasted about the destruction of Iran’s military in his attacks but also threatened further strikes (AFP via Getty Images)
They know that Trump hasn’t had the fortitude to order American naval forces to reopen what is supposed to be an international waterway and clear any mines Tehran has laid. And because he’s alienated most of America’s allies — including those who could assist in mine-clearing or escorting civilian ships — they know they effectively control the strait and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
They can also read the same newspapers and polls that Trump and his aides can.
Advertisement
They see the American public is widely set against the war and disapproves of Trump’s handling of the entire matter.
And because they have managed to keep much of their own capabilities in reserve by hiding missile infrastructure and other military materiel deep underground, they can keep up a defense that will make Trump’s continued boasts of “total victory” look ever more ridiculous, even in the face of what could be a punishing renewed air campaign.
So long as they can hold the strait, to borrow a phrase from Trump, they “hold all the cards.”
Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary last week, signalled he wanted to see Britain return to the EU as he announced on Saturday he would stand in any Labour leadership contest.
Supporters of Andy Burnham are reportedly furious with Mr Streeting, according to the Times, as they believe it is a deliberate attempt to raise the issue of Brexit in leave-voting Makerfield, where the Greater Manchester Mayor hopes to stand as a parliamentary candidate.
Mr Burnham sought to play down his own support for rejoining the trade bloc as he took part in a media blitz across the weekend.
Andy Burnham is seen as a Labour leadership contender (Image: Newsquest)
He insisted there was a “long-term case” for advocating to join the EU, but insisted he was not campaigning on that issue in the by-election.
Advertisement
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy rebuked her former colleague, Mr Streeting, for making Europe a centre-point of his campaign to succeed Sir Keir, describing it as “odd”.
“If rejoining the EU is the answer, then essentially what we’re saying to people is, ‘life was fine in 2015, we just need to go back there’,” added Ms Nandy, who is seen as an ally to the Greater Manchester Mayor.
Reform UK, which is the second-placed party in Makerfield, plans to make hay out of Mr Burnham’s previous support for rejoining the EU as it knocks on doors in the constituency.
Several media outlets reported that Nigel Farage branded the Greater Manchester Mayor “open borders Burnham”, indicating the Reform leader plans to campaign on the impact future EU membership could have on inward migration to the UK.
Advertisement
“Andy Burnham’s position raises serious questions.
“At a time when millions of voters are demanding control of our borders, he continues to advocate re-joining a European project built around the free movement of 500 million people,” Mr Farage told the Daily Express.
Sir Keir Starmer, who reportedly spent the weekend at his Chequers country estate, is said to be privately considering whether he will contest challenges to his leadership, despite having publicly insisted he will fight them.
Ms Nandy appeared to veer away from the government line that Sir Keir would stand against his rivals as she spoke to broadcasters on Sunday morning, telling the BBC: “It’s a very personal decision for him.”
Advertisement
She later added: “So, I wouldn’t write off the Prime Minister, but I would just say that this is a very personal decision.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Former Los Angeles police detective Mark Fuhrman, who was convicted of lying during testimony at the OJ Simpson murder trial, has died. He was 74.
Fuhrman was one of the first two police detectives sent to investigate the 1994 killings of Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in Los Angeles. He reported finding a bloody glove at Simpson’s home but his credibility came under attack during the trial as the defense raised the prospect of racial bias.
Under cross-examination, Fuhrman testified that he had never made anti-Black racial slurs in the past decade, but a recording made by an aspiring screenwriter showed he had done so repeatedly.
Lynn Acebedo, the chief deputy coroner in Kootenai County, Idaho, said that Fuhrman died May 12. The county does not release the cause of death as a rule.
Advertisement
Fuhrman retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after Simpson’s 1995 acquittal. He subsequently moved to Idaho with his wife Caroline and their young daughter and son and set up a 20-acre (eight-hectare) farm, raising chickens, goats, sheep and llamas.
In 1996, Fuhrman was charged with perjury and pleaded no contest. He later became a TV and radio commentator and wrote the book “Murder in Brentwood” about the killings.
A criminal-court jury found Simpson not guilty of murder in 1995, but a separate civil trial jury found him liable in 1997 for the deaths and ordered him to pay $33.5 million to relatives of Brown and Goldman. He served nine years in prison on unrelated charges and died in Las Vegas of prostate cancer in 2024 at the age of 76.
“Starmer sabotages Burnham on Brexit” is the Daily Telegraph’s lead story. It writes that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer “has raised the prospect of rejoining the EU” while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham “seeks to keep Leave voters on side”, despite his “previous desire to reverse the 2016 referendum”. Sir Keir has been seeking closer ties with the bloc but has stuck to Labour’s election manifesto pledges to “stay outside the EU”, with “no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement”.
“I won’t walk away” is how the Daily Mirror quotes Sir Keir in its headline, describing his message to Labour colleagues as “defiant”. It reports the prime minister “rejects call to set out departure timetable”, despite pressure from some Labour MPs and senior ministers. The front page also embeds a photograph showing Alan Titchmarsh, David Beckham and King Charles III at the Chelsea Flower Show, with the caption “best of buddies”.
The incident happened in Walmgate at 12.15am on Sunday (April 26).
North Yorkshire Police say four people received minor injuries and one required hospital treatment for concussion.
Recommended reading:
Advertisement
A force spokesperson said: “A man was trying the car doors of a white vehicle parked in Walmgate.
“The man then assaulted and verbally abused people who have gone on to challenge him.”
A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the incident but has since been bailed while police enquiries continue.
Officers have released images of the man they would like to speak to about the incident.
Advertisement
A force spokesperson added: “Please email nicola.russell@northyorkshire.police.uk if you recognise the man pictured, or have any information that could help our investigation.
“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101.
“If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make an online report.
“Please quote reference 12260074715 when passing on information.”
The new Discover the Magic show skates into NI this December
Disney On Ice returns to Belfast with a brand-new magical adventure this festive season.
Advertisement
Discover the Magic will bring unforgettable memories to guests through dynamic moments on the ice and in the air, delivering compelling storytelling through multi-levelled production numbers.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from the Disney Kingdom come together to bring timeless tales to life from Thursday, December 3 to Sunday, December 6 at The SSE Arena.
The first phase release of tickets will go on sale this Friday, May 22 from Ticketmaster.
A spokesperson said: “Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts!
Advertisement
“Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises.
“Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration!
“The production will skate into Belfast from Thursday 3rd December to Sunday 6th December 2026.”
The Islamic Center of San Diego will be closed until further notice, calling the shooting “an extremely painful and traumatic day for our congregation, students, staff, and the broader San Diego community.”
It asked the public to keep victims in their prayers, avoid speculation, and rely on authorities to sort out what happened and why.
“Places of worship are meant to be spaces of peace, prayer, reflection, and community,” the statement said.
Advertisement
“Violence and hatred have no place in our society.”
Longevity experts list a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and adequate sleep as well-researched ways to increase your odds of a longer life.
But if you’re looking for a more recreational buffer against ageing, a new paper published in Innovation in Ageing has found that people who engage with the arts tend to age more slowly.
People, especially over-40s, who regularly engaged with culture had lower biological ages at the DNA level, and appeared to age 4% more slowly.
The benefits are “comparable to [those] found in previous studies between current smokers and ex-smokers,” University College London (UCL), whose researchers wrote the paper, said.
Advertisement
How often people attended cultural events seemed to matter
The research, which involved 3,556 adults in the UK, found that, like exercise, regularity mattered.
Those who engaged with the arts (including by reading, listening to music, going to an art gallery, and/or taking trips to museums) at least once a week seemed to see the most benefits (4% slower ageing).
The authors also found that attending a cultural event once a week was as beneficial for those who usually never attended any, as exercising once a week was compared to physically inactive people.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, participants who did an arts activity at least three times a year aged 2% more slowly. For those who did so once a month, that rose to 3%.
And the study’s lead author, Professor Daisy Fancourt, said that frequency wasn’t the only factor to consider. Variety might matter, too.
“Our study also suggests that engaging in a variety of arts activities may be helpful,” she shared with UCL.
“This may be because each activity has different ‘ingredients’ that help health, such as physical, cognitive, emotional or social stimulation.”
Advertisement
Why might the arts help us to age better?
This paper didn’t seek to find that out. It just found a link, not a cause.
Nonetheless, senior study author, Dr Feifei Bu, said: “Our study provides the first evidence that arts and cultural engagement is linked to a slower pace of biological ageing.
“This builds on a growing body of evidence about the health impact of the arts, with arts activities being shown to reduce stress, lower inflammation and improve cardiovascular disease risk, just as exercise is known to do.”
Advertisement
Professor Fancourt added, “These results demonstrate the health impact of the arts at a biological level. They provide evidence for arts and cultural engagement to be recognised as a health-promoting behaviour in a similar way to exercise”.
Emergency services were called to Murrayfield Primary School in Blackburn just after 7.15pm on Saturday, May 16.
An investigation is underway following a fire at a West Lothian primary school last week.
Advertisement
Emergency services were called to Murrayfield Primary School in Blackburn just after 7.15pm on Saturday, May 16. Two fire appliances were dispatched to battle the blaze.
The blaze destroyed playground equipment, and left windows in the nursery block damaged due to the intensity of the flames.
Pictures issued by West Lothian Council show piles of charred, blackened material on the ground, and the glass cracked in the affected windows.
However, there was no internal damage and nobody was injured.
The local authority confirmed the school, which is closed on Monday for a local holiday, will re-open as normal on Tuesday, May 19.
A statement read: “There was a fire at Murrayfield Primary School in Blackburn on Saturday evening. Thankfully nobody was hurt and the damage is limited to the destruction of some playground equipment and four windows in the nursery block that have cracked due to the intensity of the flames.
“The playground will have to be cleaned up and the windows replaced, but there is no internal smoke damage and the school will re-open as normal.
Advertisement
“Fire crews were in attendance and the cause of the fire is being investigated.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 7.17pm on Saturday, 16 May, to reports of a fire affecting a wooden play hut at Murrayfield Primary School in Blackburn.
“Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances, and the fire was extinguished.
Advertisement
“There were no reported casualties, and crews left the area after ensuring it was safe.”
Writing on social media, the president said he had been asked by the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates “to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond”.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login