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More drilling in the North Sea will not enhance the UK’s energy security, a group of former senior military leaders told The Guardian on Monday, as the Conservative Party’s energy minister Kemi Badenoch launched a campaign to revive offshore oil and gas licences. The veterans, including retired Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, a climate‑security professor at University College London, warned that extracting the remaining hydrocarbons “is not the answer” to the country’s rising energy costs and geopolitical vulnerability. Morisetti emphasized that global market forces, not domestic production, set fuel prices and that reliance on imports leaves the UK exposed to “structural chokepoints” such as the Strait of Hormuz or insurance withdrawals. He urged the government to focus on a rapid transition to a diversified mix of wind, solar, tidal and nuclear power, alongside a major renewal of the electricity grid and expanded storage capacity. A recent E3G think‑tank report supports this view, stating that “structural chokepoints” in oil and gas supply chains mean that increasing fossil‑fuel output anywhere does not improve national security. The report highlights that reducing reliance on imported hydrocarbons through electrification, efficiency, and domestic clean energy offers the most durable protection against supply shocks. Maria Pastukhova, senior policy adviser at E3G, explained that while clean‑energy systems are not immune to disruptions, they shift control “under domestic ownership,” lowering exposure to geopolitical and market volatility. Data cited by the report show that the North Sea is a “mature basin” whose output has fallen 75 % since its peak. New licences granted between 2010 and 2024 have produced only 36 days of gas, according to research by the Uplift campaign and consultancy Voar, underscoring the limited impact of further drilling. Retired Lt Gen Richard Nugee compared the UK’s situation to recent developments in Spain, where electricity prices are increasingly set by renewables rather than fossil fuels, reducing dependence on vulnerable chokepoints. He argued that “going for renewables gives greater independence, greater sovereignty, less vulnerability to attack and more opportunity,” contrasting it with the finite and externally‑controlled nature of gas supplies. Experts such as Khem Rogaly of the Transition Security Project warn that reliance on “expensive and volatile fossil fuels” makes British households vulnerable to shocks from global conflicts, including US‑led oil wars. James Meadway, director of the Verdant think‑tank, added that the war in Iran has revealed the fragility of large, centralized power systems to both kinetic attacks and cyber‑threats, reinforcing the case for a more distributed energy architecture. In sum, the former military leaders and independent analysts concur that the only credible route to lasting UK energy security lies in **accelerating renewable deployment, improving efficiency, and modernising the grid**, rather than expanding North Sea drilling.

The destruction of a US E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft in an Iranian strike on a Saudi Arabian airbase has raised significant questions about how a critical surveillance asset was left unprotected and how Iran managed to launch such a precise direct strike.The plane was one of only 16 operational E-3s, which first entered production in the 1960s and carry sophisticated monitoring equipment allowing them to detect airborne threats such as missiles while surveilling assigned battle spaces including communications, troop movements, and air defense sites.The attack that destroyed the aircraft on March 27, while it was parked at Prince Sultan airbase, demonstrated Iran's continuing ability to strike high-value targets in the region despite a month of US and Israeli air raids.Images from the scene show a direct strike on the E-3's radar dome near the tail, suggesting a high degree of accuracy in the attack. The strike also injured US servicemen and damaged several in-flight refuelling aircraft.Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated that Ukrainian intelligence had information indicating a Russian spy satellite photographed the base three times before the attack—on March 20, 23, and 25. Zelenskyy explained that multiple satellite images typically indicate preparation for an imminent attack.Zelenskyy's comments follow reports that Moscow was providing intelligence to Iran on the location of US forces in the Middle East, a claim denied by Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov.The destroyed E-3 was one of six such aircraft deployed to the Saudi Arabian base. These aging aircraft have long suffered from maintenance issues, with the US Air Force's E-3s reportedly having a mission-capable rate of only about 56% in 2024.The E-3 can track up to 600 targets simultaneously over a large area, acting as the eyes and ears for fighter pilots. The loss of this particular E-3 is considered incredibly problematic, as these aircraft serve as crucial battle managers for airspace deconfliction, aircraft coordination, targeting, and providing other lethal effects needed for battlefield operations.While US and Israeli commanders have claimed a decrease in Iran's missile capabilities, experts had anticipated a reduction in Tehran's launch intensity as it conserves military resources. Some analysts suggest Iran may be targeting key enablers of US airpower as part of a deliberate campaign following initial successes by the US and Israel in controlling Iranian airspace.

The average price of fuel in the US has surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time in four years, reaching $4.02 per gallon nationwide, according to AAA data. This significant increase comes as the conflict between the US and Iran continues to escalate, boosting oil prices and putting pressure on drivers.On the west coast, drivers are facing even higher prices, with California averaging $5.89 per gallon and Washington state averaging $5.35 per gallon. The surge in oil prices has been driven by the Brent crude price hitting $115.48 per barrel, a global benchmark for oil prices.President Donald Trump has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, with many arguing that the rising fuel prices will hurt his chances in the upcoming midterm elections. In response, Trump has tried to downplay the impact of higher oil prices, claiming that the US will benefit as a whole due to its status as the largest oil producer in the world.However, Trump has also acknowledged that fuel prices will likely drop once the conflict with Iran is resolved. The president plans to withdraw US forces from the war "at some point," but emphasized that other countries will need to take on more responsibility to address the situation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen after the ongoing conflict with Iran. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Rubio emphasized that the strait will be reopened either with Iran's consent or through an international coalition including the US.The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite US President Donald Trump stating that the US is pursuing diplomacy, Rubio mentioned ongoing direct talks between the US and Iran, primarily through intermediaries. Iran has denied these talks are happening.Rubio called on Iran to take concrete steps to end its nuclear programme and cease manufacturing drones and missiles. He accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons to threaten and blackmail the world, which Tehran denies.The situation remains volatile, with speculation about a possible US troop deployment in Iran. Rubio warned of severe consequences if Iran keeps the strait closed after the conflict ends. The White House has considered various military options, including a special forces operation to seize enriched uranium stored in Iran.

A Canadian content creator has captured rare footage showing dozens of ships congested in the Hormuz Strait, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints for global oil transportation.The strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, typically sees continuous vessel traffic carrying oil from major producers to global markets. The documented congestion represents an unusual occurrence in this vital transit route.The Hormuz Strait is essential to global energy security, with approximately 20% of the world's traded oil passing through this narrow channel. Any disruption to maritime traffic in this region can have significant implications for international oil prices and supply chains.While the exact cause of the congestion remains unclear, such incidents highlight the geopolitical sensitivity of this critical waterway. The strait has previously been the site of tensions involving regional powers and international naval forces.The Canadian YouTuber's documentation provides rare visual evidence of the scale of the maritime traffic jam, offering valuable insight into the operational challenges faced in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Every year on March 30, Palestinians observe Land Day, or Yom al-Ard, recalling the events of 50 years ago when Israeli forces killed six unarmed Palestinians and injured over 100 during protests against Israel's confiscation of Palestinian land.On March 30, 1976, Israel ordered the confiscation of 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of land belonging to Palestinian citizens of Israel in the Galilee, as part of its policy to Judaise Galilee following the creation of the State of Israel.The protests, which were concentrated in the Palestinian towns of Sakhnin, Arrabeh, and Deir Hanna, were met with brutal force by Israeli authorities. The confiscated land is roughly the size of 3,000 football pitches or the area from the southern tip of Manhattan to the start of Central Park in New York.Palestinians, both in Israel and across the occupied Palestinian territory, mark this day by holding protests, vigils, and planting olive trees to reaffirm their connection to the land. However, these protests are often met with brutal use of force by Israel.Israel has continued to seize large swaths of Palestinian land, designating them as military zones, state land, and other labels. Recently, on February 8, 2026, Israel's security cabinet approved measures to expand its powers across the occupied West Bank, including easing the sale of Palestinian land to Israeli settlers.Rights groups and several countries have condemned Israel's land grab, calling it “de facto annexation” and a “deliberate and direct attack” on the viability of a Palestinian state. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has ramped up both formal settlement approvals and informal outpost establishments.According to Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement group, Israel approved 12,349 housing units in 2023, 9,884 in 2024, and a record 27,941 in 2025. In December, Israel's security cabinet approved plans to formalize 19 illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank.

Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity confirmed that an Iranian attack on a power and water desalination plant resulted in the death of an Indian worker and significant material damage to a service building. The attack is part of Iranian aggression against Kuwait, according to the ministry.Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the site to manage the aftermath and ensure continued operations. The incident occurred as regional tensions spike following the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran over a month ago.Iranian forces have retaliated against Israel and countries hosting US military assets with drone and missile strikes, causing casualties and infrastructure damage. The conflict has also led to Iran effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, driving up energy prices and unsettling financial markets.The vulnerability of critical water infrastructure in one of the world's most water-scarce regions has been exposed by the war. Kuwait has faced repeated attacks since the conflict began, including the detection of 14 missiles and 12 drones in its airspace, with several targeting a military camp and injuring 10 servicemen.The US and Israeli attacks on Iran have killed over 2,000 people, including high-ranking officials and children, and destroyed critical infrastructure. The situation remains volatile, with US President Donald Trump pausing threatened attacks on Iranian energy plants until April 6, and Iran vowing to respond to any attacks on its facilities with strikes on energy sites across the Gulf region.

The recent arrival of US ground invasion forces in the Middle East has raised concerns about a potential military confrontation with Iran. With 5,000 marines and 2,000 paratroopers deployed, the US may attempt to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which a fifth of the world's oil trade passes.Iran's control over the strait gives it significant leverage, and any US action could lead to severe escalation. The US president, Donald Trump, has stated he is prepared to give diplomacy a chance, but he also expressed a desire to 'take the oil in Iran'. The situation is precarious, with experts warning of a high risk of casualties and escalation.There are two possible military options for the US to open the strait: seizing territory or deploying a massive naval presence. However, both options carry significant risks. Iran has threatened to carpet bomb its own territory to kill any American soldiers on its soil, and the US would need a substantial force to hold any territory.The deployment may be a show of force to strengthen the American negotiating position, but it could also lead to a more significant conflict. The challenge could be multiplied if Iran-allied Houthi forces in Yemen enter the conflict, potentially attacking vessels passing through the southern end of the Red Sea.

Spain has taken a firm stance against the US-Israel war on Iran by closing its airspace to US military aircraft involved in attacks. This decision, confirmed by Defence Minister Margarita Robles, underscores Spain's position as a leading critic of the conflict in Europe. The move forces military planes, including those based in the UK and other European countries, to bypass Spain when heading to targets in the Middle East, except in emergency situations. This development comes after Spain denied the US permission to use its military bases for operations related to the war. “We don’t authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles stated, emphasising Spain's clear stance. She described the war as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been vocal in his opposition to the war, calling for the US, Israel, and Iran to cease hostilities. His statements have previously drawn criticism from former US President Donald Trump, who threatened to cut off trade with Spain. The decision to restrict airspace access could potentially worsen Spain's already strained relations with the White House. However, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo reiterated that Spain's stance is part of its broader refusal to participate in or contribute to a war initiated unilaterally and against international law. While US military aircraft can still use Spanish bases for logistics support under a bilateral agreement, 15 American KC-135 refuelling planes were recently diverted from bases in Spain to those in France and Germany.