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Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he wants to "take the oil in Iran" by seizing control of Kharg Island, the strategic outpost through which roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow. Experts say the remark underscores a blatant disregard for international law and exemplifies what they term “fossil‑fuel imperialism.” Patrick Bigger, co‑director of the Transition Security Project, described the approach as a "might‑makes‑right" logic that is both "abhorrent and spectacularly miscalculated." Trump is slated to give an update on the Iran‑U.S. conflict on Wednesday. He previously claimed the war could end within weeks, a statement that sent the stock market soaring on expectations of de‑escalation. Iran, however, has insisted it needs guarantees against future attacks before halting its counter‑offensive. The fighting continues, highlighted by an Iranian strike on a fully loaded crude tanker in Dubai and threats to "blow up and completely obliterate" Iran’s energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened promptly. Kharg Island, a five‑mile strip that handles the bulk of Iran’s oil shipments, along with its power plants and oil wells, has been singled out by Trump. He told the Financial Times that U.S. forces should take over the island and the oil stored there. "My favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran," Trump said, adding that critics in the United States are "stupid people." Amir Handjani, an energy lawyer at the Quincy Institute, warned that the statement "completely discredited" the war’s stated objectives and revealed a classic play for natural resources. Handjani noted that Trump’s desire to seize Iranian oil is not new; he voiced similar ambitions in a 1988 interview while promoting The Art of the Deal, saying he would "do a number on Kharg Island" if elected. The former president has also floated comparable ideas for Iraq, Syria and Venezuela, suggesting the United States could appropriate their oil to offset war costs or bolster strategic reserves. Handjani emphasized that international law provides no framework for waging war to capture sovereign nations' natural resources. From a military perspective, taking Kharg Island would be extremely challenging. Iranian missile defenses have rendered regional U.S. bases inoperable, meaning any assault would likely require a parachute insertion of Marines into heavy fire, with the risk of massive Iranian retaliation. Handjani warned that such retaliation could target oil export terminals across the Persian Gulf, potentially driving crude prices to $200‑$300 per barrel and destabilising the global economy. The conflict has already caused the largest-ever disruption to global energy supplies, killing thousands and sparking sharp fuel‑price shocks. While consumers bear the brunt, major fossil‑fuel companies are enjoying windfall profits. Bigger noted that higher oil prices benefit oil majors and are being used as a pretext to expand U.S. drilling, further entrenching reliance on carbon‑intensive fuels. According to Bigger, Trump’s rhetoric reveals a belief that "fossil fuels are a linchpin of his domestic industrial strategy," and that controlling oil equates to controlling global power. He argues that this mindset threatens the international order and hampers the transition to cleaner energy.

The UK government's proposal to boost North Sea oil and gas drilling is unlikely to provide relief to consumers in the form of lower energy prices. Oil prices have surged to $100 a barrel following the US and Israel's attack on Iran, with potential increases to $150 a barrel due to supply issues in the Strait of Hormuz.Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative party, has introduced a plan to 'get Britain drilling' by opening new oil and gas fields in the North Sea. However, experts argue that this will not reduce energy bills for UK consumers. Oil and gas are sold on international markets, and prices are set globally, so there is no direct discount for UK consumers.The Conservative party has previously acknowledged this, but now suggests that tax reforms and removal of VAT on bills could deliver £200 cuts to household energy bills. The plan involves scrapping the windfall tax on North Sea producers, which has raised about £12bn so far.Critics argue that the windfall tax is essential and that removing it would not stimulate production significantly. The tax does not increase prices to consumers and has the support of the International Energy Agency.Analysis suggests that redirecting tax revenues from the North Sea back to consumers would have a minimal impact on bills. A study found that households would gain only about £16 a year if tax revenues from a maximally exploited North Sea were redistributed.Badenoch's claims about job creation in the North Sea are also disputed. The sector is declining, and geology, not politics, will dictate the future of North Sea oil and gas. Most of the UK's sector has already been drained, with only about 218m tonnes of oil recoverable by 2050 from existing fields.New drilling could add only 74m tonnes of oil and 1.1% to gas production, equivalent to putting off the end of the North Sea by a year or two. Job losses in the sector are a concern, with at least 70,000 jobs lost in the decade to 2024.Experts stress that renewable energy sources are a more secure and sustainable alternative. The UK should focus on creating conditions for clean energy infrastructure to attract investment and drive growth.

In the spring of 1926, Paris was bustling with tourists, earning its reputation as the cheapest capital in Europe. The city's ideal weather, with incessant sunshine, added to its appeal. Cafes had opened their windows, trees were green, and chestnuts were budding, creating a picturesque scene.The tourist influx was significant, with 20,000 English holidaymakers arriving in a single day, and many more expected to follow. Visitors from other countries, particularly Germany, were also well-represented. This Easter season was shaping up to be a record one for Paris.While finding accommodations could be challenging for those who hadn't booked in advance, Paris offered affordable options for tourists. Restaurants, theatres, music-halls, and other amusements were priced at about half of what one would find in London. Even taxi fares, which doubled at night, were reasonable at threepence a mile.The city's entertainment scene catered to various tastes. Some tourists flocked to popular venues like the Folies-Bergère, Moulin Rouge, and Casino de Paris, while others preferred more cultural experiences at the Comédie Française or Odeon. The diversity of options made Paris an attractive destination for a wide range of visitors.

The UK Prime Minister's recent announcement of a 'five-point plan' to address the energy crisis has been met with skepticism. During his remarks from Downing Street, Prime Minister Starmer outlined measures that were largely pre-existing or unrelated to the immediate crisis. The plan included: cutting energy bills by over £100 per household, which was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in last November's budget and has since been adjusted to £117 for an average dual-fuel household; extending the cut in fuel duty until September; supporting people exposed to heating oil rises with £53m; investing in clean British energy through the Clean Power 2030 plan; and pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East. Critics argue that most of these points were not new and did not adequately address the current crisis. The plan did not provide specifics on who else could get help with energy bills or how targeted support would be delivered. The Clean Power 2030 plan, a five-year £200bn infrastructure project, will not yield immediate results for consumers, with savings expected to arrive around 2040. The article concludes that repeating measures from last November's budget is not a plan and that a proper five-point plan would be needed if an energy price shock turns into a supply shock, possibly meaning rationing.

Iraq secured the final spot in the World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in a crucial intercontinental playoff held in Mexico. The match saw Iraq's Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein score goals that sealed their first World Cup appearance in 40 years. The Iraqi team's preparations were disrupted due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, they showed resilience and determination. Ali Al-Hamadi opened the scoring for Iraq in the ninth minute, with a well-taken goal from a corner kick. Bolivia equalized in the 38th minute through Ramiro Vaca's shot, which was controlled and finished by Moises Paniagua. However, Iraq regained the lead in the second half when Aymen Hussein scored a crucial goal eight minutes into the second half. Iraq's Australian coach, Graham Arnold, had initially requested a postponement of the match due to the disruptions caused by the conflict. The team's journey to Mexico was also arduous, with most players taking a three-day overland trip from Baghdad. The win ensures Iraq's participation in Group I of the World Cup, where they will face France, Senegal, and Norway. This marks a significant achievement for Iraqi football, with their last World Cup appearance being in 1986.

The UK’s chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is set to sit down with the chief executives of Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons on Wednesday. The meeting aims to gauge the scale of possible price hikes and shortages of essential household goods as the nation grapples with a sharp rise in energy, fuel and fertiliser costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. A Treasury source described the gathering as a "fact‑finding, open discussion" intended to identify any supply squeezes and to forecast the impact on the cost of living over the coming months. Allan Leighton, executive chair of Asda, will not attend but has publicly urged the government to "stand up and start doing stuff" to aid farmers and curb fuel prices, warning that food costs will inevitably climb if the conflict persists. Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, cautioned that price increases are "unlikely to rise until the summer" thanks to long‑term contracts on energy and fertiliser that currently keep a lid on costs. Nevertheless, UK growers are sounding the alarm. Producers of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and aubergines say higher input costs could force them to pull plants from the ground, creating potential gaps on supermarket shelves. Lee Stiles, secretary of the Lea Valley Growers’ Association – the region often dubbed London’s "salad bowl" – is lobbying for indoor food producers to be classified as "energy‑intensive users" alongside steel, chemicals, cement and glass, thereby qualifying for additional support with surging energy bills. Stiles also called on retailers to renegotiate contracts with growers to reflect the cost surge since the Middle East conflict began. He warned that the upcoming increase in standing charges on 1 April – a fixed daily fee for accessing the gas and electricity network – will further strain producers’ margins. "Growers have already invested in plants and labour for three to four months," Stiles said. "When you do the maths, the numbers don’t add up. They would lose less money by sending workers home, pulling the plants out and turning off the boiler." If domestic growers cut the season short, European glasshouses, which normally supply the UK’s salad market at this time of year, may struggle to fill the void, risking a repeat of the fresh‑produce shortages experienced in early 2023. The British Poultry Council (BPC) echoed these concerns, highlighting pressures on supplies of oil, gas, fertiliser and essential feed components. "These factors are creating sustained upward pressure on the cost of poultry production," the BPC warned, adding that while some cost increases may be absorbed, others will inevitably be passed on to consumers. Richard Griffiths, BPC chief executive, noted that while many farmers have long‑term energy deals, costs such as diesel are rising rapidly, and there are fears that vital medicines could become unavailable at any price. In response, the government has announced a £117 cut to household energy bills, an increase to the legal minimum wage, and the launch of a £1 billion "crisis and resilience" fund aimed at helping vulnerable households with expenses such as heating oil.

Tiger Woods announced he is pausing his golf career to focus on health and treatment after a police stop near his Jupiter Island, Florida home that led to a DUI suspicion charge.In a statement posted on X, Woods said, "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well‑being and work toward lasting recovery." He added that he hopes to return "healthier, stronger, and more focused" and asked for privacy for his family.According to court records released Tuesday, Woods entered a plea of not guilty and has asked for a jury trial. The incident occurred on a residential road when his Land Rover clipped a truck, crossed a double yellow line, and rolled onto its driver’s side, causing roughly $5,000 in property damage to the other vehicle.Deputies observed several signs of impairment, including profuse sweating, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and lethargic speech and movements. Woods told investigators he had not consumed alcohol but had taken "a few" prescription medications, including Vicodin, blood‑pressure medication, and cholesterol medication. A search of his pocket uncovered two hydrocodone pills, a prescription opioid.While Woods refused a urine test for drugs, a breathalyzer showed no alcohol in his system. He was charged with misdemeanor DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to testing. After a brief hospital clearance, he was held for the mandatory eight‑hour Florida detention period before posting $1,150 bail.Former President Donald Trump commented on the situation, noting Woods’ extensive injury history and stating, "He tested negative for alcohol... He lives a life of pain. He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain." Trump also mentioned Woods’ relationship with his former daughter‑in‑law, Vanessa Trump.Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, filed a waiver of arraignment and a demand for a jury trial, moving his initial court appearance to a docket‑sounding hearing scheduled for May 5. The golfer has not competed in a PGA Tour event since July 2024, though he appeared in the TGL indoor league last week.Prior to the crash, Woods was listed for the US Senior Open and was undecided about playing in the upcoming Masters at Augusta National, leaving his future tournament schedule uncertain.

Turkey broke a 24‑year absence from the FIFA World Cup by defeating Kosovo 1‑0 in the playoff final held in Pristina. The decisive goal came from forward Kerem Akturkoglu in the 53rd minute, delivering the Turkish side, ranked 25th globally, a long‑awaited return to football’s premier tournament.The match unfolded before a sold‑out crowd eager to witness Kosovo, ranked 79th, potentially make its first major‑tournament appearance less than a decade after joining FIFA and UEFA. Despite the home advantage, the hosts fell short, ending a remarkable qualifying run.Turkey’s success arrived under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Montella, who blended emerging talents with seasoned internationals to overcome the pressure of two decades of missed qualifications.In the parallel European playoff, Sweden edged Poland 3‑2 to claim their own World Cup ticket. Viktor Gyokeres secured the victory with a late winner two minutes from full‑time, after a seesaw battle that saw Anthony Elanga open the scoring, Nicola Zalewski equalise, and Gustaf Lagerbielke restore Sweden’s lead in the 44th minute.Poland briefly levelled the contest after the break through Karol Swiderski, but Gyokeres capitalised on a chaotic scramble in the box to clinch the win.Sweden’s triumph places them in Group F for the 2026 World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia, marking the nation’s first tournament appearance since 2018.

During an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher pressed members to outline concrete measures for safeguarding Lebanese civilians as Israel intensifies its ground offensive and aerial bombardment.Fletcher highlighted the stark parallel between Israel’s stated objectives in Lebanon and the ongoing genocidal war in Gaza, asking the council how it intends to prevent a repeat of the humanitarian catastrophe witnessed there.Since the escalation on 2 March, more than 1.1 million people have been forced from their homes across Lebanon, a displacement surge linked to Israel’s retaliatory strikes after Hezbollah fired missiles into northern Israel.In a video address, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that, once the current operation concludes, the Israeli army will establish a security zone extending to the Litani River and maintain control over the area, effectively creating a new occupied territory.Israeli forces have pushed deeper into the south this week, claiming the moves are necessary to shield northern Israeli communities from missile attacks. Human‑rights organisations have condemned the expansion, warning that targeting civilian infrastructure and preventing residents from returning would exacerbate the crisis.The heightened conflict has also claimed the lives of three UN peacekeepers. Two Indonesian soldiers were killed on Monday when an unexplained explosion destroyed their vehicle near the village of Bani Haiyyan, while a third Indonesian peacekeeper died the previous day after a projectile detonated at a UNIFIL post near Aadshit al‑Qusayr.UN Under‑Secretary‑General for Peace Operations Jean‑Pierre Lacroix said early investigations suggest a roadside blast was responsible for the Monday deaths, emphasizing that such incidents must not occur and that peacekeepers should never be targeted.A spokesperson for Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks, stating they breach international law and could constitute war crimes. The statement called for accountability and urged all parties to uphold their legal obligations to protect UN personnel and property at all times.