Venus (the planet of love and relationships) moves into the thrusting, dynamic and passionate sign of Aries from March 6 to the 30.

Expect three weeks of full-on flirtation, sizzling sexual chemistry, direct and forthright declarations of passion, and serious attraction vibes.

You won’t be left wondering who is into you, it will be right there in front of you. Of course, this might be someone you’re really not expecting — and it might shake everything up in your love life realm.

Attraction is an irresistible force… not much can get in its way. Let’s use the tarot cards to give you a clue about what (or who) might be coming along to rock your world during this transit.

Looking for deeper insight about your love life? My wonderful new Zodiac Love Match oracle deck has a unique colour-coded system to help you create insightful, full love readings whatever your situation.

Or, come join my magical, mystical tarot club, free for a whole month when you sign up using this link.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for this week: Ace of Cups

Meaning: Venus moving into your own sign is a powerful love injection to your relationship realm. The Ace of Cups reveals you are going to meet someone new (possibly a Water sign — Pisces, Cancer or Scorpio) and feel an immediate attraction.

This could be ‘the one’, so if you’re free to pursue it then do so full force. If you’re not, then maybe this is true friendship or just of those bittersweet ‘could have been’ moments. Fertility is also a factor of this card so if that’s on your agenda, now is a good time! If it’s not, be extra careful!

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

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Eight of Wands

Meaning: You are ruled over by Venus so your love life always gets a nice kickback when the planet moves signs. And boy will this one work hard for you! Aries energy is direct, passionate and lustful, and the Eight of Wands is a massive communication card, so expect to hear just how many folk are attracted to you, and how intensely they feel. You might even find yourself being fought over, or part of a love triangle.

You will be flirting and getting lovely compliments all month long and it will really boost your confidence, which in turn attracts even more attention. Revel in this, enjoy it. If you’re single, I don’t think you will be by the time Venus moves on again!

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

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot card for Gemini for this week: Seven of Swords

Meaning: Jealousy is a strange creature, lurking and slinking and then rearing its ugly head from the shadows in passive aggressive ways. Be on the look out for it this Venus in Aries, Gemini, both from those around you and maybe even within your own self.

Don’t let any temptations, unrequited attractions or unfair behaviours permeate your upbeat vibe and mood. Don’t wander down eerie pathways with folk you don’t trust. Stick to the straight and narrow. It feels like people are jealous of your powers of attraction. Let them be. It’s actually a compliment.

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

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot card for Cancer for this week: The World

Meaning: This is going to be a powerful transit for you, Cancer, so tune in. Venus in Aries stirs up The World for you, so a chapter is closing, a goal has been reached, a lesson learned, a new dynamic activated that will lead to relationship changes.

Might be a new suitor, possibly a Capricorn, maybe linked to overseas. Might be a trip that you book that is going to be the gateway to a new era in your love life. Might be the end of a phase of stagnation or challenge that leads you, with new lessons and habits on board, to smooth seas and plain sailing. Expect a transition, closure of something and the beginning of something else (better).

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

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot card for Leo for this week: Nine of Swords

Meaning: Venus in Aries is super direct, forthright, honest and transparent. You will be wearing your heart on your sleeve, even if you try to be subtle, and it might make you feel a little bit vulnerable somehow, like your inner worries or self-limiting beliefs are on show. Talk about your fears in relationships. Get them out on the table with someone you trust and process them. Find root causes and evidence, or even debunk them!

We all carry baggage and the Nine of Swords wants you to use the honest energy of this transit to put yours down, filter through it, and lighten the mental or soul load you’re carrying. Move ahead lighter, brighter and with your confidence restored.

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

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot card for Virgo for this week: The Hierophant

Meaning: You know, this card can suggest engagement, marriage, very deep commitment in love readings, so someone may be getting down on one knee this Venus in Aries season! But something steadfast, lasting, and true is brewing in your love life, whatever situation you’re in.

Question how much you want what you’ve got because it can be yours forever if it’s what you truly want. If you’re single, this card can indicate clever, respected Taureans, a person of status who is admired by all. You will feel safe, protected, and reassured in their presence and this is like catnip to you! All in all, a very happy love life phase awaits you.

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

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot card for Libra for this week: Three of Wands

Meaning: Luck is going to play a massive factor in the success of your love life this Venus (your ruling planet) in Aries (your sister sign). The cosmic stars are aligning just for you! So, make a wish and then pay attention to the signs, omens and unseen forces swirling around you. Coincidences, chance encounters, de ja vu moments and lucid dreams will all feature to help bring you towards your wish.

If you’re single, look out for Fire signs (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius) and maybe something linked to luck or fortune being a part of your first meeting. Cupid has plans for you and is pulling strings — please notice his good work!

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

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: King of Wands

Meaning: Aries is a very ambitious star sign (ruled by Mars, as your sign once was, before Pluto was discovered). So, you’re feeling bold and purposeful about your love life, you know what — or who — you want and you’re going to make that happen. No games or dilly dallying, you’re saying it straight and you’re asking the questions you want answered.

Your purposefulness is attractive, charismatic, and you will get the results you hope for, so be confident. Look out for Fire signs (Leo, Aries or Sagittarius) who match your direct, passionate energy because you could be forging a ‘power couple’ dynamic with the right person.

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

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Temperance

Meaning: Temperance is your sign’s card in the tarot arcana so this is a strong Venus in Aries transit for speaking up, saying how it is, asking for what you want to happen, and getting it! Be honest. Be upfront.

Things might’ve felt uncertain or up in the air in your closest relationship recently, or if you’re single then maybe you’ve felt unsettled and like you’re seeking an anchor or steadying presence in your life. Grounding and stability await you, with the right person. You can make a home in the right relationship, feeling secure but not trapped (a key balance for your freedom-loving sign). Look out for fellow Sagittarians too — the attraction will feel powerful.

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

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Three of Swords

Meaning: Venus in Aries is going to be revealing, enlightening and healing for you, Capricorn. If you’re nursing a broken heart, then expect to feel really different — and better — over the coming three weeks, like you’re surgically removing the painful and tender parts. If you’re doing good, don’t worry, this Three of Swords is likely to relate to an old wound, maybe a betrayal that has always say heavily with you.

Something will shift, be revealed, or get said, that will cast new light on things, and possibly vindicate or relieve you of the weight you’ve carried here. Maybe you drop an outdated self-limiting belief about yourself in relationships. An echo will emerge, remind you, and make it all better somehow. Healing is your theme.

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

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: The Chariot

Meaning: Venus in Aries is direct and dynamic, just like the forceful, purposeful Chariot. Journeys, trips, holidays and location expansions or moves are also well starred with this card so maybe you fall (deeper) in love on the move this March. A Cancerian lover could also be on the cards, possibly someone you meet on a journey, so keep your eyes peeled on the daily commute or routine!

Things are happening, stuff is moving forward, and energy is swirling around your love life, in a good way. You know what you want and you’re ready to invest and commit to bring that to your realm. No more doubts, second-guessing, or games.

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

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Death

Meaning: Venus in Aries is going to reveal the fault lines, the fading or false energies around you, and the connections you need to sever ties from once and for all. Goodbye any and all lingering exes, situationships, unrequited dalliances, and hello to new, powerful, loving, strong energy and attractions.

A Scorpio might enter your life and send your mind and heart spinning, but either way a new attraction will certainly emerge — maybe even with the one you’re with (if you’re happily attached) that heralds a new era. It feels like everything has changed, for the better, and it truly will this Venus in Aries season. Get ready for transformation.

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

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

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.

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Just before 11am, a car caught fire on the M60 clockwise hard shoulder near J13 (Worsley), requiring all lanes to be closed as emergency services attended.

Around the same time, an HGV lorry struck a bridge on the M61 Southbound between J2 A580 East Lancashire Road to J1 M60 J15, requiring services to attend the scene, clear up rubble, and perform emergency repairs.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “Lanes one, two, and three (of four) are closed on the M61 southbound junction one to two after a lorry struck an overbridge.

Image of the M61 showing significant traffic after a vehicle crashed into a bridge (Image: National Highways)

“Greater Manchester Police and National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene with traffic management in place while debris is cleared and the bridge is inspected.

“We received reports of a vehicle fire just before 11am on the hard shoulder of the M60 near junction 13.

“National Highways and emergency services attended.

“The fire was put out, and the driver was taken to hospital as a precaution.”

There were no injuries reported after the M61 bridge incident.

The driver involved in the M60 fire incident was taken to hospital as a precaution, but a Northwest Ambulance Service spokesperson has since confirmed that ‘nobody needed hospital treatment’.

Officers responded to the M61 bridge crash after receiving reports of ‘rubble, rocks, and concrete in the road’, believed to have come off the back of the HGV.

Traffic on the M61 between junctions one and two following the HGV bridge crash (Image: National highawys)

Road sweepers and maintenance teams were sent to clear debris and assess the safety of the bridge.

Delays were in place on both roads for several hours until traffic returned to normal.

All four lanes on both the M60 and M61 were initially closed as clean-up was undertaken.

The M60 remained at a total standstill until around 12.10pm, when lanes were reopened to ease congestion.

But all four lanes were re-closed only ten minutes later as ambulances arrived at the scene.

By around 12.50pm the M61 was back to normal, with all four lanes open and drivers no longer expected to encounter repairs.

Delays lingered slightly longer on the M60as repair work had to be carried out following the incident, meaning lane one remained closed until around 1pm.

There were still slight delays by 1.30pm, but by this point, all lanes were open.

You may qualify for PIP if you need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition

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The duration of awards for individuals making a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be extended from April to help reduce the backlog. PIP is the main disability benefit for people of working age in the UK.

You may qualify for PIP if you need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. However, your eligibility to PIP isn’t based on your condition – it is based on how it affects your life. PIP is normally awarded for a set period of time and currently, this can be as short as nine months.

But under changes due to come into effect from April 2026, this is to be extended to a minimum of three years for the majority of new PIP claimants aged 25 and over, rising to five years at their next review if they remain entitled.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the measure aims to free up health professionals to carry out more face-to-face assessments and deliver more reassessments, reports the Mirror.

These operational changes are separate to the Timms Review, which will examine the role of PIP, eligibility for the daily living and mobility components and assessment process.

PIP comprises two elements – the daily living component, and the mobility component. The daily living rate is £73.90 a week if you’re awarded the standard rate, whilst the higher rate is £110.40 a week.

The mobility component is £29.20 per week for the standard rate, and £77.05 per week for the enhanced rate. You must inform the DWP if your health or condition has changed.

If you’re terminally ill, you typically receive PIP automatically without undergoing an assessment. If you are granted PIP under the special rules for terminal illness, your award will last for three years before being reviewed.

PIP is accessible if you are aged over 16 but below state pension age. If you claim PIP and reach state pension age, your claim will usually continue.

You may be able to submit a new claim at state pension age if you were eligible for PIP in the previous 12 months.

Hartlepool Borough Council confirmed the latest roll-out, which kicks off on Tuesday, March 10, will see more homes being added.

This means about 21,000 homes, or roughly 46 per cent of all properties across the borough, will be serviced weekly.

Collections began in Hartlepool in November last year, with an initial trial in the Rossmere area. (Image: Google Maps)

Weekly collections first started in November last year, beginning with a trial in the Rossmere area.

An additional 96 streets will also now benefit from the weekly collection.

The added streets include:

• Ashburn Street,
• Bedale Close,
• Belgrave Court,
• Bilsdale Road,
• Birdforth Court,
• Bolton Grove,
• Bransdale Grove,
• Brenda Road,
• Brompton Walk,
• Byland Grove,
• Castleton Road,
• Cath Hill Close,
• Charles Street,
• Chelford Close,
• Church Street,
• Cliffe Court,
• Commondale Drive,
• Cowley Close,
• Crawford Street,
• Crawthorne Court,
• Danby Grove,
• Dauntless Close,
• Deacon Gardens,
• East View Terrace,
• Edinburgh Grove,
• Egton Drive,
• Elizabeth Way,
• Endeavour Close,
• Faceby Close,
• Freemantle Grove,
• Garston Grove,
• Goathland Drive,
• Golden Meadows,
• Grace Close,
• Green Terrace,
• Greenhow Grove,
• Groom Terrace,
• Grosmont Road,
• Harwich Grove,
• Hatfield Close,
• Headingley Court,
• Hornby Close,
• Ilkley Grove,
• Ingleby Road,
• Inglefield,
• Jutland Road,
• Kildale Grove,
• Lawson Road,
• Lealhom Road,
• Lingdale Drive,
• Lithgo Close,
• Littlebeck Way,
• Liverton Gardens,
• Middleham Court,
• Newholm Court,
• North Road,
• Ormesby Road,
• Pavilion Close,
• Pickering Grove,
• Queen Street,
• Queen Terrace,
• Queensland Road,
• Rectory Way,
• Regency Drive,
• Ripon Close,
• Ross Grove,
• Roxby Close,
• Ruswarp Grove,
• Saffron Walk,
• Seaton Lane,
• Selby Grove,
• Skipton Court,
• South End,
• Staincliffe Road,
• Stanmore Grove,
• Station Lane,
• Stockton Road,
• Stokesley Road,
• Swainby Road,
• Tees Road,
• The Ashes,
• The Cliff,
• The Front,
• The Green,
• The Links,
• The Paddock (Church Street),
• The Wickets,
• Thirsk Grove,
• Victoria Street,
• Wainwright Close,
• Wainwright Walk,
• Warrior Drive,
• West View Terrace,
• Westerdale Road,
• Woburn Grove,
• Wyverne Court.

Councils in England must collect food waste from all homes in their area on a weekly basis from April, following changes to the law.

This is part of the Government’s plan to improve recycling rates and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Since the introduction of the service, around 80 tonnes of food waste have been collected.

As part of the latest announcement, homes under the new roll-out will each receive two caddies before the start date – one small caddy for indoor use and a larger one for outdoor use into which the contents of the smaller caddy should be transferred.

Deliveries for these caddies will take place this week.

Residents should present their large caddies alongside their standard refuse/recycling bins on their usual collection day.

Different vehicles are used to empty caddies and standard bins, so both should be put out by 7.30am to ensure collection.

Funding for the new caddies and specialist vehicles required for the collection of food waste has been provided by the Government so this initiative comes at no cost to Hartlepool residents.

For extra information about food waste collections in Hartlepool, go to Hartlepool Council’s website.

Today, the Sun is in alliance with Jupiter. Emotions deepen, connections blossom and feelings you may have been avoiding will come to the surface.

Capricorn, Scorpio, and Virgo, allow yourself to be vulnerable today. Romantic and platonic connections will be fruitful, if you allow yourself to open up.

Don’ t rush things today. Within this powerful cosmic blend, you have time to slow down and turn inward; don’t waste the chance.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Thursday March 5, 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

Home, family and your sense of belonging shine under today’s gentle light, offering a chance to reconnect with your roots or nourish your spirit. Original insights and intuitive nudges are flowing, so do not ignore them. Let kindness guide your actions and trust that your dreams do not need a deadline today. Sometimes the bravest move is giving yourself permission to rest deeply.

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

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Conversations feel more heartfelt, inspiration flows freely and your intuition gets a bright green light. This is a wonderful time to share your vision, reach out to someone dear or say yes to a creative collaboration. Siblings, local people or short trips could bring unexpected joy or insight. Your steady pace now pairs beautifully with emotional intelligence.

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

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

You attract others when you mix wisdom with ambition, so trust your gut in decisions and negotiations. A creative idea could turn profitable, or a meaningful compliment may remind you of your true worth. Today is about more than money, it is about self-worth, purpose and feeling seen. The universe rewards authenticity now, especially when matched with your wit.

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

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

With the Sun aligned with Jupiter in your sign, you are glowing from the inside out. This celestial duo fills your sails with inspiration, perception and a touch of wanderlust. You are ready for growth, whether through travel, learning or expanding your emotional horizons. Your natural wisdom shines brightly, and others are drawn to your nurturing, visionary energy.

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

Leo

Today, you refuel your fire in sacred ways by shedding old emotional baggage and finding strength in softness. Creative breakthroughs or deeply healing moments may arise when you give yourself space to simply be. Trust your dreams, your hunches and those subtle feelings. Sometimes the biggest growth happens offstage, when your spirit is free to breathe and bloom.

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

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Connections, whether romantic, platonic or professional, may feel more meaningful, supportive and even a little special. Someone could surprise you with kindness, or you may offer insights that deepen a bond. This is also a good time to team up around a shared dream or creative cause. Let go of the need to define everything and flow with trust.

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

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Work, wellness and routine matters feel less like chores and far more meaningful when infused with feeling and intention. A career opportunity may arrive through kindness or intuition rather than effort alone. Let emotional intelligence guide your decisions, as it is your secret superpower right now. Today’s alignment reminds you that success does not have to be stressful.

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

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Romance, inspiration and joy bubble up in unexpected ways, through a creative spark, an alluring connection or a moment of emotional clarity. You are encouraged to play, express and dream big. Let feelings guide your actions rather than the urge to analyse or control. Good things happen when you loosen your grip. Say yes to what lights you up, it is safe to shine.

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

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Home, healing and emotional security come into focus, inviting you to slow down and listen within. You often look to the horizon, but today’s Sun-Jupiter alignment reminds you that true expansion begins at your roots. A family moment, subtle hunch or private realisation could spark unexpected growth. Let go of the need to be everywhere at once, rest is restorative.

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

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Your usual no-nonsense approach softens today, making room for meaningful conversations and sensitivity in communication. Whether it is a heartfelt message, a long-overdue chat or a collaborative opportunity, this gentle aspect invites warmth and emotional intelligence into your interactions. Let wisdom guide your words, there is no need to overthink something truly profound.

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

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

A key aspect brings focus to your daily rhythms, finances and wellness routines, urging you to nourish both body and bank account with kindness rather than pressure. A small shift in perspective could bring emotional and practical rewards. Let your values guide your habits, and do not underestimate the power of a well-timed break or befriending a colleague.

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

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

With the radiant Sun in your sign aligning with generous Jupiter in Cancer, you are glowing from the inside out. Creativity, love and joy flow effortlessly, as if the universe has handed you a permission slip to be fully and beautifully yourself. A romantic pull, creative breakthrough or heartfelt connection may bloom unexpectedly. Trust your instincts, they are tuned into divine timing.

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 March here.

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UKMTO received a report of an explosion on an anchored tanker off Kuwait on Wednesday, March 4, with oil now in the water from a cargo tank raising environmental concerns

A ‘large explosion’ has been reported on an oil tanker near Kuwait’s coast, sparking fears of a significant oil spill into the Gulf waters with potentially disatrous environmental consequences.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed receiving a report of an explosion off the coast of Kuwait on Wednesday, March 4, reports the Mirror..

According to UKMTO, the Master of an anchored tanker reported witnessing and hearing a large explosion, followed by the sight of a small craft departing the area in south-east Mubarak Al-Kabeer in Kuwait late on Wednesday, March 4, amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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Israel and the US launched joint strikes on several key sites in Iran on Saturday, February 28. The strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader at the time, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the weekend.

In retaliation, Iran has targeted sites across the Middle East.

“There is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank which could have some environmental impact,” warned UKMTO.

“The vessel has taken on water, there are no fires reported and the crew are safe and well.”

Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

UKMTO advises vessels to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity.

If Israel and the US hoped their attack on Iran would force the country to capitulate quickly, they were wrong. Despite the death of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and many other senior figures, Iran has managed to continue firing drones and missiles at targets across the Middle East.

This poses a challenge for the US and its allies, including Israel and the Gulf states. The challenge is that they might run out of air defences before Iran runs out of airborne projectiles.

The US and its allies use a number of weapons platforms to knock down incoming missiles and drones. The most important are Thaad interceptors, Patriot systems and SM-family naval missiles, while Israel also uses longer-range Arrow interceptors. However, the supply of these interceptors has been under severe strain in recent years.

Many have been provided to Ukraine, which faces relentless Russian aerial assault. Others have been used in the Red Sea to protect shipping against attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthis. And more still have been stationed in the Indo-Pacific to defend South Korea and Taiwan from possible North Korean and Chinese attacks.

Despite their importance to modern warfare, US stockpiles of these munitions are dangerously low. There are simply too many competing priorities, and production has only recently been increased. The 12-day war the US and Israel fought with Iran in June 2025 is thought to have consumed around a quarter of the entire US inventory of Thaads.

When stocks of these munitions diminish during a war, choices have to be made about which targets to protect – and which not to protect. This usually means focusing on the defence of strategic military installations, allowing some civilian areas to be hit. Israel is widely believed to have made this choice during the 12-day war.

That moment may be approaching again. However, this time it is not just Israel that is at risk, but half a dozen other Middle East countries. The main problem is in the Gulf states, which are in range both of the sort of long-range missile that Iran fires at Israel and its shorter-range projectiles.

These Arab countries can also be hit more easily by Iran’s Shahed exploding drones. The drones are much easier to launch than missiles, require less risk to do so and can reach some targets in the Gulf within minutes. Iran is estimated to have 80,000 of them.

Ukraine has faced this type of attack mix for years and it has developed complex, multi-layered air defences to counter it. This means using expensive interceptors (each Patriot missile costs US$4 million) to take down ballistic missiles and using a combination of other things – even a machine gun will do – to take down drones.

It’s an effective system that has kept Ukraine in the fight and ensures it does not use too many interceptors. The Gulf states have not done this. Instead, they appear to be using Patriot missiles and other extremely expensive and scarce missiles to take down everything from ballistic missiles to US$20,000 (£15,000) drones.

Missile defence systems are designed to launch several interceptors at each incoming projectile, meaning their stocks can run down quickly. Probably within a few days, the Gulf states are going to have to shift their tactics.

Stocks running low

Even if the Gulf states are the most exposed, the situation is not rosy for Israel or US military forces across the region either. Some US forces are in range of Iran’s Shahed drones and short-range missiles. Others are in range of Iran’s long-range missiles.

The exact size of missile defence stocks is classified. But a look at budgetary and procurement data suggests that US forces will become stretched within a matter of days or several weeks at the very most. At that point, the US will have to begin drawing down missile defence stocks from the rest of the world.

According to South Korean media, discussions are already underway about removing Thaads and Patriot systems from South Korea and sending them to the Middle East. Ukraine will get fewer. And US military readiness will be severely degraded around the world, inviting aggression and the possible opening of a second front.

The other side of the equation is Iran’s capabilities, which are something of an unknown. Long-range missiles are the type of munition it has the least of, and they are also the riskiest to launch. The US and its allies can be fairly confident that over time they will significantly degrade Iran’s ability to launch these missiles. Whether it will be fast enough to happen before a critical interceptor shortage is less certain.

But Iran’s short-range missiles and drones are another matter. The drones, especially, can be launched without large, visible weapons platforms, which make an easy target for US and allied air strikes. Particularly if Gulf air defences become very degraded, there are a host of highly damaging targets for them to hit – ranging from US bases to oil and gas infrastructure to shipping.

Ultimately, the answer to how prepared the US and its allies are for a protracted conflict seems to be “not very”. Even if it runs out of long-range missiles, Iran can probably continue its drone attacks for a very long time, causing chaos throughout the region and spiking energy prices by disrupting production and shipping. Stopping them will not be easy.

A scene has been put in place to preserve any evidence and an investigation has been launched

A man left with serious injuries aftter he was attacked and robbed on a street in Cambridge. Police were called at 1.32am today (March 4) with reports of violence on Chesterton Road in Cambridge.

Cambridgeshire Police and paramedics attended and found a man had been robbed and attacked, suffering serious injuries. The robbery is thought to have taken place between midnight and 1.32am outside Barclays Bank on Chesterton Road (Mitcham’s Corner).

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “A 52-year-old woman from Cambridge has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and a 22-year-old man, of no fixed address, has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) and robbery. They both remain in custody at Parkside Police Station.

“A scene has been put in place to preserve any evidence and an investigation has been launched.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police online quoting investigation reference 35/16410/26 or call 101 if you do not have internet access.