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President Donald Trump told allies that Tehran does not need to negotiate a settlement for the hostilities to cease, estimating the conflict could be over in two to three weeks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, dismissed any hope of talks, stating that Tehran has zero trust in Washington.US‑Israeli air raids persist across Iran, hitting key industrial and civilian targets such as steel factories in Isfahan and Farokhshahr, pharmaceutical facilities, port infrastructure, meteorological stations and a residential complex. Iranian state media and the Red Crescent reported explosions in cities including Ahvaz, Shiraz, Isfahan, Karaj, Kermanshah and Bandar Abbas.An Iranian official said the Tofigh Daru pharmaceutical raw‑material plant in Tehran was struck, crippling its research and development wing and delivering a "blow to the national medical supply chain." In Bandar Abbas, the Shahid Haqqani passenger pier was bombed, though officials claimed no casualties.A desalination plant on Qeshm Island, crucial for water supply in the Strait of Hormuz, was knocked out of service by the strikes.Analyst Trita Parsi warned that the war is unlikely to end swiftly and that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, noting that it will not be easy for President Trump to simply walk away from the conflict.Casualties have surpassed 2,000 Iranians, with numerous civilian sites—including hospitals, schools, universities and pharmaceutical factories—targeted, raising concerns of potential war‑crime violations.On the diplomatic front, Spain, France and Italy have begun curbing U.S. military operations by closing airspace, denying base access and limiting logistical support. Meanwhile, China and Pakistan have tabled a five‑point cease‑fire proposal that calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.Regional leaders are also active: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have convened to discuss the Iran war, while Argentina, under President Javier Milei, officially labeled Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a “terrorist” organization.Pope Francis (Leo XIV) appealed directly to President Trump, urging an end to the violence and expressing hope that the U.S. leader is moving toward a resolution.In the Gulf, Iranian drones have repeatedly struck Kuwait’s airport, forcing the closure of its airspace since late February; Saudi Arabia has stepped in to provide transport for affected passengers. Bahrain sounded air‑raid sirens, and Saudi forces reported intercepting two additional drones.A merchant vessel north of Doha suffered damage from an "unknown projectile," though the crew remained unharmed and no environmental harm was recorded.U.S. officials remain divided: while Trump predicts a rapid end, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the United States is "negotiating with bombs" and that the coming days are decisive. The war’s uncertainty has pushed oil prices higher, prompting U.S. Senator Chris Coons to warn that American families face rising grocery, utility and mortgage costs.Israel continues to face coordinated attacks from Iran and Hezbollah, with missile and drone incursions reported across northern and central regions. Despite these threats, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Iran’s regional allies no longer pose an "existential threat," yet Israel plans to maintain its offensive, including operations in Lebanon.In Lebanon, Israeli ground advances and heavy bombardments have resulted in over 1,200 deaths and displaced roughly 1.2 million people since early March. Iraqi militia Kata’ib Sayyid al‑Shuhada warned that any U.S. ground incursion into Iran via Kuwait could trigger an all‑out war.

Closing the Strait of Hormuz has choked a vital artery that carries roughly one‑fifth of the world’s crude oil and LNG, sending energy prices soaring and unsettling global trade. Even if the waterway reopens tomorrow, analysts say the ripple effects will endure for months. Nils Haupt, senior director of corporate communications at German carrier Hapag‑Lloyd, told Al Jazeera that the end of hostilities does not equate to the end of logistics challenges. “Once the bombardments stop, the real work begins,” he said, noting that hundreds of vessels will scramble for berths in Persian Gulf ports, creating a prolonged bottleneck for containers and bulk cargo. According to the International Maritime Organization, about 2,000 ships are currently stranded because of Iran’s partial blockade, with only a handful of vessels from “friendly” nations granted passage. Maritime‑intelligence firm Windward estimates that roughly 400 of those ships are anchored in the Gulf of Oman, waiting for a green light. Diverted traffic has already forced many carriers to reroute via the Suez Canal or take the far longer Cape of Good Hope passage, inflating transit times and costs for shipments bound for Asia and Europe. Oil exports from Saudi Arabia are now being sent around the Red Sea, bypassing the strait entirely. Svein Ringbakken, managing director of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Association, cautioned that even with ports operating at full capacity, clearing the backlog of oil, gas and other goods will take months. He added that repeated attacks on regional energy and transport infrastructure have compounded the problem. The International Energy Agency reports that more than 40 energy assets across the Middle East have suffered “severe or very severe” damage, prompting companies such as QatarEnergy, Kuwait Petroleum Company and Bahrain’s Bapco Energies to declare force majeure. Beyond the immediate loss of flow, the shutdown has disrupted exports of petrochemicals, fertilisers and raw materials essential for plastics production, further straining global supply chains. Industry leaders warn that the risk landscape has fundamentally shifted. SV Anchan, chairman of US‑based logistics group Safesea, highlighted the rise of asymmetric threats, including unmanned vessel attacks, which have already accounted for at least 18 confirmed assaults since the conflict began. “A full reopening will only bring normalcy after a sustained period of stability and credible security guarantees,” Anchan said. Insurance costs have exploded as a result. Marco Forgione of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade noted that hull and cargo premiums have surged up to 300 %, a pressure point that could force shipping firms to curtail operations if rates remain high. Oscar Seikaly, CEO of NSI Insurance Group, stressed that war‑risk coverage will only normalize when a “truly permanent” security solution is in place, not a partial one. Recent data from Lloyd’s List show that a few vessels have managed to obtain Tehran’s permission to transit, with one ship reportedly paying $2 million for the right to pass. Iranian lawmakers have also moved to formalise transit fees for the strait. Nick Marro, lead global‑trade analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, warned that the security guarantees demanded by shippers may be hard to meet, citing the volatile Red Sea experience where commercial traffic remains below pre‑2023 levels. Marro predicts that the Hormuz shutdown will accelerate a broader trend of route diversification, similar to the supply‑chain shifts triggered by the COVID‑19 pandemic. “Geopolitical uncertainty will become a permanent feature of risk management, not a temporary reaction,” he said. Seikaly echoed this outlook, suggesting that exporters will increasingly explore alternative corridors for strategic and political reasons, ultimately reducing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz over the long term.

Italy's 10-man team failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, marking another disappointing performance for the four-time World Cup winners.The Italian team's over-reliance on defensive tactics, known as Catenaccio, was evident in the match, as they went a goal up and a man down, only to be equalized by Bosnia and Herzegovina with 11 minutes remaining.The Italian press reacted with anger and frustration, with headlines like 'VIA TUTTI!' (Everyone out!) and criticism from coach Rino Gattuso, who expressed pride in his team's performance despite the loss.In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated their historic win, with Edin Dzeko leading a late-night sing-song on social media.The loss has sparked renewed criticism of Italy's approach to the game, with some questioning their ability to adapt and innovate.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has hailed Mohamed Salah as a club legend ahead of his departure at the end of the season. Salah announced his exit last week, and Slot believes he will leave the club a legend.Salah's professionalism and commitment to the club have impressed Slot, who highlighted his hunger to prove himself every three days. Slot expressed his hope that Salah can make his legacy even more special in the upcoming weeks and months.The pair appear to have patched up their differences, which had led to tensions earlier in the season. Slot is looking forward to Salah signing off with a flourish, and he encouraged supporters to give him a great farewell.In other news, Liverpool's bid for Champions League qualification has been boosted by the news that Alexander Isak is set to return to training on Thursday after more than three months out with a broken leg. The £125m British-record signing could make the squad for next week's European away leg in Paris.Slot expressed his excitement about having Isak back, citing his incredible abilities as a striker and the team's ability to generate chances. While Isak may not start immediately, Slot believes his return will be very helpful for the team in the last two months of the season.

The Artemis moon mission is a landmark international project that embodies the spirit of unity and cooperation. Over 50 years ago, the Apollo astronauts' photographs of Earth from the moon had a profound impact on society, highlighting our planet's fragility and finiteness.This new mission, involving 11 nations and 61 countries that have signed the Artemis accords, aims to revive that sense of unity and shared purpose. The crew of Artemis II, comprising calm, curious, kind, and thoughtful individuals, will fly around the moon and take photographs of Earth from a distance, potentially streaming the experience live.The mission's commander, Reid Wiseman, emphasizes that "we are going as humanity," while astronaut Christina Koch notes that "any country that's interested in exploring, come, come along, be a part of this." Victor Glover, set to be the first African American to fly to the moon, adds that space exploration teaches us that "we're all brothers and sisters."As the Artemis astronauts prepare to experience the profound view of Earth from the moon, they are accompanied by a tiny silicon disc of goodwill messages from world leaders, placed on the lunar surface by the Apollo 11 crew. This message, from Eric Williams, then prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, reads: "It is our earnest hope of mankind that while we gain the moon, we shall not lose the world."The Artemis mission has the potential to inspire a new generation and promote global cooperation, serving as a reminder that we are "riders on the Earth together."

The UK has been identified as the most vulnerable country in Europe to potential jet fuel shortages as the Iran war disrupts supplies from the Gulf, according to Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary. O'Leary stated that Britain's reliance on Kuwait for approximately 25% of its jet fuel supply makes it particularly exposed to shortages. He emphasized that even if there is a surplus of jet fuel in the Middle East, the logistics of shipping it to Europe remain uncertain.Jet fuel prices have surged, averaging $195 a barrel last week, more than double the average from the previous year. This increase is largely attributed to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage through which over a fifth of the world's oil normally passes.While oil prices eased slightly after US President Donald Trump expressed hope for an end to the Iran war within two to three weeks, the situation remains precarious for airlines. Ryanair has hedged 80% of its fuel costs until next March at $67 a barrel, but O'Leary highlighted that supply disruptions, rather than prices, pose the greater risk.The airline industry faces potential flight cancellations and capacity reductions if fuel supply issues persist. O'Leary also mentioned that higher fares could be a possibility, although there are currently no plans to increase prices. Additionally, he called for the UK government to abolish air passenger duty (APD), a tax that recently increased, further impacting the competitiveness of UK air travel.

Manchester United Women saw their Women's Champions League campaign end in the quarter‑finals after Bayern Munich scored two late goals to win 5‑3 on aggregate.The English side led for the first 70 minutes, thanks to Melvine Malard’s opener. However, Bayern’s relentless pressure produced a Glódís Viggósdóttir header and a Linda Dallmann half‑volley, sealing a comeback that left United stunned.United’s manager Marc Skinner lamented the impact of injuries, noting that eight first‑team players were unavailable. “If we had those players, I honestly think we could have gone through tonight,” he said, emphasizing the need for a squad with greater experience and depth.Skinner’s remarks came on the same day the Football Association disclosed that six WSL clubs spent more on agent fees than United in the year to February 2026, while United’s wage bill was reported to be only half that of Arsenal. The manager added, “We need to design the squad with that depth of experience in order to reach that stage… we’ll learn what investment is really needed.”Despite a spirited first half—United dominated possession, created several chances and kept the aggregate level at 3‑3—fatigue set in. Skinner observed, “Bayern rested seven players at the weekend, and it showed in the second half. Freshness was the key difference.”The defeat means United must finish in the top three of the Women’s Super League to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Currently fourth, they face challenging away fixtures against Tottenham and Chelsea, making their qualification hopes uncertain.

Arsenal successfully defended their Women's Champions League title hopes with a thrilling draw against Chelsea. The Gunners secured a 3-2 aggregate win, despite suffering a 1-0 loss in the second leg at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea's Sjoeke Nüsken scored a late goal, but it wasn't enough to overcome the 3-1 deficit from the first leg. The intense match saw Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor sent off shortly before the final whistle. Arsenal's victory ensures they will play the winner of the quarter-final between Lyon and Wolfsburg. The German side holds a 1-0 lead into the second leg. The match was marked by high tension and dramatic moments. Chelsea's Allyssa Thompson had a chance to score but hit the ball over the bar. Hannah Hampton made crucial saves for Chelsea, while Arsenal's Daphne van Domselaar also made key stops. Arsenal's Stina Blackstenius had a goal disallowed for offside, which could have sealed the tie. However, Chelsea pushed hard and Veerle Buurman hit the post in the dying minutes. Nüsken's late strike gave Chelsea a glimmer of hope, but ultimately, Arsenal's lead held, securing their place in the semi-finals and continuing their title defence.

Alisha Joyce stepped back onto the rugby field in March, just 123 days after delivering her son, and a week later secured a place in Wales’ squad for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations. The 28‑year‑old described the selection as a surprise, but welcomed the chance to inspire the next generation of players.Joyce is the first Welsh international to tap into the new performance maternity programme, a policy designed to support athletes through pregnancy and return to elite competition. She shares her newborn, Ralphie, with her wife and teammate Jasmine Joyce, and has logged only 30 minutes of senior rugby since her comeback, coming off the bench for Brython Thunder.Wales head coach Sean Lynn delivered the call‑up unexpectedly. Joyce said she hopes to contribute her experience to a squad that includes nine uncapped players, acknowledging her new role as one of the senior members and a mentor for younger teammates.Having missed last year’s Six Nations and World Cup due to pregnancy, Joyce now brings her son to the training camp, describing the first four‑and‑a‑half months of parenthood as “incredible” and a source of motivation.Sleep deprivation posed a major challenge, especially given the importance of recovery in elite sport. Joyce noted that after the initial three months of erratic nights, Ralphie’s routine has settled, allowing her to focus more on training and performance.She cited teammate Abbie Ward—the first England player to have a baby while under a professional contract—as a key influence in deciding to continue her career after motherhood. Joyce reflected on the broader dilemma many athletes face: balancing the desire for a family with the timing of major tournaments and potential Lions selection.Both Joyce and Jasmine underwent IVF, a process that required careful planning and preparation. Joyce called the decision to pursue parenthood “one of the best” they’ve made, emphasizing how quickly life can change when a child is involved.Looking ahead, Joyce aims to earn playing time in the Six Nations, which kicks off against Scotland on 11 April, and has set her sights on the inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour in 2027. She hopes her journey shows young girls that they can excel in sport while being mothers, and she remains determined to return to top form.