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The report delves into Iran's concerted effort to reshape global perceptions by leveraging a blend of state‑run outlets, social‑media networks, and allied voices to contest the United States' long‑standing narrative advantage. It highlights Tehran's use of targeted messaging, strategic timing, and multilingual content to reach diverse audiences, aiming to undermine U.S. credibility while bolstering its own diplomatic posture. By examining recent campaigns and their reception, the piece underscores a growing propaganda rivalry that reflects broader geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

As tax day arrives in the United States, trillions of dollars flow into the government coffers. However, a recent analysis sheds light on how these funds are allocated, revealing some striking priorities. Over $5 trillion in US taxes is being directed towards sectors such as war, defense contractors, and border enforcement.This allocation raises questions about the values and priorities of the US government, particularly when juxtaposed with the mounting pressures and cuts faced by essential services like healthcare and food assistance. As the national deficit grows and everyday costs rise, the budget choices being made reveal a lot about who the system is designed to serve, both domestically and internationally.Lindsay Koshgarian, programme director at the National Priorities Project, provides insight into these dynamics. The conversation delves into the implications of these budgetary decisions and what they signify about the current state of US priorities.

Becoming a parent reshapes every facet of daily life—the late‑night outings fade, responsibility expands, and the role shifts from being cared for to becoming a caretaker. This profound transition forms the emotional core of Jess Brodie’s new play, Gush. The playwright deliberately zeroes in on the moments before birth, a period she describes as a “still point” where reflection and anticipation collide. Rather than dramatizing labor itself, Brodie explores the inner landscape of a woman on the brink of motherhood. At the centre of the piece is Ally, a pregnant woman whose bulging belly becomes a visual reminder of her mounting anxieties. She grapples with sleepless nights, dietary restrictions, and the looming deadline of maternity leave, while also confronting an unfinished personal identity that must now accommodate the role of “mum”. Beyond the familiar pressures of pregnancy, the monologue delves into Ally’s quest for self‑realisation. The impending birth is portrayed as a ticking time‑bomb, intensifying her doubts about a middle‑class existence shared with a neurotic, controlling partner. The narrative questions whether she should finally honour the sexual desires she has long suppressed. Critics may note the play’s narrow focus—its politics are largely self‑absorbed, and its feminist themes risk sounding solipsistic. Nevertheless, Brodie’s script is laced with wit and unexpected turns, keeping the audience firmly engaged. In Becky Hope‑Palmer’s meticulously crafted production, the set—half stark white surface, half inviting cushion pool—mirrors the tension between alienation and comfort. It is Jessica Hardwick’s performance that elevates the piece. Her voice, both resonant and precise, navigates Brodie’s rapid tonal shifts—from irony to panic, embarrassment to eroticism, fury to humor—with remarkable sensitivity. Hardwick’s portrayal makes Gush a must‑see, even for those who might otherwise overlook the play’s limited thematic scope. The production runs at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh until 25 April.

The article delves into the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that serves as a critical conduit for global oil shipments. It highlights the geopolitical rivalry among regional powers and external actors seeking to influence or dominate traffic through the passage. By assessing the security dynamics and diplomatic maneuvers surrounding the strait, the analysis underscores how control over this chokepoint can impact both regional stability and international energy markets.

The documentary Kinaesthesia delves into the dreamlike qualities of early cinema, showcasing a treasure trove of visions from the 1910s and 1920s. Director Gerald Fox draws on the theories of late Harvard film studies professor Vlada Petrić, who posited that early cinema pioneers employed techniques to activate the brain similar to those experienced during dreams.Luis Buñuel's Un Chien Andalou, co-written with Salvador Dalí and inspired by their dreams, is a seminal work featured in the documentary. Its surreal images, including a razor slicing through an eyeball and rotting donkeys strapped to grand pianos, continue to shock and disturb nearly a century later.The film is a greatest hits collection of experimental early cinema, featuring works by FW Murnau, Fritz Lang, Sergei Eisenstein, and Oleksandr Dovzhenko. Notably, it includes Teinosuke Kinugasa's A Page of Madness, a 1926 film set in a psychiatric hospital that was long believed lost but later found in a sake barrel.The documentary also highlights the contributions of avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren, with a dedicated section showcasing her brilliance. While the narration by Fox can be somewhat hammy and the dramatic sections featuring Goran Kostic as Professor Petrić add little value, the film remains required viewing for anyone interested in the history of cinema.Kinaesthesia is set to release in UK and Irish cinemas from April 17, 2026.

Israel's military actions and strategies in Gaza have raised concerns about its potential plans for Lebanon. The region has been experiencing increased tensions, with fears of a wider conflict. Understanding the geopolitical dynamics at play is crucial as the situation continues to unfold.The Guardian's video explainer, 'The ‘Gaza playbook’: what are Israel’s plans for Lebanon?', delves into these issues, providing insights into Israel's military approach and its implications for Lebanon.Escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon have been a point of concern for international observers, with the potential for a broader conflict in the region. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to mitigate the crisis.

The piece delves into the question of who truly directs U.S. foreign policy, presenting the perspectives of journalists Varsha Gandikota and Jeremy Scahill. Both commentators explore the influence of political actors, institutional mechanisms, and external pressures that determine America’s global strategy. While the discussion does not introduce new data, it highlights the ongoing debate over the balance of power between elected officials, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups in shaping international decisions.

Joz Norris' latest show, 'You Wait. Time Passes', is a thought-provoking exploration of artistic character and the choices that define a creative life. In this maverick confection of a show, Norris takes on the role of an unhinged, self-absorbed guru figure, imparting life lessons with a healthy dose of silliness.The show delves into Norris's career as a comedian, actor, and magician, as well as his bid to become Google's number one Joz. Through snippets of his career and interactions with his erratic AI girlfriend, Norris presents a picture of himself as a complex, multifaceted artist.At its core, the show poses big questions about the futility of the niche creative's life and whether weird artists are truly weird or just trying to express themselves in a different way. While some moments feel a bit strenuous or for-its-own-sake, the show's extreme dottiness is backed up by good jokes, twisty philosophy, and a highly energetic performance.Ultimately, 'You Wait. Time Passes' constitutes a curiously rousing defence of experimental art-making in a conformist, capitalist world. The show is a must-see for fans of comedy and experimental art, and it will be touring after its run at the Lowry in Salford.

Music lovers and Beatles fans are in for a treat tonight as McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass airs on BBC Two at 8:45pm. This documentary delves into the mysterious disappearance of Paul McCartney's iconic Höfner bass guitar, which he purchased in 1961 during the formative years of the Beatles. The instrument, which became synonymous with McCartney's music, vanished around the time of the Beatles' split and has been on a journey of its own ever since. The documentary features contributions from 'bass detectives' and McCartney himself, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known story. In other TV news, Proper Ladies on BBC Three at 7:45pm showcases new talent with a comedy short film initiative, beginning with Sabrina Ali's play Dugsi Dayz, a coming-of-age story about four Muslim girls. Celebrity Sabotage on ITV1 at 8pm features civilians competing in a military endurance series, while celebrities and a guest saboteur try to disrupt the proceedings from a nearby bunker. Film enthusiasts can look forward to Outcome on Apple TV, a comedy starring Keanu Reeves as Reef Hawk, a celebrated actor and secret recovering heroin addict. The movie follows his apology tour to find the culprit behind a compromising video. Sporting events include Premier League football matches, the Grand National Festival, Women's Six Nations Rugby Union, and a boxing match between Tyson Fury and Arslanbek Makhmudov.