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Mohaddeseh Fallahat recalled the ordinary morning of February 28 when she prepared her children for school, never imagining it would be the last time she would see them alive. That simple morning routine now haunts her as she struggles to cope with the devastating loss of her two children.Speaking through tears to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva via videolink, Fallahat described the unbearable pain of sending her children off with a smile, only to be met with silence. "My heart burns with pain," she shared, as the memory of their final words—"Mum, come pick us up after school"—repeats endlessly in her mind.Her children were among more than 170 people killed when United States Tomahawk missiles struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School in Minab, southern Iran, during the initial hours of the US-Israeli assault. The majority of victims were schoolgirls, marking one of the deadliest attacks on educational facilities in recent memory.Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the council with strong condemnation, asserting that the attack was no mere miscalculation. "No one can believe that the attack on the school was anything other than deliberate and intentional," he stated, pointing to the advanced precision technologies claimed by American and Israeli forces.Araghchi accused the US and Israel of "slaughtering [victims] in cold blood" and committing "the worst humanitarian crimes with impunity." He called on UN member states to denounce what he described as a "blatantly unjustified" war on Iran, warning that indifference would bring no lasting security or peace.UN special rapporteur on the right to education, Farida Shaheed, presented evidence suggesting the school was "each struck individually by precision munition," indicating intentional targeting. However, ongoing investigations suggest the attack may have resulted from "outdated intelligence" used by the US military.Shaheed emphasized that "the killing of children can never, ever be justified" and highlighted the broader impact on education in Iran, where more than 600 schools and education facilities have been destroyed or severely damaged by US-Israeli attacks, with at least 230 children and teachers confirmed dead.UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk reinforced that targeting schools constitutes a grave violation of international law, stating: "Whatever differences countries have, we can all agree they will not be solved by killing schoolchildren."

In a significant development that underscores the evolving nature of modern conflict, Iran has begun placing messages directly on its missiles, marking a new frontier in the global war of narratives. This strategy represents a sophisticated blend of military capability and psychological operations, designed to communicate political statements while showcasing technological prowess. The practice of inscribing messages on missiles appears to be part of Iran's broader strategy to project strength and assert its position in regional power dynamics. By combining military demonstrations with ideological messaging, Tehran is attempting to shape international perceptions while deterring potential adversaries. This development comes amid intensifying information warfare between Iran and Western powers, with both sides employing increasingly sophisticated methods to influence global public opinion. The use of missiles as communication platforms represents an escalation in this conflict, transforming conventional weapons into instruments of strategic communication and psychological influence. Analysts suggest that Iran's missile messaging serves multiple purposes: demonstrating technological advancement, asserting regional dominance, and communicating directly with domestic and international audiences. The messages often contain political slogans, religious references, or threats against perceived enemies, creating a powerful visual impact when shared through state media. The trend reflects a broader shift in modern warfare where the information domain has become as crucial as the physical battlefield. Nations are increasingly recognizing that shaping narratives can be as strategically important as military capabilities themselves, particularly in conflicts where direct confrontation carries significant risks. As this practice continues to evolve, it raises important questions about the future of deterrence strategy and the boundaries of psychological operations in international relations. The convergence of military hardware and information technology suggests that we may see further innovations in how states communicate their intentions and capabilities in an increasingly complex global security environment.

Iran has formally responded to the US's proposal to end the nearly month-long war, asserting its 'natural and legal right' over the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported that Iran had sent its official response on Wednesday night and was awaiting a response.The Iranian response appears to contradict US President Donald Trump's claim that Tehran was 'begging to make a deal'. Instead, Iran has laid out conditions that signal a continued hardening of its position, including an end to 'aggressive acts of assassination', compensation and war reparations, measures to ensure 'war does not recur', and an end to hostilities from 'all resistance groups that took part in this battle throughout the region'.US special envoy Steve Witkoff claimed on Thursday that Tehran was seeking an 'off-ramp', with signs that Iran had realised there was no alternative to negotiation. However, the source cited in Tasnim's report slammed the US proposal, claiming that Washington sought to 'deceive the world' by presenting a peaceful image while preparing for 'ground invasion'.Trump posted on Truth Social that he would pause attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure for 10 days until April 6, claiming Tehran requested the move amid 'ongoing' talks that were 'going very well'. He also claimed that Iran was 'begging to make a deal', saying 'We are absolutely obliterating Iran' and that Iranians were 'lousy fighters, but great negotiators'. The economic and humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to mount, with Iran effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz, leading to fuel shortages worldwide.

US international forward Catarina Macario has made a significant move in the world of women's soccer, joining the San Diego Wave on a five-year deal worth $8m. This contract is reportedly the largest by total value in women's soccer history.The 26-year-old forward is expected to immediately become the focal point of the Wave's attack. Macario's contract with Chelsea was set to expire at the end of the WSL season, and she will now use the NWSL's new high impact player rule to pay her salary.Macario's move to San Diego represents a homecoming for the player, who began her development in Brazil before relocating to San Diego with her family at the age of 12. She spent five years with the local San Diego Surf, setting the youth league's all-time scoring record, before playing collegiately for Stanford.The addition of Macario to the Wave's roster is expected to greatly benefit the team's system, which often features extensive buildup sequences and passing into the heart of the box. Macario's complete approach to playing striker, including her ability in buildup and difficulty to dispossess, will likely make her a valuable asset to the team.This move also represents an opportunity for Macario to reassert her case to be part of the US women's national team core, particularly with the 2027 World Cup being held in Brazil, her nation of birth. Macario has scored 16 goals across her 29 international caps, including eight goals from 10 national team appearances in 2025.

The US Pentagon chief has made a bold claim regarding Iran's naval capabilities, stating that the country effectively no longer has a navy or a leader to command it. This assertion suggests a significant weakening of Iran's naval power, which could have implications for regional and global security dynamics.The statement comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain high, with various actors vying for influence and power. The Pentagon's assessment of Iran's naval capabilities could be seen as part of a broader narrative about the shifting balance of power in the region.However, without specific details on the criteria used to make this assessment, it's challenging to fully evaluate the claim. Iran's naval capabilities have been a subject of interest for international observers, given the country's strategic location in the Persian Gulf and its past military engagements.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that an Israeli air strike killed Alireza Tangsiri, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy, on Wednesday night. Katz stated that the assassination targeted other 'senior officers of the naval command'.Katz described Tangsiri as the man 'directly responsible for the terrorist operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz to shipping'. He added that Tangsiri was 'blown up and eliminated'. Tangsiri was a 'well-known commander' who shaped Iran's naval doctrine and developed drones for military maritime use. He was also involved in overseeing Iran's efforts to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz by blocking some vessels.Since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28, Israel has announced the assassination of several top Iranian officials. The civilian toll is significant, with at least 1,937 people killed, including 452 women and children, and 24,800 injured, according to Iran's Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian.Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said the assassination of Tangsiri 'makes the region safer'. US forces have destroyed about 92 percent of Iran's large naval vessels in ongoing operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made headlines with his recent statement, claiming to have 'broken boundaries in every sense of the word.' The assertion has garnered significant attention and sparked controversy, with many questioning the context and implications of his words.Netanyahu's statement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with Israel facing criticism from various international quarters. The Prime Minister's boasts about achieving unprecedented milestones have raised eyebrows, with some analysts interpreting his comments as an attempt to bolster his political standing.The international community remains skeptical about Netanyahu's claims, calling for greater clarity on the specific achievements he is referring to. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu's statements will impact Israel's relationships with neighboring countries and the global community at large.

US President Donald Trump has reiterated claims that negotiations are underway with Iran, contradicting Tehran's assertion that such claims are 'fake news'. This development comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran.In a recent escalation of hostilities, at least 12 people were killed and 28 wounded in an airstrike targeting southern Tehran. The incident is part of a series of US and Israeli attacks on Iranian territory.The situation underscores the fragile state of US-Iran relations, with both sides engaging in a war of words and actions. Trump's claims of ongoing talks with Iran have not been substantiated, adding to the uncertainty and heightened tensions in the region.

US President Donald Trump has asserted that negotiations to end the war on Iran are ongoing, claiming Tehran is eager to make a deal. Speaking at the White House, Trump stated the US is talking to 'the right people' about a potential agreement, mentioning a 'very big present' related to 'oil and gas' allegedly gifted by Tehran. Trump's claims come as fighting continues, with Iran launching attacks on Israel and a strike near Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, had previously dismissed Trump's claims as 'fake news.' Media reports suggest Washington has sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war, which includes ending Iran's nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 61% of Americans disapprove of the attacks on Iran, while 35% approve. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged receiving messages from 'friendly countries' indicating a US request for negotiations. Negar Mortazavi, a senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy, stated Iran would seek to end the war on its 'own terms,' including establishing deterrence and economic gains. Despite Trump's diplomatic efforts, Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said Israel's war plan remains 'unchanged,' aiming to 'deepen the damage and remove existential threats.' The US is reportedly preparing to send thousands of soldiers to the Middle East, fueling fears of a longer conflict.