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NASA has unveiled a significant shift in its moon and Mars strategy, allocating $20bn over the next seven years to construct a base on the moon's surface. This move comes as part of a broader overhaul of NASA's long-term Moon-to-Mars strategy, aimed at supporting long-term human presence on the lunar surface.NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlined the changes, which include increasing robotic missions to the moon and laying the groundwork for nuclear power on the lunar surface. The agency plans to repurpose some components of the Lunar Gateway station for use on the moon's surface instead of building the station in lunar orbit.The planned moon base will be supported by robotic missions that will help prepare the site, test technologies, and begin building infrastructure before astronauts return later this decade. Additionally, NASA disclosed plans to launch a spacecraft called Space Reactor 1 Freedom before the end of 2028, a mission designed to demonstrate nuclear electric propulsion in deep space on the way to Mars.The spacecraft will deliver helicopters on Mars, similar to the Ingenuity robotic test helicopter that flew with NASA's Perseverance rover. This step aims to move nuclear propulsion technology from laboratory testing to operational space missions. The changes to NASA's flagship Artemis programme are reshaping billions of dollars' worth of contracts and come as the United States faces growing competition from China, which is aiming to land astronauts on the moon by 2030.

The Iranian people's determination for freedom and democracy remains unshaken, even in the face of extreme hardship and oppression. Thousands have died and many more are suffering under the current regime, which continues to patrol streets with guns, beating and arresting citizens. In recent times, the situation has worsened with the outbreak of the US-Israeli war, which has restricted internet access, led to the appearance of checkpoints, and filled Tehran's prisons to capacity. Despite these challenges, the Iranian people's fight for freedom persists. Azar Nafisi, an Iranian-American writer, reflects on her experiences and the resilience of the Iranian people. She recalls the 1979 revolution and the mandatory veil imposed by Ayatollah Khomeini, which led to thousands of women protesting in the streets, chanting 'Freedom is neither eastern nor western. Freedom is universal.' Nafisi emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage in preserving Iranian identity and humanity. Truck drivers across Iran display bumper stickers with poems by Hafez, Saadi, or Ferdowsi, demonstrating the enduring power of literature and art. The writer also remembers her former students in Tehran, particularly Razieh, a young Muslim girl who was imprisoned and executed for her love of literature and independence. Razieh's story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom. Nafisi concludes that even in the midst of war and oppression, there can be hope. The Iranian people's struggle for freedom is a universal fight that can benefit people worldwide, from the UK to Sudan. The preservation of freedom and democracy requires constant vigilance and a willingness to challenge oppression.

The conflict in the region has intensified, with Iraq becoming a two-way battlefield between armed factions and the United States during its war with Iran. The US carried out strikes against the Shia paramilitary umbrella group, also known locally as Hashed al-Shaabi, late on Sunday after attacks on a US diplomatic and logistics centre at Baghdad International Airport.The attack was carried out after Iraqi security officials said four explosions were heard near Camp Victory, a US logistics centre at the capital’s main airport. No casualties were reported as the positions were deserted.The PMF is part of Iraq’s regular armed forces and includes some pro-Iranian groups. Pro-Iran armed groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region while strikes have also targeted these groups.Economic worries also are weighing heavily after Iraq’s Ministry of Oil last week announced a case of force majeure on all oilfields developed by foreign oil companies, citing disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which have halted most of the country’s crude exports.“Iraq relies on that revenue,” said Nicolas Haque, a reporter from Iraq’s capital. “That’s 90 percent of its revenues, so that’s going to have an impact on people.”US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to attack Iran’s power plants if freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz was not fully restored in 48 hours. On Monday, hours before his deadline was to expire, Trump ⁠ordered the US ⁠military to postpone ⁠strikes ⁠against the power plants for five days.