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President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social account on Tuesday to lambaste several European governments for declining to support the United States’ military campaign against Iran. He told nations struggling with fuel shortages to “go get your own oil” by force, a statement that immediately pushed global oil markets higher. European leaders pushed back. France barred Israeli aircraft carrying weapons from traversing French airspace, while Italy reportedly denied a last‑minute request for U.S. bombers to land in Sicily. Spain’s defence minister announced that Madrid would no longer tolerate “lectures” from any foreign power after refusing U.S. use of its bases and airspace. The United Kingdom, despite allowing U.S. forces to operate from its bases, faced a public rebuke from Trump, who singled out the UK for its inability to secure jet fuel through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed the president’s hard‑line stance, suggesting that allied navies should be ready to intervene in the strategic waterway. Analysts warn that any attempt to seize the Strait of Hormuz by force would be highly risky and likely unrealistic. Nonetheless, the rhetoric has already contributed to a surge in fuel costs: U.S. gasoline prices have crossed the $4‑per‑gallon threshold for the first time in four years, and Brent crude slipped below $104 a barrel after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hinted at a possible de‑escalation. The conflict, now in its fourth week, has claimed more than 3,000 lives and triggered a worldwide economic shock. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the oil‑supply disruption as “probably the worst ever,” reflecting growing anxiety over inflation, stagnant growth, and a cost‑of‑living crisis that many nations are already grappling with. In a parallel diplomatic development, Pakistan and China unveiled a joint five‑part proposal aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though it remains unclear how this aligns with recent U.S. diplomatic overtures through Islamabad. Meanwhile, the war’s regional dimensions have intensified. Israel announced plans to permanently occupy a swath of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, a move that would cement its military presence well beyond the current confrontation with Hezbollah. Even the Vatican entered the fray. Pope Francis expressed hope that the fighting would cease by the upcoming Easter weekend, urging world leaders to find “ways to reduce the amount of violence.” His comments were widely interpreted as a subtle rebuke of the Trump administration’s aggressive posture. Overall, Trump’s incendiary remarks have highlighted a widening fissure between Washington and its traditional European partners, while the escalating oil price volatility underscores the broader economic ramifications of the Iran conflict.

Roger Casement's life was a complex web of contradictions. He was an imperial administrator who exposed imperial atrocities in the Belgian Congo and South Africa, a diplomat who worked tirelessly to bring attention to the plight of rubber workers. However, he also became a key figure in Ireland's fight for freedom, enlisting German help and rallying support in the US.TE Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, described Casement as a 'broken archangel'. This label captures the essence of a man who was both a hero and a flawed individual. Casement's life was marked by his struggle with his own identity, as a closeted gay man who left behind detailed records of his sexual adventures.The book 'A Rebel and a Traitor' by Rory Carroll masterfully situates Casement's story within the broader context of World War I. Carroll's deeply researched account reveals the intricate duel between Casement and his nemesis, Reginald 'Blinker' Hall, a naval captain who tracked Casement's attempts to enlist German support. This duel is set against the backdrop of the Easter Rising and the birth of the Irish state.Casement's attempt to lead Ireland to freedom ultimately ended in failure, but it helped create a mood of defiance that led to open war and the dream of an Irish state becoming a reality. Carroll's biography humanizes Casement, giving credit for his strengths while never hiding his flaws. The book is a fascinating account of a complex and improbable man who left an indelible mark on history.

The conflict between the US and Israel against Iran has entered its 31st day, with overnight strikes hitting Tehran and other cities, targeting power infrastructure in the Iranian capital and causing a blackout that has since been restored. US President Donald Trump has stated that he wants to "take the oil in Iran", while Tehran has accused Washington of plotting a ground attack despite publicly pushing for a negotiated deal. Trump also mentioned that he is "pretty sure" a deal with Iran will be made. In a diplomatic effort, Pakistan is set to host meaningful talks in the coming days, with the Pakistani Foreign Minister stating that regional foreign ministers discussed ways to bring an early end to the war. The conflict has spread to other regions, with Saudi Arabia intercepting five ballistic missiles heading towards its Eastern province, and Kuwait reporting an attack on a service building and electric power plant, resulting in the death of an Indian worker. The economic impact of the conflict is significant, with Brent crude prices rising 2.98% to $115.93 a barrel, and Asian markets experiencing a decline, including Indonesia's main stock index and Malaysia's FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100.

The documentary 'Being Ola' offers a poignant look into the life of Ola Henningsen, a man in early middle age with learning and developmental disabilities residing in a village community in eastern Norway. Director Ragnhild Nøst Bergem provides an intimate portrayal of Ola, who describes himself as 'slow' yet appears intelligent and articulate.The film primarily focuses on Ola's relationship with Lasse, a Danish care worker who was part of the community. Ola considered Lasse his 'best friend,' but was deeply hurt when Lasse had to leave due to the end of his employment term. The documentary follows Ola on a trip to see Lasse, where he confesses his feelings of abandonment.While the film resolves Ola's story in a seemingly painless manner, it leaves the audience wondering if there's another, more complex story to be told. The documentary refrains from delving deeper into Lasse's perspective on their relationship, opting for a more straightforward narrative.'Being Ola' will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from April 3, 2026.

UK savers who want to maximize their cash Isa allowance are being warned not to leave it until the last minute, as the deadline for applications is on Easter Sunday, April 5. The cash Isa allows individuals to save or invest up to £20,000 per tax year, with returns free of tax. Experts are advising savers to take action now, as the allowance for those under 65 will be reduced to £12,000 from the next tax year. This change, announced in last year's budget, aims to encourage younger savers to consider investing in the stock market. In April 2025, a record £14 billion was paid into cash Isas, and this year is expected to see a similar surge. Anna Bowes, personal savings expert at The Private Office, emphasized that savers need to act quickly, as some providers may withdraw their offerings early to process applications before the deadline. Savers can currently find competitive interest rates, with fixed rates of around 4.45% available from providers like Close Brothers Savings, Furness building society, and Vida Savings. For variable-rate Isas, Plum is offering 4.66%, and Tembo Money is paying 4.55%, both including a bonus for the first 12 months. Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, warned that savers should not delay, as missing the deadline could mean losing the chance to use this year's allowance. She also recommended exploring options beyond traditional high street banks, as challenger banks and building societies are offering some of the best deals.

In a significant diplomatic development, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have convened in Islamabad for crucial talks aimed at de-escalating the intensifying US-Israel war on Iran. The regional summit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East as international efforts intensify to prevent further conflict escalation.Adding complexity to the diplomatic landscape, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has made a serious allegation, claiming that the United States is secretly plotting a ground attack against Iran despite public assertions of pursuing diplomatic channels to end the ongoing hostilities. This accusation raises questions about the sincerity of recent diplomatic efforts and suggests a significant disconnect between public statements and private intentions.The Islamabad meeting represents a coordinated regional response to the growing crisis, with neighboring nations attempting to play a constructive role in finding peaceful resolutions. The participation of these key countries underscores the widespread concern about the potential regional and global implications of the conflict.

Recent air strikes on Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) have resulted in the deaths of three PMF fighters and two Iraqi police officers. The attacks, which occurred near northern Iraq's Kirkuk Airport, also left two fighters wounded and six Iraqi soldiers injured.An Iraqi security source revealed that the double-bombing was part of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, which has been spilling over into Iraq's eastern border. The PMF, a coalition now integrated into the regular Iraqi army, accused the US and Israel of a 'treacherous Zionist-American' attack.In a separate incident, Reuters reported that two members of the Iraqi police were killed in an air strike targeting the PMF in Mosul, approximately 105 miles northwest of Kirkuk. This development has contributed to the escalating tensions in the region.Al Jazeera's Nicolas Haque reported from Baghdad that Iraq is becoming an 'expanding battleground' in the crisis. The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran and now threatens to engulf the region in a protracted conflict.The PMF, formed in 2014 to fight ISIL (ISIS), has been targeted by pro-Iran armed groups within the coalition. These groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests in Iraq and beyond.Haque noted that the PMF takes its orders from Baghdad, but some factions are loyal to Tehran. This complex dynamic makes it challenging for Baghdad to manage the different factions effectively.Iraq finds itself 'on a tightrope' between the US and Iran, said Haque, due to its economic and security ties with both countries. The government must balance its relationships with its biggest neighbor, Iran, and the United States.In related incidents, two drones targeted an airbase serving as a hub for US and coalition forces near Erbil airport in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The US C-RAM air defence system successfully intercepted the drones.French President Emmanuel Macron described the increased attacks in Iraq as a 'worrying development' after speaking to Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdish region.

The UK television landscape has undergone a significant change this Easter, as new regulations banning junk food advertising before 9pm have taken effect. For the first time, viewers will not be subjected to a barrage of advertisements for chocolate eggs and hot cross buns during their Easter celebrations.The regulations, which came into force at the beginning of the year, aim to tackle rising childhood obesity by prohibiting products high in fat, sugar, and salt from appearing in TV ads before 9pm. This move has resulted in a sugar-free viewing experience for UK audiences during Easter.The impact on the advertising industry has been notable, with TV advertising spending by confectionery and snacks brands almost halving year-on-year between October and February. Overall TV ad spend is down at least 15% year-on-year.Industry bodies and broadcasters have argued that the ban is more political PR than an effective policy, with the chief executive of ITV, Carolyn McCall, and former Channel 4 boss, Alex Mahon, pointing out that the government’s own research showed that the number of calories saved would be 1.7 a day, about a third of a Smartie.Campaigners argue that big food companies are compensating for the ban by upping marketing budgets on other media, such as outdoor media and radio. A battle is already brewing over the likely introduction of further restrictions, with the government launching a consultation on adopting a newer nutrient profiling model that would deem a far wider range of products too high in fat, salt, and sugar.

Russian forces have launched deadly strikes on two Ukrainian cities, killing at least four people and wounding over a dozen others. The attacks, which hit Odesa and Kryvyi Rih, damaged residential areas, a maternity hospital, and an industrial site.In Odesa, one person died in hospital from injuries sustained in the strikes, according to Serhiy Lysak, head of the city's military administration. He reported that 11 people were wounded, including a child, and that the strikes caused damage to a maternity hospital roof, high-rise buildings, and homes in several districts.In Kryvyi Rih, two men were killed and two wounded in a morning strike that hit an industrial site, said Oleksandr Ganzha, head of the Dnipro regional administration. He reported that fires erupted at the facility.The latest deadly strikes come as diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and reach a ceasefire deal remain entangled, dimming hopes of a quick resolution. There are currently no talks underway between Russia and Ukraine.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of lying about US demands, and voiced openness to diverting weapons to Kyiv to support the joint US-Israel attack on Iran. Zelenskyy had claimed that the US is pressing Ukraine to give up the eastern Donbas region to Russia before finalizing any post-war security guarantees to Kyiv.Rubio denied these claims, stating that security guarantees are not going to kick in until there's an end to the war, and that there was no condition attached to giving up territory.