The rapidly escalating Middle East conflict is dominated by US-Israeli military operations against Iran, Iranian retaliation across the region, and intense international debate over war powers and economic consequences.

• Middle East crisis live: US submarine sank Iranian warship, Hegseth says; Israel launches fresh strikes on Tehran — The Guardian -
• Australia politics live: government dumps FoI changes; Victoria looks to curb use of suppression orders protecting high-profile defendants — The Guardian -
• Live Updates: Senate Republicans Block War Powers Limits as Mideast Crisis Widens — New York Times World -

• US Senate vote fails to rein in Trump war powers on Iran — BBC World -
• NATO Air Defenses Shoot Down Iranian Missile Headed Toward Turkey — New York Times World -
• As Attacks Spread, War With Iran Reaches Far Beyond Mideast — New York Times World -
• These American Service Members Died in the Iran Conflict — New York Times World -
• White House pushes back against mounting questions over any US involvement in Iran school strike – live — The Guardian -
• Here’s the latest. — New York Times World -
• Senate Thwarts Bid to Curb Trump’s War Powers on Iran — New York Times World -
• Senate votes down resolution to prevent Trump from continuing war with Iran — The Guardian -
• Airstrikes hit Iran-Iraq border as US and Israeli plan to mobilise Kurds gathers pace — The Guardian -
• Hegseth Says U.S. Strike Killed an Iranian Who Plotted to Assassinate Trump — New York Times World -
• Spain insists it is not cooperating with the U.S. on Iran war despite a White House claim. — New York Times World -
• Your Iran questions, answered — New York Times World -
• How depleted weapons stockpiles could affect the Iran conflict — BBC World -
• As Iran Expands Attacks, U.S. Orders More Diplomatic Staff to Leave Embassies in 4 Countries — New York Times World -
• Spain's Pedro Sánchez hits back at Trump threat to sever trade saying 'no to war' — BBC World -
• Hegseth will headline a campaign rally next week in the home district of a soldier killed in the Iran war. — New York Times World -
• Hegseth will headline a campaign rally next week in the home district of a soldier killed in the Iran war. — New York Times World -
• How Trump Decided to Go to War — New York Times World -
• US submarine sinks Iranian warship as conflict spreads beyond Middle East — The Guardian -
• Starmer’s slow start in the war against Iran could leave UK playing catch-up — The Guardian -
• U.S. Submarine Torpedoed Iranian Warship Off Sri Lanka as Conflict Widens — New York Times World -
• 'Every day feels like a month': Iranians describe life under 'constant' US-Israeli strikes — BBC World -
• Iran Strikes U.S. Military Communication Infrastructure in Mideast — New York Times World -
• Gavin Newsom likens Israel to ‘an apartheid state’ and decries war on Iran — The Guardian -
• Videos Show Homes and Businesses Across Mideast Caught Up by War — New York Times World -
• A U.N. panel condemns the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. — New York Times World -
• Here’s where ships and energy facilities have been damaged. — New York Times World -
• Badenoch gives a borderline disgraceful performance at PMQs on Iran | John Crace — The Guardian -
• Pentagon identifies four of six US soldiers killed in Iran conflict — BBC World -
• Trump’s ‘quasi-dove’ era is over. Iran strikes expose his hawkish turn — The Guardian -
• The U.K. and France Deploy Some Forces to the Mideast Despite Misgivings About Iran Attacks — New York Times World -
• ‘He’s no Winston Churchill’: why Starmer can shrug off Trump’s insults over Iran — The Guardian -
• The conflict is choking off the world’s oil and gas. — New York Times World -
• As Israel Pounds Lebanon, Thousands of Syrians There Flee Back Home — New York Times World -
• Iran postpones Khamenei funeral as US-Israeli bombardment continues — BBC World -
• Energy bills could rise by £160 after Iran conflict pushes gas prices higher — The Guardian -
• Israel strikes Tehran and Beirut as Iran vows ‘complete destruction’ in region — The Guardian -
• Israel and U.S. Trumpet Their Collaboration in War Against Iran — New York Times World -
• U.S. Campaign in Iran Is ‘Far From Over,’ Joint Chiefs Chairman Says — New York Times World -
• Israel and U.S. Trumpet Their Collaboration in War Against Iran — New York Times World -
• US sub sinks Iranian warship in Indian Ocean, Hegseth says — BBC World -
• Western Governments Rush to Help Stranded Travelers in the Middle East — New York Times World -
• Nigeria halts Christian pilgrimages to Holy Land over Middle East conflict — BBC World -
• Pete Hegseth says Iranian regime is ‘toast’ as US expands military offensive — The Guardian -
• Here’s what satellite images show on efforts to destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles. — New York Times World -
• Pete Hegseth says US is ‘investigating’ deadly strike on girls’ school in Iran — The Guardian -
• Will Trump’s Middle East war also engulf Friedrich Merz? — The Guardian -
• European stock markets rally after report of ‘secret outreach’ by Iran to try to end war — The Guardian -
• Trump Tries to Quiet Claims Among Supporters That Israel Dragged Him Into War — New York Times World -
• Watch: Heavy gunfire heard as BBC reports from border of Israel and Lebanon — BBC World -
• Britain not ruling out future strikes on Iran missile sites, officials indicate — The Guardian -
• Israel tells people in large parts of southern Lebanon to leave ahead of attacks — BBC World -
• Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei, a Son and Possible Successor of Iran’s Supreme Leader? — New York Times World -
• From petrol to groceries: how Middle East crisis is driving up prices — The Guardian -
• Hanging on to Trump’s latest words ‘is not the special relationship’, Starmer tells MPs — The Guardian -
• Spain’s Leader, Rejecting Iran War, Escalates Long Feud With Trump — New York Times World -
• Israel flagged Hezbollah threat before launching air attacks, leaked memo shows — The Guardian -
• On Iran, Vance Balances Between Trump and the Anti-Intervention Right — New York Times World -
• Trump administration waging illegal war on Iran, experts say — The Guardian -
• Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last? — BBC World -
• Mojtaba Khamenei, son of former supreme leader, tipped to become Iran’s next head of state — The Guardian -
• Global Leaders Brace for the Fallout From a Fast Metastasizing War — New York Times World -
• Senate to vote on resolution that would prevent Trump continuing Iran war | First Thing — The Guardian -
• Watch: Footage from across Iran shows scale of strikes — BBC World -
• Iran Live Updates: Israel Begins ‘Broad Wave of Strikes’ on Iran’s Infrastructure — New York Times World -
• How the Bombing of Iran Is Affecting Lebanon, Kuwait and Other Countries — New York Times World -
• After U.S. Attacks on Iran, FIFA Grapples With How to Handle the World Cup — New York Times World -
• Donald Trump ‘really does not care’ if Iran play at World Cup 2026 — The Guardian -
• ‘No to war’: Sánchez doubles down after Trump threat to cut off trade with Spain — The Guardian -
• Ex-Nato commander defends Starmer after Trump’s ‘no Winston Churchill’ jibe — The Guardian -
• Iran Made Secret Outreach After Strikes, Highlighting Trump’s Challenge — New York Times World -
• Attacking Iran’s nuclear programme could drive it towards a bomb, experts warn — The Guardian -
• Middle East conflict offers economic lifeline to Russia’s flagging war machine — The Guardian -
• These American Service Members Died in the Iran Conflict — New York Times World -
• Trapped Between U.S. and Iran, Gulf Countries Face Nightmare Scenario — New York Times World -
• Israel Seizes Chance to Crush Hezbollah and Remake Mideast Amid Iran War — New York Times World -
• Trump says US will provide insurance for commercial shipping – as it happened — The Guardian -
• Carney Says That Canada’s Support for Iran Airstrikes Came ‘With Regret’ — New York Times World -
• Nearly 900 People Have Been Killed in Fighting in the Middle East — New York Times World -
• Pentagon names four of six US soldiers killed in Iranian strike on Kuwait base — The Guardian -
• Ukraine war briefing: Merz tells Trump Ukraine must not give up more territory — The Guardian -
• Here’s the latest. — New York Times World -
• Rubio tries to backtrack after Israel comments later contradicted by Trump trigger criticism – as it happened — The Guardian -

US primary elections see a surge of Trump-aligned candidates, while the Trump administration makes pledges with tech firms, faces legal challenges to policies, and is implicated in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

• US tech firms pledge at White House to bear costs of energy for data centers — The Guardian -
• Colorado governor likely to grant clemency to election denier Tina Peters, lawyer says — The Guardian -
• Pam Bondi subpoenaed by US House in Jeffrey Epstein investigation — The Guardian -

• Trump-aligned candidates surge as some incumbents fall: five key takeaways from US primary elections — The Guardian -
• Texas primaries: will James Talarico finally deliver Democrats a seat in the red state? — The Guardian -
• California Democrats defy call from party to abandon crowded race: ‘Voters choose the next governor’ — The Guardian -
• House opens inquiry into Texas lawmaker over alleged affair with aide — The Guardian -
• Showdown over datacenter politics at heart of North Carolina primary — The Guardian -
• Half of Americans back abolishing ICE amid Trump crackdown, poll finds — The Guardian -
• Trump administration’s bid to halt New York City congestion toll blocked in court — The Guardian -
• Workers at top 20 US low-wage firms rely on public assistance, report says — The Guardian -
• Key takeaways from Texas primaries, as Talarico beats Crockett in Democratic race — BBC World -
• James Talarico wins Democratic primary for US Senate in Texas — The Guardian -
• Texas Senate seat fight heads to runoff after Republicans fail to secure required votes — The Guardian -
• North Carolina: Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley win primaries to set up Senate contest — The Guardian -
• US commerce secretary to testify before Congress about Epstein ties — BBC World -

Canada and Australia form a strategic alliance, European nations propose new trade policies and face defense project challenges, and the UK grapples with China spying allegations, while tensions escalate between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

• Canadian PM Mark Carney offers to team up with Australia as ‘strategic cousins’ to push back against dominant superpowers — The Guardian -
• Ethiopia’s Demand for a Port Drives Fear of New War With Eritrea — New York Times World -
• Britain Arrests a Lawmaker’s Husband on Suspicion of Spying for China — New York Times World -

• Putin accuses Ukraine of attacking gas tanker that exploded and sank off Libya — The Guardian -
• Husband of Labour MP among three arrested on suspicion of spying for China — The Guardian -
• Russia blames Ukrainian naval drones as tanker sinks in Mediterranean — BBC World -
• Watershed moment as Russia's sporting exile ends — BBC World -
• European Commission proposes ‘Buy EU’ plan to compete against China — The Guardian -
• US and Ecuador forces launch operation to fight drug trafficking — BBC World -
• MP not seen anything to suspect husband has 'broken any law', after China spy arrests — BBC World -
• Europe’s next-generation fighter jet project may collapse if row continues, says warplane maker — The Guardian -
• What to know about the 'two sessions', China's biggest political meeting — BBC World -
• US military launches operation in Ecuador to combat drug trafficking — The Guardian -
• MPs say Starmer’s UK-EU reset lacks ‘direction, definition and drive’ — The Guardian -

Investigations into Jeffrey Epstein's ties continue, gender equality and social inclusion remain pressing concerns with journalists facing discrimination and women's leadership highlighted, while domestic violence failures and legal judgments against neo-Nazis underscore justice system challenges.

• Women and Leadership: 9 Figures Discuss Their Approach — New York Times World -
• Feminist Scholars and Activists on the Past and Future of Feminism — New York Times World -
• What to Know About Nepal's Gen Z Election — New York Times World -

• Bard faculty call for ‘transition’ plan for college president linked to Epstein — The Guardian -
• Liberal senator breaks with party to urge ‘mercy for the children’ of IS-linked Australian women in Syria — The Guardian -
• Greek court upholds criminal organisation verdict on neo-Nazi Golden Dawn — BBC World -
• South Africa's long-serving former defence minister and former Robben Island prisoner dies — BBC World -
• Off Duty: a new series on a fight for justice from Guardian Investigates – trailer — The Guardian -
• Louisiana mayor convicted of raping 16-year-old boy at her home while still in office — The Guardian -
• Adelaide University cancels literary festival event with UN Gaza investigator Francesca Albanese — The Guardian -
• Major parties knock back inquiry into racism and sexism in the Senate – as it happened — The Guardian -
• Cuba charges six exiles with terrorism in wake of deadly speedboat attack — The Guardian -
• Jordanian arrested for visa offences after alleged Bondi attackers visited his coffee shop during Philippines stay — The Guardian -
• South Korea woman and doctors guilty of murder of newborn baby — BBC World -
• Plibersek accuses Mafs of platforming ‘coercive control’ after contestant wanted a woman ‘obedient’ like a dog — The Guardian -
• Queensland police missed two opportunities to prevent Kelly Wilkinson’s murder, inquest hears — The Guardian -
• Toronto Synagogue Is Damaged by Gunfire on Night of Jewish Holiday — New York Times World -
• Celebrating Holi - the Hindu festival brings its array of colours to India and elsewhere — BBC World -

Asylum seekers may gain work rights under new measures, the Covid inquiry concludes, Welsh voters show low awareness of election changes, and environmental access in urban areas is scrutinized, with a police corruption scandal also unfolding.

• Asylum seekers waiting over a year for claim in UK may be allowed to work under new measures — The Guardian -
• Two sisters drown while paddling at Snowdonia beauty spot — The Guardian -
• 60% of Welsh voters unaware of how new system will work in May elections — The Guardian -

• Covid inquiry reaches ‘bittersweet’ final day of witness testimony — The Guardian -
• Andy Burnham criticises ‘bankruptcy’ of Labour approach to campaigning — The Guardian -
• Man goes on trial over 2003 rape that led to notorious miscarriage of justice — The Guardian -
• Labour MP says she had no reason to suspect her husband may have broken law after his arrest on suspicion of spying for China – as it happened — The Guardian -
• Analysis finds urban areas in England where no one lives within 15-minute walk of nature — The Guardian -
• Head of carer’s allowance inquiry blames DWP ‘resistance’ for failure to fix crisis — The Guardian -
• Union tries to seize control of works council at Tesla’s German factory — The Guardian -
• South West Water admits criminal offence over Devon parasite outbreak — The Guardian -
• UK’s partial study visa ban ‘will drive people to small boats’, campaigners say — The Guardian -
• Harry Maguire given 15-month suspended prison sentence after retrial in Greece — The Guardian -
• Small investors turn on James Watt after BrewDog co-founder admits ‘many mistakes’ — The Guardian -
• ‘Apartheid newsroom’: minority ethnic journalists still locked out of top jobs, report finds — The Guardian -
• UK supermarket chain Iceland drops trademark dispute with Iceland — The Guardian -
• Head of Police Federation of England and Wales arrested on suspicion of corruption — The Guardian -
• ‘Thought it was a collapsed drain’: golf course sinkhole exposes lost wine cellar — The Guardian -

OpenAI's control over military AI use is questioned, Meta faces scrutiny over AI glasses privacy, and investments in autonomous driving boost the UK tech sector, while China expresses optimism about AI and TikTok addresses DM encryption.

• Sam Altman admits OpenAI can’t control Pentagon’s use of AI — The Guardian -
• Regulator contacts Meta over workers watching intimate AI glasses videos — BBC World -
• Nvidia and UK Wealth Fund invest in British autonomous driving startup Oxa — The Guardian -

• Where Are China’s A.I. Doomers? — New York Times World -
• A Fight About the Future of War — New York Times World -
• TikTok won't protect DMs with controversial privacy tech, saying it would put users at risk — BBC World -

Cuba faces a severe fuel crisis and widespread blackouts, maternal health in Sierra Leone seeks a new blueprint, and Nigerian healthcare comes under fire after a tragic death, amidst ongoing security challenges in Nigeria.

• Millions of Cubans plunged into darkness as fuel crisis deepens — BBC World -
• In Sierra Leone, a New Maternal Hospital Aims to be the Blueprint — New York Times World -
• Blackout in Cuba leaves millions without power amid US oil chokehold — The Guardian -

• Nigerian doctors suspended over death of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's son — BBC World -
• U.S. Hunts for Militants as the Nigerian Military Is Accused of Inaction — New York Times World -
• Ethiopia experiments with 'smart' police stations that have no officers — BBC World -

A new drug shows promise for childhood epilepsy, pesticide production linked to Parkinson's is halted, Saharan dust plumes bring striking sunsets to the UK, and conservation efforts focus on plummeting moth populations.

• Watch: Moment wolf rescued from canal in northern Italy — BBC World -
• Scientists laud life-changing drug for children with resistant form of epilepsy — The Guardian -
• Saharan dust plume to transform UK sunrises and sunsets this week — The Guardian -

• Syngenta says it will stop making pesticide linked to Parkinson’s disease — The Guardian -
• Pregnant women's brains shed grey matter to prime them for motherhood, study suggests — BBC World -
• Protect caterpillars as UK’s moth population plummets, urge charities — The Guardian -