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Iran has granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to ships from select countries, including Pakistan, India, and Turkey, despite its ongoing war with the United States. The strait, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, has been effectively blocked since the conflict began on February 28, causing oil prices to skyrocket above $100 per barrel.On March 2, Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced that the strait was 'closed' and warned that any vessels attempting to cross would be 'set ablaze' by the IRGC and the navy. This move led to a significant increase in oil prices, with Brent crude rising 2.5 percent to $105.70 on Monday, more than 40 percent higher than before the war began.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that Tehran had been approached by several countries seeking safe passage for their vessels, with the decision ultimately resting with the military. He confirmed that a group of vessels from 'different countries' had been allowed to pass through, although details were not provided.Pakistan was one of the first countries to have a ship pass through the strait, with a Pakistani-flagged Aframax tanker called Karachi sailing out of the Gulf on Sunday. India also secured permission for some of its vessels to pass through, with two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas safely crossing the strait on Saturday.In addition, Turkey obtained permission for one of its ships to pass through the strait after authorities received approval from Tehran. China is reportedly in talks with Iran to secure safe passage for its crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas carriers, with 45 percent of China's oil imports passing through the strait.Meanwhile, France and Italy have requested talks with Iran regarding safe passage for their ships, according to reports. The US has proposed a naval coalition to secure the strait, but countries such as Germany and Greece have ruled out military involvement.

Iran has started to permit a limited but increasing number of commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, as indicated by ship tracking data. On Monday, eight non-Iranian flagged vessels were detected in the strategic waterway. This represents a notable increase, with MarineTraffic recording nine transits on Monday and Sunday, compared to just five over the preceding two days. According to Michelle Wiese Bockmann, an analyst at Windward, the growing number of ships rerouting via Iran's territorial waters suggests that Tehran is granting 'permission-based transits to friendly countries.' The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies, has seen traffic plummet by more than 95 percent since the onset of the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. This drastic reduction has led to a surge in oil prices, which have risen above $100 per barrel, an increase of over 40 percent. Iranian officials have issued mixed messages regarding the strait's status. Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait was 'open, but closed to our enemies'. Conversely, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned earlier in the month that any ship attempting passage would be set ablaze. The situation has drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump asserting that Washington does not require other countries' assistance to secure shipping traffic through the strait. Meanwhile, the US military reported dropping bunker buster bombs on 'hardened' Iranian missile sites located near the strait, citing the risk these posed to international shipping.

In the final moments of January 29, 2024, five-year-old Hind Rajab’s desperate pleas for help were cut short as she remained trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of six relatives. Despite obtaining clearance from the Israeli military, a Red Crescent ambulance dispatched to rescue the child was struck by tank fire, killing two paramedics and leaving the vehicle abandoned for over a week.Two years after the tragedy, the global campaign group Avaaz has released a report alleging that this incident was a deliberate 'double-tap' strike. This tactic, often used in warfare, involves a first attack followed by a second strike targeting civilians or emergency responders attempting to assist victims of the initial assault.The Avaaz analysis, shared exclusively with Al Jazeera, documents over 40 alleged human rights violations and argues that the attack contravenes international combat law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute. The report suggests that the Israeli military possessed full situational awareness of the rescue mission but deliberately targeted the ambulance.Forensic evidence contradicts the Israeli military's initial claims that the family car was destroyed during an exchange of fire. Analysis by Forensic Architecture at Goldsmiths, University of London, found no evidence of combatants in the vicinity, only the presence of Israeli Merkava tanks. The report highlights that the ambulance was fired upon with 120mm tank rounds without warning, a finding supported by the Hind Rajab Foundation, which has identified 24 potential perpetrators.'I am absolutely convinced that this is another case of double tap,' said Sarah Andrew, legal director of Avaaz. 'The kind of weaponry used on the ambulance, the timing, and the fact that no warning was given – it immediately triggered a question in my mind.'The Avaaz brief urges the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the matter. The group notes that more than 1,500 healthcare workers have been killed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising serious concerns about the safety of medical personnel in the region.

US President Donald Trump has taken to social media to mock UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, sharing a Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit that depicts Starmer panicking at the prospect of a call with Trump. The skit, which aired on the premiere of the new British version of SNL, shows Starmer, played by George Fouracres, trying to avoid a call with Trump.The video was shared on the same evening that Trump and Starmer spoke about the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the US-Israel war on Iran. During their call, the two leaders focused on the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked by Iran since the US and Israel launched strikes on February 28.The closure of the strait has sent oil prices soaring, creating the biggest energy crisis since the 1970s. Trump has repeatedly criticized Starmer for not doing enough to support the US efforts to break the blockade, accusing him of being a 'coward' and saying he is 'disappointed' in him.Starmer has asserted that any attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz needs careful consideration and a viable plan, and that his number one priority is to protect British interests and de-escalate tensions. The UK government has given authorization for the US to use its military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump has announced a significant diplomatic pause in the escalating conflict with Iran, instructing the US military to delay any strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period. The announcement comes as Trump claims both nations have reached "major points of agreement" and are seeking a "complete and total resolution" of hostilities in the Middle East.This decision follows a tense 48-hour ultimatum issued by Trump on Saturday, in which he threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a critical global chokepoint, handling approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas; its closure has already triggered a severe global energy crisis and spiked oil prices.Speaking from Florida, Trump stated that Iran is eager to make a deal and that his envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been engaged in talks with a "respected" Iranian leader. For a resolution to materialize, Trump asserted that Iran must relinquish its enriched uranium stockpile, and he suggested the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be reopened very soon if an agreement is reached.The prospect of de-escalation provided immediate relief to global financial markets. Wall Street stocks saw early gains on Monday, while oil prices—which had soared since the onset of hostilities—experienced a sharp decline. The easing of tensions is viewed as a potential "off-ramp" for the war, which analysts suggest may be an attempt by Trump to secure a dignified exit from the conflict.While Iran has not officially confirmed the talks, its Foreign Ministry suggested the pause is a tactical maneuver to lower energy prices. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any attack on Iranian power plants would trigger a massive retaliation, including strikes on US bases and economic infrastructure. Analysts believe the likelihood of Iran refusing this offer is remote, as the country seeks to avoid further devastation.

A 90-year-old woman was left without her original phone number for three months after BT told her she needed a temporary number while Openreach carried out broadband work. This caused significant distress and disruption to her daily life, as she relies on her phone to stay in touch with family, friends, and medical professionals.The issue began when the woman was sent home from hospital to die at the end of last year and needed broadband installed so a personal alarm could be fitted. BT provided a temporary phone number, but failed to restore her original number, which is crucial for her hospital appointments and communication with her GP.Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, BT was unable to restore her original number for three months, citing "system errors" and "procedural issues". The woman's family had to spend a significant amount of time trying to resolve the issue, which added to their stress and frustration.BT eventually restored the woman's original number and apologized for the inconvenience caused. The company also offered a goodwill gesture to compensate for the distress caused. This incident highlights the importance of reliable customer service, particularly for vulnerable individuals who rely on their phone for essential communication.

The United States has extended a key deadline concerning Iran sanctions, marking a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations.This move comes as the US continues to navigate its stance on Iran, balancing pressure through sanctions with attempts at diplomatic engagement.The decision to extend the deadline reflects a nuanced approach by the US, aiming to influence Iran's actions while keeping channels of communication open.The implications of this extension are being closely watched by international observers, as it impacts global economic dynamics and regional stability.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made two significant inclusions in his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley. Ben White, the Arsenal right-back, has been recalled to the squad after a period of exile that began during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. White's return comes after Jarell Quansah was forced to withdraw due to injury. White, who has four England caps, last played for the national team in March 2022 against Côte d'Ivoire. His absence from the squad was partly self-imposed, but Tuchel indicated in March that White wanted to return. This season, White has struggled for regular game time at Arsenal, starting only five Premier League games. In addition to White's recall, Tuchel has called up Harvey Barnes from Newcastle as a replacement for Eberechi Eze, who has withdrawn with a calf injury. Barnes, who has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, is second on Newcastle's scoring charts, trailing only Anthony Gordon. He previously earned his only England cap as a substitute against Wales in October 2020 under Gareth Southgate. Notably, Scotland had been attempting to lure Barnes for their World Cup squad. Tuchel's squad selection has been influenced by injuries, particularly the hamstring injury to first-choice right-back Reece James. Trent Alexander-Arnold was not recalled, and other options at right-back include Tino Livramento and Djed Spence. England will host Uruguay on Friday, followed by Japan on Tuesday at Wembley.

Alan Ritchson, the star of the hit Amazon Prime Video series Reacher, has been accused of assaulting his neighbor in a suburban neighborhood in Tennessee. A video obtained by TMZ appears to show Ritchson striking the man, identified as Ronnie Taylor, multiple times while his children watch.The alleged incident began on Saturday when Ritchson was reportedly riding his motorbike through the neighborhood at high speeds, revving the engine. Taylor claimed he responded with an obscene gesture, which Ritchson allegedly returned. On Sunday, Ritchson returned to the neighborhood with his two children on their own motorbikes. Taylor said he asked Ritchson to stop, and the situation escalated into a physical altercation.Taylor alleged that Ritchson struck him at least four times, resulting in visible bruising and swelling on his face, as shown in photos obtained by TMZ. However, other sources cited by TMZ countered that Taylor approached Ritchson in an aggressive manner and attempted to interfere with his motorbike, causing the actor to fall and sustain minor injuries.Ritchson is widely recognized for portraying Jack Reacher, a fictional former US army military police officer, in the Amazon Prime Video series. The character is known for his extensive combat experience and intense fights. The show, based on author Lee Child's bestselling crime novels, has been praised for Ritchson's physical performance and closer resemblance to the protagonist's original depiction.The Guardian has contacted Ritchson's representatives for comment.