WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has widened its efforts beyond the blockade of Iran’s ports to allow its forces around the world to stop any ship tied to Tehran or those suspected of carrying supplies that could help its government, from weapons to oil, metals and electronics.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, specifically pointed to operations in the Pacific, saying the U.S. would be targeting vessels that left before the blockade began earlier this week outside the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for energy and other shipments.

U.S. forces in other areas of responsibility “will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” he told reporters at the Pentagon.

The military also detailed an expansive lists of goods that it considers contraband, declaring that it will board, search and seize them from merchant vessels “regardless of location.” A notice published Thursday says any “goods that are destined for an enemy and that may be susceptible to use in armed conflict” are “subject to capture at any place beyond neutral territory.”

The expansion of U.S. military efforts to target Iranian shipping is another pressure point for Tehran and comes as a ceasefire is set to expire in mere days. Mediators are pressing for an extension to a truce that has paused almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the U.S. and Iran.

US military details items that could be seized from Iran-linked ships

The military’s new list of banned materials includes products such as weapons, ammunition and military equipment that are classified as “absolute contraband.” However, it also lists items such as oil, iron, steel, aluminum and other goods as “conditional contraband” that it argues can be used both for civilian and military purposes.

Otherwise innocuous items like electronics, power generation equipment or heavy machinery can be seized if “circumstances indicate intended military end-use,” the notice says.

More than 10,000 American troops are helping enforce the blockade on Iranian ports. While no ships have yet been boarded, defense leaders say the military is warning Iran-linked ships that it could fire warning shots or escalate to other force if they try to outrun the Navy.

In the first three days of the military action, 14 ships have turned around rather than confront the naval blockade, according to U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Iran war.

Some Iran-linked or sanctioned vessels that left through the strait have appeared to halt their movements, turn off their radio transponders or head back toward Iran’s coast, shipping data firms say.

Ships near th

e blockade face US warnings

Vessels that approach the blockade, which is being enforced in Iran’s territorial seas and international waters and not in the Strait of Hormuz, get a warning, Caine said.

“Any ship that would cross the blockade would result in our sailors executing pre-planned tactics designed to bring the force to that ship — if need be, board the ship and take her over,” he said.

U.S. Central Command has released a recording of a radio broadcast sent to vessels in the region that said the military was ready to use force if needed to compel compliance.

“Vessels will be boarded for interdiction and seizure transiting to or from Iranian port,” the message said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that “less than 10% of America’s naval power” is being used to enforce the blockade. The Navy has 16 warships — 11 destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, an aircraft carrier and a littoral combat ship — in the Middle East out of a battle force of roughly 300 total warships.

Also supporting the blockade are a series of aircraft as well as surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence operations designed to give the Navy the latest information on the vessels it is encountering.

The Navy is likely tracking ships linked to Iran through satellites, drones and other forms of surveillance as well as each commercial vessel’s past history, said Kevin Donegan, a retired vice admiral and former commander of the Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which is based in Bahrain.

“It’s a pretty complex operation to make work,” said Donegan, who spoke Thursday during a webinar hosted by the Middle East Institute. “Not just from the intelligence standpoint, but positioning all the ships in the right way to make the intercepts if you have to.”

Donegan stressed that the blockade is only one pressure point on Iran and that it won’t end the conflict on its own.

“For it to be most effective, this military tool is added to the other operational tasks that were being done and paired with — hopefully, diplomacy,” Donegan said. “And if those two are scripted together in the right way, we can potentially get the outcomes we want.”

US Central Command chief appears at the Pentagon

As Hegseth and Caine discussed the blockade, Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command, made a rare appearance in the Pentagon briefing room.

He said that before the ceasefire took hold, American service members and troops from allied countries in the Persian Gulf had “fought together side by side.”

“In creating the largest air defense umbrella in the world across the Middle East, we embedded specially trained U.S. military air defenders alongside our partner nation soldiers,” Cooper said, adding that Bahrain’s king and crown prince knew American soldiers by name.

Meghan made the most of her last day of the tour by taking to popular Sydney coastal path, between Bondi and Tamarama on Friday morning.

Meghan was covered by a blue baseball cap and big sunnies on the walk, where she was joined by close friend Markus Anderson.

There was a heavy police and secuity presence surrounding the Meghan.

It is believed she only did a small 1.4km section of the walk before being ushered back to a car.

The indoor riding area is described as ‘crucial to the future sustainability of the business’

Plans have been put in place to develop an indoor horse-riding area on the outskirts of Cardiff. According to the application the new area would be at Wenallt Farm in Rhiwbina and used for the exercise and training of horses stabled at a nearby livery.

A livery is a type of stable where the owner pays for stabling, care, and maintenance but does not own the land.

The area will take a “simple rectangular form” and will be “low in height” and have a “typical agricultural appearance” if approved.

The application was lodged by Rockwood Equestrian Limited. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

It reads: “Rockwood Equestrian Limited is a successful livery business that has been run from Wenallt Farm for in excess of 40 years. The holding extends to 45 acres and has stabling for 25 horses.”

It continues: “The horses stabled are all privately owned. The facility is in high demand and an important recreation, social, and health resource for the area with associated economic benefits.”

The indoor riding area is called “crucial to the future sustainability of the business” and would serve the needs of the existing customer base as opposed to a new business venture.

Regarding the current site the application reads: “The business has a small outdoor exercise area but this is insufficient to serve the exercise needs of the livery and is positioned under the pylons and so can’t be covered over.

“With 25 horses stabled at the property there is limited opportunity for customers to ride and exercise their horses.”

It continues: “The applicant is also a British Horse Society-accredited coach. As part of the full livery service she also offers lessons to horse owners, many of which are children, but again, existing capacity for this is limited particularly during the winter and lessons frequently have to be cancelled. “

To reduce the impact on the local landscape and reinforce its character new native trees and woodland scrub are proposed to be planted behind and alongside the building with “occasional tree planting in front”.

According to the application “this will aid in bedding the building into the landscape and filter views of the building from public vantage points”.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The smell of rotten eggs permeates Steve Egger’s Southern California home, especially at night as the nearby Tijuana River foams up with sewage from Mexico before emptying into the Pacific Ocean.

Egger, 72, says he and his wife have frequent headaches and wake up congested and coughing up phlegm. Their home is outfitted with a hospital-grade filtration system that cycles the air every 15 minutes.

Despite those measures, “most nights we breathe in a horrible stench,” he said. “It’s awful.”

Since 2018, more than 100 billion gallons (378 billion liters) of raw sewage laden with industrial chemicals and trash have poured into the Tijuana River, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission. The river traverses land where three generations of the Egger family once raised dairy cows. The United States and Mexico signed an agreement last year to clean up the longstanding problem by upgrading wastewater plants to keep up with Tijuana’s population growth and industrial waste from factories, many owned by U.S. companies.

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In the meantime, tens of thousands of people are being exposed to the sewage. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said during a February visit to San Diego that it will take about two years to resolve one of the nation’s worst and longest-running environmental crises, which affects a largely poor, Latino population.

Raw sewage doesn’t just smell bad. It emits hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that can erode neurons in the nose and trigger asthma attacks. It can cause headaches, nausea, delirium, tremors, cough, shortness of breath, skin and eye irritation and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its long-term health problems are only starting to be understood.

There is no federal safety standard for hydrogen sulfide except for workers at sites where the risk is extreme, such as wastewater treatment plants or manure pits. A few states set standards decades ago, but those are outdated. A California proposal would require the state’s 56-year-old standard reflect the health risks of the gas. In Texas, lawmakers are also considering updating its law.

“I think when you look back when the standard was first established and then it was reviewed, it was all about nuisance — basically it was all about odor,” said the California bill’s author, Democratic Sen. Steve Padilla, who represents the Tijuana River Valley. “I don’t think we had the understanding scientifically of what the health impacts were here, and now we do.”

Even if the bill passes, the new standard would likely not be developed until 2030.

Toxic gas from the river’s sewage infuses the air

Just since January, the Tijuana River has carried 10 billion gallons (38 billion liters) of mostly raw sewage and industrial waste across the U.S. border, according to International Water and Boundary Commission data. By comparison, a massive pipe that ruptured in January sent 244 million gallons (924 million liters) of untreated sewage into the Potomac River, affecting affluent, largely white communities. That spill prompted federal intervention within weeks.

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The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment

Both sides emerge from the tunnel and we are just moments away from kick-off at the City Ground. Here is a reminder of how the two sides line up tonight:

Nottingham Forest: Ortega, Cunha, Murillo, Williams; Aina, Gibbs-White, Sangare, Dominguez, Ndoye; Hutchinson; Wood.
Substitutes: Sels, Willows, Morato, Hudson-Odoi, Jesus, Lucca, Yates, McAtee, Bakwa, Milenkovic, Abbott, Sinclair.

Porto: Costa, Costa, Silva, Bednarek, Zaidu; Fofana, Rosario, Veiga; Gomes, Moffi, Sainz.
Substitutes: Ramos, Costa, Kiwior, Froholdt, Pepe, Prpic, Varela, Gui, Silva, Bras, Moura, Mora.

The Apprentice 2026 winner has been crowned after a nail-biting final, with two businesswomen going head-to-head.

The Apprentice 2026 champion has been revealed following a tense finale.

Following twelve weeks of demanding challenges and high-pressure boardrooms, the BBC contest reached its climactic end this evening, with finalists Karishma Vijay and Pascha Myhill battling it out for Lord Alan Sugar’s £250,000 backing.

The finale witnessed both entrepreneurs creating a brand and marketing strategy for their respective ventures before presenting them to Lord Sugar, prominent industry figures and several icons from the programme’s two-decade history, including Margaret Mountford, Nick Hewer, Dr Leah Totton, Ricky Martin and Dean Franklin.

In the ultimate boardroom showdown, Lord Sugar selected his new business associate, declaring Karishma victorious.

The Surrey-based beauty entrepreneur, who takes pride in being her family’s first businesswoman, had already captured public affection and even earned several rare words of praise from Baroness Karren Brady, reports the Express.

READ MORE: Strictly’s Janette Manrara addresses future on It Takes Two after ‘axe’ rumoursREAD MORE: Apprentice star Karishma defiantly vows ‘I’m making money without Lord Sugar’

The 28-year-old had previously revealed in an exclusive interview how she went from £7 in her bank balance to taking hundreds of orders per day, and even making £250,000 while The Apprentice aired.

Lord Sugar commented: “As always, it was close competition in the final after two outstanding pitches by two brilliant young businesswomen.

“But Karishma really impressed me throughout the process and has proven why she deserves my investment. She’s a proper grafter, and she’s got that entrepreneurial spirit that I always look for.

“The cosmetics industry is one I know a lot about, and I know our partnership will pave the way for a bright future.”

Following the result, Karishma revealed: “I can’t believe it.”

She continued, “I feel like I’m going to be calling Lord Sugar every other day, saying ‘what do I do now? I don’t know what I’m doing’.

“Because when I was doing it by myself, I was going at my own pace. Now, there’s a bit more pressure, because I have to really convince him that he made the right decision to have picked me.

“I feel like I will never get over this experience. Nothing in my life will ever compare. I just got engaged – so what?!”

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Talking about the experience, she continued: “The best highlight ever was Baroness Brady. Even just saying my name out loud, but also for her to acknowledge me. She thought I was good. Apparently, she never says that to anyone.

“She said ‘Karishma you really stood out, you’re the big boss’. In what world does Baroness Brady speak about candidates like that? I feel so honoured.

“She backed me, she really backed me, and I feel like that made Lord Sugar think, ‘wait, there must be something here for my right hand to be talking about her like this’.”

Reflecting on what she’s learned about herself through this experience, Karishma continued: “I am so much more confident. I feel like I can talk to anyone now. I can sell my stuff in public. I’ve never had that exposure. Now I’ll be at exhibitions, and I’m screaming and shouting and singing. People love it. Nothing makes me nervous.

“If you can sit in front of Lord Sugar, Baroness Brady, and Tim, and put a sentence together, you can now talk to anyone. Those people are the epitome of power, and now I just feel so brave. No one scares me. Nothing intimidates me now.”

Prior to learning of her victory, Karishma had boldly pledged that she would be generating income with or without Lord Sugar’s backing, telling us: “For me, as a business, we’ve done quarter of a million now, so Lord Sugar, you’re making money with me, or you’re making money without me, but I’m still making money.”

She has since shared her optimism for what lies ahead following Lord Sugar’s investment, saying: “Now doors are gonna open, that we probably never would have even knocked on. And now they’re gonna blow wide open because of Lord Sugar. It’s all about his network, his advice, and his expertise. He is the blueprint of business – I feel like I’ve got the godfather of business behind my shoulder now.”

The Apprentice is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

It also said the Government should insist on “clear, upfront information” from sellers on ticket refund policies, introduce a mandatory levy on larger events to benefit grassroots venues, festivals, promoters, and upcoming artists; while venues should be required to provide free earplugs and drinking water.

A bold New Moon aligns with Chiron, marking a fresh start where healing is on the cards. A reset could be exactly what you need.

Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, old wounds could resurface around self-worth. Know your own value, and don’t be afraid to advocate for it.

Be ready to rewrite a past chapter, as well as starting a new one. Truly consider what serves you today.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday April 17, 2026

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

A New Moon in your sign aligned with healer Chiron can open a brave and tender chapter, and it’s not just a fresh start; it’s also a healing one. Old doubts about identity, confidence or courage may surface so you can release them. Take one bold step toward something that once intimidated you. It’s time to rewrite your story and set intentions that respect your strength and sensitivity.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Today’s lunation lights a quiet corner of your inner world, inspiring a reset. Old hurts about confidence or belonging could unsettle you, but reflecting on them will bring the release you desire. Consider more self-forgiveness and courage and let them go to work behind the scenes. You are stronger than you think, yet softer than you admit, both of which are assets.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

A powerful lunar phase stirs your social sphere and ushers in a fresh start with friends, groups, or key goals, and it carries a healing undertone. If you once felt overlooked or underestimated, this could be resolved now. Make it your focus to connect authentically and share your ideas even if they are awkward. Friendships can also strengthen when you show up as you truly are.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Cancer 22 June – 23 July

The New Moon aligned with powerful Chiron illuminates your career path with a healing light. Old doubts about visibility or leadership may surface, so you can address them. Prepare for a fresh professional chapter and set goals that respect your ambitions. A daring step now, such as a proposal or application, could be the start of better times to come, so don’t hold back.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

Expect a new beginning around your beliefs or a desire to explore new horizons. A key lunar phase encourages you to consider new opportunities that can help you overcome old limits and gives you greater confidence in your abilities. Apply for a fascinating course, map a new journey or share the philosophy you have kept to yourself. Healing comes through action – seize the moment!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

A key lunation aligned with Chiron can stir deep waters around trust, intimacy and shared resources. You’ll be ready to question what you really want out of a deep bond, business arrangement or from pooling resources for a new project. Powerful insights can change the way you deal with others and what you expect from them. Boundaries may need to be set, too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Prepare for adjustments to relationships that could take things to a new, tender level. The Aries New Moon aligns with healing Chiron, which encourages you to address issues that may have been bubbling away beneath the surface. Progress can begin with an honest conversation and by being sensitive to the deeper currents that underpin this bond. Revelations can be powerful.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Looking to refresh your daily life in key ways? Old frustrations about work, health, or feeling indispensable may surface, indicating they’re ready for a shift. Get to work on routines that support you rather than draining you. You don’t have to prove your worth by becoming burned out. Small changes can have a powerful effect, so start now and enjoy the progress you make

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

A powerful lunar phase that links to deep growth, Chiron can start a process of reconciliation. If a romance or friendship has stalled, this blend of energies could act as a catalyst that bonds you even deeper. Have you held back from expressing yourself? This may have caused you to stop sharing your talents or creativity, and if so, a sparkling insight could initiate a new phase.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

There’s potential for a fresh start around home, roots and old family issues. Feelings that have been locked away may surface, and dealing with them now could bring a fresh energy to the mix, encouraging you to hold those important conversations. You’ll feel better if you can create a sanctuary that thrives on honest, but also caring appreciation of each other, Capricorn.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

Your voice and the way you communicate could be energised by a healing spark. Old wounds around speaking up, being misunderstood, or feeling ignored can surface, and this is the time to deal with them. This is a new beginning in how you express ideas and advocate for yourself. A brave conversation could reset a relationship or spring open a door that’s previously been shut.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

A sparkling lunation aligned with profound Chiron highlights self-worth, giving it a healing glow. Old doubts about value, income, or deserving more may be very much on your mind. Focus on earning confidently and on properly respecting your talents. You are not asking for too much, simply recognising your true value. Price your gifts as if they matter, as they truly do.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of April here.

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MORE: Daily horoscope April 16, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

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The comedian was the first to leave South Africa

I’m a Celebrity South Africa star Seann Walsh has opened up about being the first star to be eliminated from the camp.

Comedian Seann Walsh was the first star to be eliminated from I’m a Celebrity South Africa after Harry Redknapp was told he had to make a difficult decision after he lost the trial against Jimmy Bullard.

On Thursday (April 16) night, Harry returned to camp where he informed his team that he had decided it was time for Seann Walsh to pack his bags and leave, thus making him the first star to be sent home.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

The campmates were in shock as they had to bid a hasty farewell to Seann, who finished fifth place the last time he was in the jungle back in 2022.

Speaking to ITV about his exit for the first time, Seann said: “It’s a combination of emotions. I was thrilled to be able to see my family because I missed my kids a lot. At the same time, I’m sad they won’t see me in the jungle for longer or doing more trials.”

He continued: “I think as soon as Harry mentioned someone had to go, I was basically packing my bags. I knew it was going to be me, because I knew who I was up against, including a former Queen of The Jungle and a former world champion.”

Opening up about the conditions of Savannah Scrub, he shared: “It was an absolute hellhole. The toilet faced the shower. Honestly, I think the three most useless people to be left together in Savannah Scrub were Adam, myself, and Bev.

“You couldn’t have hoped for a more useless three, to the point where we couldn’t see any kind of door for the long drop, so we assumed there wasn’t one!”

Ant and Dec promised that things would be tougher for the stars this year, and Seann agreed: “The trials were harder and scarier. It felt like it was turned up to eleven, so that just put more anxiety into the camp. The pleasure for me doing the jungle was the extraordinary people you get to live with.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. It felt strange for me being in their presence, because they are almost historic figures in entertainment and sport. That doesn’t go over the top of my head.”

I’M A CELEBRITY… SOUTH AFRICA AIRS WEEKNIGHTS AT 9PM ON ITV1, ITVX, STV AND STV PLAYER

The incident took place in Wolverhampton as a man has been arrested

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A man has been arrested after a woman in her 70s was fatally mauled by two ‘big’ dogs. The horrific incident occurred in Wolverhampton as emergency crews were sent to Willis Pearson Avenue, in the Bilston area of the city.

The woman died at the scene as the attack was reported at 11.30pm on Wednesday (April 15). The two dogs are not believed to be a banned breed Mirror reports.

The dogs involved in the latest attack were later destroyed after they continued to be aggressive towards emergency services. A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control and caused injury resulting in death.

He was taken to hospital after receiving hand injuries. Officers are carrying out further inquiries about the two dogs.

The force stated the investigation was at an early stage as police tried to establish what happened in the attack. Front windows of the property, located on a quiet residential street, were boarded up and a woman was seen leaving flowers at the home.

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Neighbour Sam Wright, 64, said: “She couldn’t have fended him off as she was very weak, they were big dogs.

“I heard her daughter say distinctly, ‘My mum’s been killed by the dogs’. “I’ve seen people from the housing association taking in mops and all the cleaning stuff there today.

Another neighbour said: “I went over once to take her a bereavement card for a chap who died next door. The dogs came in so I had to get back out. They were big.

“The window was boarded up because the family said there was blood inside. One man saw blood everywhere.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said two ambulances and paramedics arrived at the Bilston address around 23:30. A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Further enquiries are being carried out into the two dogs who are not believed to be a banned breed.

“A scene remains in place, and an investigation is in its early stages as we work to understand exactly what’s happened.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 11.31pm to reports of a dog attack at a private address on Wills Pearson Avenue in Bilston. Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

“Upon arrival we found two patients. Firstly, an elderly woman.

“Sadly, it was clear that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed deceased at the scene. Secondly, a man who was assessed by ambulance staff and had sustained injuries not believed to be serious.

“He received treatment at the scene before being conveyed to New Cross Hospital for further assessment.”

The incidents follows two other dog attacks that took place last week, including one that resulted in the death of a three-month-old girl in Redcar, North Yorkshire. Armed police shot the dog in a street on April 9.

A day later, 19-year-old Jamie-Lea Biscoe was found with serious injuries and subsequently died after being attacked by a dog in Leaden Roding, a village in Essex.

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