Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

The US State Department has taken a significant step in its ongoing efforts to crack down on individuals with ties to the Iranian regime, revoking the green cards of three Iranian nationals. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to prevent foreign nationals with connections to anti-American terrorist regimes from residing in the United States. The individuals affected include Seyed Eissa Hashemi, whose mother was a key figure in the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, known as 'Screaming Mary' for her role as a leading propagandist for the violent Islamists. The State Department also revoked the green card statuses of Hashemi's wife and son. According to the department, Hashemi entered the US in 2014 on a visa and was granted lawful permanent resident status in 2016 through the diversity immigrant visa program, which the Trump administration has since ended. The arrests and green card terminations are part of a series of actions against those the State Department deems to have ties to the current or former government of Iran. This is particularly significant given the ongoing tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, with Washington DC and Tehran recently reaching a two-week ceasefire agreement. The US has been waging war against Iran since late February, and these actions are seen as part of the US efforts to counter Iranian influence. Recent actions also include the arrest of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian military general assassinated by the US in 2020, and her daughter. The State Department has also revoked the green card status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of former Iranian national security council secretary Ali Larijani, and her husband. The situation remains complex, with US Vice-President JD Vance dispatched to Islamabad to broker peace talks, though Iranian leadership has stated they will not participate until Israel agrees to stop bombing Lebanon. The international community remains watchful as diplomatic efforts continue to navigate the intricate landscape of US-Iran relations.

Madeline Horwath has created a new cartoon for The Guardian's Saturday Opinion section, focusing on spring picnics. The illustration is part of the publication's ongoing series of cartoons that provide humorous commentary on various topics.The cartoon, published on April 11, 2026, offers a visual take on the joys of picnics during spring, a season often associated with outdoor activities and gatherings. Horwath's work is known for its engaging and thought-provoking style, making complex issues more approachable through humor and satire.Readers can explore more on topics related to picnics, spring, and food through The Guardian's website, which features a range of articles and opinion pieces on these subjects.

A 1,500-year-old Israeli church has been damaged in a rocket attack claimed by Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. The incident underscores the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have been exchanging fire in recent weeks. The church, a historic site of significant cultural and religious importance, was hit by a rocket fired from Lebanon. While details about the extent of the damage are still emerging, the attack has sparked international concern over the potential for further escalation in the region. Hezbollah's actions have been a source of heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides engaging in a series of exchanges that have raised fears of a broader conflict. The Lebanese militant group has been active in the region for decades, and its clashes with Israel have been a recurring theme in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Prince Harry, the youngest son of King Charles III, is facing a defamation lawsuit from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honor of Princess Diana. The charity claims that Harry and Mark Dyer, a former trustee, orchestrated a media campaign that caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the organization.The dispute began in 2023 over a new fundraising strategy, leading to Harry and Prince Seeiso stepping down as patrons in March 2025. Sophie Chandauka, the charity's chair, accused Harry of bullying and harassment, but a UK Charity Commission inquiry found no evidence of bullying. The commission did criticize the parties for allowing the internal dispute to become public.Harry's spokesperson has categorically rejected the libel claim, calling it offensive and damaging. The lawsuit, filed in the High Court of England and Wales, seeks the court's intervention, protection, and restitution for the harm caused to Sentebale, its leadership, and strategic partners.

The recent ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran has brought a fragile calm to the region, but experts warn that energy prices may take months to normalize. The conflict had a significant impact on global oil and gas supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20% of the world's oil and gas exports pass.Iran's response to US-Israeli attacks included choking off the Strait of Hormuz and attacking energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries. This led to soaring prices for energy and byproducts like helium, as well as fertilizers that rely on these inputs, affecting sowing seasons and consumers worldwide, especially in developing countries.Experts stress that a predictable and stable flow of cargo through the strait is needed before markets can stabilize. Currently, only a trickle of vessels are passing through, with five vessels crossing on Wednesday and seven on Thursday, down from 120-140 ships per day before the conflict.Rockford Weitz, a professor at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, described the situation as 'the biggest disruption in the history of global oil markets.' He emphasized that normalization will take time and requires collaboration among global powers and regional players.Additionally, concerns remain about Iran charging toll fees and skyrocketing insurance fees, which could keep oil prices high. However, experts agree that these fees are not the primary cost drivers.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of a looming inflation crisis and plans to downgrade its forecast for the world economy. Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, stated that growth will be slower, even if the new peace is durable.For now, oil prices are expected to remain higher than pre-war levels due to the overhang of greater risk premium of supplies out of the Gulf. The situation remains uncertain, with experts closely watching for any side deals, such as a potential agreement between Iraq and Iran, which could impact oil production and prices.

Argentina's glacier law has been in effect since 2010, and was the first legislation in Latin America to protect glaciers. It has been a point of contention for mining companies and provincial authorities ever since.The law bans 'any activity' that can affect the 'natural condition' of a glacier or the periglacial frozen land surrounding it, or that results in 'its destruction, movement or interferes with its advance'. That includes the construction of infrastructure not for scientific purposes and any industrial activity. Mining companies, including Barrick, have previously sought to have the law deemed unconstitutional, but the supreme court rejected the challenge.However, a recent reform to the glacier law driven by the far-right government of Javier Milei will relax restrictions, paving the way for mines in high-altitude areas blanketed with ice and snow, which are sources of water. The new law, approved on Wednesday by 137 votes to 111, with three abstentions, will enable provincial authorities to decide which glaciers are protected and which are open for development based on whether they represent a 'relevant water function'.Environmentalists and community members such as Zeballos, a 51-year-old accountant turned activist, have long alleged that Veladero, owned by Canada-based Barrick Mining Corporation and China's Shandong Gold, is operating illegally in an area considered off-limits by Argentina's Ley de Glaciares – or glacier law. The reform has sparked a wave of protests, with Greenpeace activists staging a demonstration on the steps of the National Congress.'What is at stake is the protection of key water reserves in Argentina,' says Andrés Nápoli, a lawyer and executive director of the Foundation of Environment and Natural Resources (Farn), an environmental and human rights NGO. 'Saying that you have to destroy glaciers to guarantee the energy transition is an oxymoron.'About 7 million people, 16% of the population in Argentina, live in areas that depend on glaciers, according to environmental organisations. Glaciers don't just feed rivers; they balance fragile ecosystems hit hard by a heating planet. In Argentina's northwest, scientists say they have shrunk by 17% in the past 10 years.

The conflict in the Middle East is having far-reaching effects beyond the region, impacting UK mortgage rates and consumer confidence. In response to surging oil prices and inflation fears, lenders have pulled hundreds of mortgage products, replacing them with more expensive deals.According to Halifax, average UK house prices fell by 0.5% in March, with demand affected by higher mortgage rates. The Guardian wants to hear from individuals who have lost mortgage deals or been affected by rising interest rates.Share your experience by completing a short form or messaging the Guardian on WhatsApp at +447766780300. Responses can be anonymous, and submissions will be kept secure.The Guardian is seeking stories from people who have:Lost recent mortgage dealsBeen affected by rising interest ratesChanged housing plans due to the current economic climateAll submissions will be reviewed and potentially published, with the option to remain anonymous.

Chelsea FC has traditionally embraced a strict disciplinary approach, with previous managers implementing fines for various infractions. Under Liam Rosenior, the club has continued this trend, recently penalizing star player Enzo Fernández for comments suggesting he might leave for Real Madrid. Fernández, the club's vice-captain, made the remarks while on international duty with Argentina, sparking concerns about his commitment to Chelsea. However, Rosenior took swift action, publicly criticizing Fernández but also engaging in a productive one-to-one chat, which led to a full apology from the player. This approach has earned praise from fans and the media, demonstrating Rosenior's ability to manage Enzo Fernández effectively and maintain squad harmony. Fernández will miss an upcoming crucial match against Manchester City but is expected to rejoin the team afterward. The incident highlights Chelsea's cultural shift under English management, emphasizing discipline and clear communication. This approach may prove beneficial as the team faces challenging matches ahead, including their upcoming encounter with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

The latest offering from writer Theo Jamieson and director Adam Lenson is a boldly conceived musical that thrusts a turbulent romance into a sci‑fi framework. The story follows a young astronaut, Daniel, who vanishes from his shuttle with barely enough fuel, prompting a quest to uncover the motives behind his reckless flight.Stuart Thompson (as Daniel) and Poppy Gilbert (as Emily) anchor the piece with performances that are both visceral and nuanced. Their chemistry captures the push‑pull of a relationship scarred by childhood bullying, parental betrayal, and a shared history of trauma, delivering songs that soar and hit hard.Visually, the production leans heavily on interstellar projections that transform the stage into a shifting cosmos, while the score oscillates between Sondheim‑style wit and full‑blown symphonic passages. This combination creates an epic sense of strangeness that distinguishes Flyby from more conventional West End fare.However, the narrative’s fragmented structure hampers its emotional payoff. The non‑chronological storytelling leaves critical gaps, and the metaphor of being "stranded in space" feels over‑extended—especially with the protagonist’s surname, Defoe, a thin nod to Robinson Crusoe. The three narrators, played by Simbi Akande, Gina Beck, and Rupert Young, often drift into digressive asides that dilute the central arc.Despite these flaws, moments of brilliance emerge, particularly in the musical’s treatment of mental‑health themes. The show hints at the potential to join the ranks of modern theatre successes like Next to Normal and Dear Evan Hansen, should its structural rough edges be smoothed.The production is currently staged at Southwark Playhouse, Borough, London and will run through 16 May. Audiences seeking a daring blend of emotional intensity and cosmic spectacle will find Flyby a compelling, if imperfect, experience.