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Oil prices jumped back above $100 a barrel and global stocks fell after weekend talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement and Donald Trump imposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The US president announced the blockade on Sunday, targeting Iranian vessels and ships that have paid a toll to Iran for passage through the strait, in an attempt to choke off the flow of Iranian oil.US Central Command said it would start at 10am ET (5.30pm in Iran and 3pm in the UK), blocking all Iranian Gulf ports and coastal areas, in effect seizing control of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The news drove oil and gas prices sharply higher again, after the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran announced on Wednesday prompted a sharp fall in energy prices, and crude ended the week below the psychological $100 a barrel threshold.Brent crude rose by nearly 7% to $101.74 a barrel on Monday morning, while US crude is up more than 8% to $104.69 a barrel. Gas prices also increased, with the British wholesale gas contract for May soaring by 11.7% to 122.5p a therm. Analysts at JPMorgan Chase said last week they expected oil prices to stay high in the second quarter, above $100 a barrel, before easing in the second half of the year.Most Asian stock markets fell on Monday, with Japan’s Nikkei down 0.7% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index losing 1%, while Chinese stocks rose slightly. Sentiment was helped by Beijing’s announcement of a 10-initiative strategy aimed at deepening ties with Taiwan. European stocks also fell, led by airlines including Lufthansa, Wizz Air, easyJet and British Airways parent IAG. The FTSE 100 index in London lost 0.4%, dropping 45 points to 10,555. Germany’s Dax fell 1%, Italy’s FTSE MiB slipped 0.7% and Spain’s Ibex was down 1.1%. With oil and gas prices rising sharply higher, energy companies such as BP and Shell are rallying.Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at the broker Phillip Nova, said: “In today’s environment, every barrel of risk added to oil markets carries an inflation price tag for the global economy.” She added: “The market reaction underscores a simple but powerful reality: Hormuz risk is not theoretical; it is structural, and it is real.”Interest rate expectations have shifted again; investors now see an 84% chance of two rate increases from the Bank of England this year to tackle rising inflation, up from 60% on Friday. Before the Iran war, the central bank was expected to cut rates. The price of gold fell 0.4% to $4,730.75 an ounce as the blockade fuelled inflation concerns, prompting traders to scale back expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.

The ongoing conflict in Iran has created a perilous situation where the threat of nuclear war and climate disruption have converged into a single, catastrophic crisis. This crisis will persist long after the war subsides, emphasizing the need for immediate and decisive action. For over a decade, climate change has been recognized not just as an environmental issue but as a fundamental threat to national and global security. The current situation demands that governments conduct thorough risk assessments and treat climate change with the same urgency as military threats. The war on Iran has several alarming features: Unilateral action: The US and Israel launched a large-scale war against a sovereign nation without consulting major allies, creating a diplomatically isolated conflict with no clear exit strategy. Escalation threats: There are credible threats of escalation from both sides, with Donald Trump issuing ultimatums and Iran threatening to target critical infrastructure. Catastrophic miscalculation: The conditions for miscalculation are ripe, with erratic leadership, intelligence failures, and extreme pressure on decision-makers. The conflict has significant implications: Global energy shock: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused an acute global energy shock, with higher oil prices likely to accelerate inflation and economic instability. Climate impact: The war is consuming military resources and political attention, with no climate dividend, and may pressure countries to extend fossil fuel use. Australia, as a regional power and signatory to the NPT, has responsibilities to the international order. The author, Admiral Chris Barrie, calls on the Australian government to take four key steps: Conduct and release a nuclear escalation risk assessment. Use diplomatic channels to counsel restraint. Refuse any form of complicity in nuclear use. Champion de-escalation at the NPT review conference. Australia can play a crucial role in addressing these threats by acting on evidence, speaking plainly about risks, and leading rather than following events.

The United States is exploring multiple avenues to broker a ceasefire and bring an end to the conflict. According to John Feehery, there are seven key approaches that America can take to achieve this goal. Diplomatic engagement is crucial, involving direct talks with conflicting parties to negotiate a peaceful resolution. The US can leverage its global influence to facilitate dialogue and foster an environment conducive to compromise. Another strategy involves economic incentives, where the US offers financial benefits to parties that agree to a ceasefire. This approach can motivate warring factions to consider peace as a viable option. International cooperation is also vital, as the US can work with other nations and international organizations to apply collective pressure on conflicting parties. This collaborative effort can enhance the credibility and effectiveness of ceasefire negotiations. The US can also employ military de-escalation tactics, aimed at reducing tensions and creating a conducive environment for peace talks. By demonstrating a commitment to de-escalation, the US can build trust with conflicting parties. Furthermore, humanitarian assistance can play a critical role in supporting affected populations and demonstrating the US's commitment to alleviating human suffering. This approach can help create a positive atmosphere for ceasefire discussions. Strategic communication is another essential strategy, involving clear and consistent messaging to conflicting parties, regional stakeholders, and the international community. Effective communication can help manage expectations and promote a unified approach to peace. Lastly, the US can focus on post-conflict reconstruction, offering support for rebuilding and development once a ceasefire is in place. This long-term perspective can encourage parties to commit to a lasting peace.

Gout Gout, an 18‑year‑old sprint prodigy, delivered a historic performance at the Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney, finishing the 200 m in 19.67 seconds. The time not only secured his victory but also established a new world Under‑20 record, surpassing the previous mark held by Erriyon Knighton. The achievement marks the first occasion an Australian has legally broken the 20‑second barrier in the 200 m, with a permissible tailwind of +1.7 m/s. Gout’s run also eclipses the age‑grade benchmark set by Usain Bolt, who recorded 19.93 seconds at 19 years old in 2004. Fellow countryman Aidan Murphy finished second, posting 19.88 seconds, making the two performances the fastest of the year. Both athletes benefited from the same legal wind assistance, underscoring a surge in Australian sprinting depth. Speaking at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre, Gout emphasized the competitive environment: "Competing with world‑class athletes in Australia pushes us to new limits. Having two Australians under 20 seconds is extraordinary." The record also improves on Gout’s own national best of 20.02 seconds set the previous season, and it is his first sub‑20‑second run under legal wind conditions. Last year he had recorded 19.84 seconds with a wind‑assisted tailwind. Gout’s rise began in 2024 when he ran 20.04 seconds at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships, breaking Peter Norman’s long‑standing national record of 20.06 seconds from the 1968 Olympics. His rapid progression has drawn international attention, with analysts comparing his explosive style to that of Bolt. On the final day of the meet, Gout’s main rival, Lachlan Kennedy, withdrew from the 200 m to manage his workload, though he later claimed the 100 m title with a 9.96‑second dash, becoming the first Australian to break ten seconds on home soil. Born to South Sudanese immigrants, Gout’s background adds a compelling narrative to his athletic success, highlighting the multicultural fabric of Australian sport. With the world record now in his hands, Gout expressed confidence about his future: "Running this time legally lifts a huge weight off my shoulders. I’m ready for the next challenges."

“The world is grown so bad that wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch,” wrote Shakespeare in *Richard III*. The line now echoes a hopeful development: the iconic golden eagle could once again soar over England after more than a century and a half of absence. The golden eagle, a bird with a wingspan of roughly 2 metres, was a common sight in Shakespeare’s England, yet it has been effectively extinct in the country since the death of the last native individual in 2015. Centuries of persecution by gamekeepers and farmers, who feared predation on lambs and game birds, drove the species to the brink. A feasibility study commissioned by Forestry England and released on Sunday pinpoints eight potential “recovery zones”—predominantly in northern England—where the habitat could sustain a viable eagle population. The report cautions that establishing breeding pairs may take **more than a decade**. In response, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds announced an additional £1 million in species‑recovery funding. The money will underwrite a programme that could see juvenile eagles, aged six to eight weeks, released into the wild as early as next year. Reynolds said, “This government is committed to protecting and restoring our most threatened native wildlife – and that includes bringing back iconic species like the golden eagle. Backed by £1 million of government funding, we will work alongside partners and communities to make the golden eagle a feature of English landscapes once again.” Across the border, golden eagle numbers in southern Scotland have surged to record levels thanks to a major restoration project. Satellite tracking shows that some translocated Scottish birds are already venturing into northern England, offering a natural source of future colonisers. The new funding will support these cross‑border movements and enable targeted reintroductions. While experts anticipate that golden eagles could be regularly observed across northern England within 10 years, establishing a self‑sustaining breeding population will require a longer horizon. Mike Seddon, chief executive of Forestry England, explained, “The detailed findings of our feasibility study will guide us, with our partners at Restoring Upland Nature, to take the next steps toward recovering golden eagles in northern England. This DEFRA funding means we can build on the good work we have begun, engaging local communities, landowners and conservation organisations.” The £1 million allocation forms part of a broader £60 million species‑recovery fund announced by DEFRA. It aligns with the UK’s legally binding commitment to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 and to reduce extinction risk by 2042 relative to 2022 levels.

The recent 10-day space mission of the Artemis II crew has garnered attention, but the true test of endurance might not be in space, but in an office setting. Commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, and pilot Victor Glover spent time in a capsule described as “not much bigger than a family tent”. While they navigated the challenges of confined space, their experience pales in comparison to the complexities of office politics.Anyone who has worked in an office can attest that surviving with colleagues in a confined environment is a significant test of endurance. The Artemis II crew had to get along without time off, which would be challenging even for experienced professionals. The quirks and habits of colleagues can become amplified in such settings, leading to increased tension and stress.The writer of this piece reflects on their own experience in a mundane office job at a stationery firm. They recall the boredom and impotence that led to a fixation on trivial matters, such as a dispute over a window being open or closed. This petty feud became an all-consuming battle that defined their time at the office.The writer notes that, unlike the Artemis II crew, they had the option to leave the office at the end of the day. However, their obsession with the window dispute led them to spend more time at their desk, avoiding breaks and social interactions. The comparison between the crew's space test and the writer's office experience highlights the universal challenges of working with others.Ultimately, the Artemis II crew's achievement is impressive, but it also underscores the importance of interpersonal skills and conflict resolution in any confined or high-stress environment. As the writer concludes, surviving an office job can be just as challenging as surviving in space.

Iraq's parliament has elected Nizar Amedi as the country's new president, ending a political deadlock that had paralyzed government formation. Amedi, nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), secured 227 votes in a second round of voting on Saturday, comfortably defeating independent candidate Muthanna Amin Nader, who received 15 votes.He becomes the sixth Iraqi head of state since the removal of Saddam Hussein in a US-led invasion in 2003. Speaking to parliament after the vote, Amedi acknowledged the weight of what lies ahead, pledging to work alongside all three branches of government and committing to the principle of 'Iraq First'.Amedi also condemned attacks that had targeted Iraq during the US-Israel war on Iran. The election comes as Iraq is still absorbing the shockwaves of the weeks-long war, which was halted with a ceasefire announced earlier this week.Attention now turns sharply to the choice of prime minister, a far more consequential and politically explosive question. Under Iraq's sectarian power-sharing system, the prime minister must be a Shia Muslim, the parliamentary speaker a Sunni, and the president a Kurd.Amedi now has 15 days to formally task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a cabinet, which must then be assembled within 30 days. Amedi, 58, is a career public servant who spent decades at the heart of Iraqi political life, previously serving as a senior aide to two former presidents and as environment minister between 2022 and 2024.Iraq has gone almost 150 days without a new government since the November elections.

The new academic term began in Gaza in late March, but the usual bustle of students catching buses to campus has been replaced by the stark reality of displacement.Israel’s relentless campaign has turned most university buildings into rubble and shelters, forcing a shift to online learning that many students in tents cannot access due to lack of electricity, water, food and reliable internet.Against this backdrop, a glimmer of hope has emerged. In the overcrowded al‑Mawasi district of Khan Younis, the US‑based NGO Scholars Without Borders has erected a makeshift “University City,” a wooden and metal structure designed to bring students back into a real lecture hall."Our mission is to bring education closer to students in a better environment," said Hamza Abu Daqqa, the organisation’s Gaza representative.The facility houses six halls that can accommodate up to 600 students each day. Powered by solar panels, it offers internet access, improvised green spaces and even a small business incubator to help students explore entrepreneurial ideas.University City operates on a rotating weekly schedule, allocating each day to a different institution so that multiple universities can share the limited space. Priority is given to courses that require hands‑on instruction, such as practical labs and discussion‑based classes.Prominent Gaza institutions—including the Islamic University, Al‑Azhar University and the Palestine College of Nursing—have already begun using the site.For many students, this is the first time in years they have set foot in a space that feels like a real university. "When I saw this place, I was amazed," said 20‑year‑old nursing student Mariam Nasr, who fled Rafah and now travels four kilometres on foot to attend classes.Another first‑year student, Amr Muhammad, echoed the sentiment: "Being here with other students, discussing and engaging in class makes a huge difference."The broader picture remains grim. UN experts have labeled Israel’s systematic targeting of Gaza’s academic sector as “scholasticide.” More than 7,000 university students and staff have been killed or injured, and over 60 university buildings have been completely demolished, according to the Euro‑Med Human Rights Monitor.Materials for University City were sourced entirely within Gaza, a testament to the community’s resilience amid soaring costs and scarce resources. Yet the initiative is hampered by the same blockade that restricts reconstruction supplies, fuel and safe transport.Students still face daily hurdles: damaged roads, limited cash, and unreliable transport—often relying on worn‑out vehicles, donkey carts or long walks. "My father could only give me eight shekels (about $2.64) for a ride," Mariam explained, highlighting the economic strain.Even once inside the halls, challenges persist. Power outages and unstable internet make it difficult to print materials or follow online lectures, forcing many to rely on old phones and intermittent connections.Nevertheless, the atmosphere inside University City is one of determination. "For medical education, in‑person learning is essential," said Dr Essam Mughari of the Palestine College of Nursing. "Seeing students gather again restores something vital."For students like Mariam, the drive to continue studying is deeply personal. "My cousin, a nurse, was killed when an airstrike destroyed her family’s house. I study to heal others and honor her memory," she said.While University City now serves hundreds daily, thousands of Gaza’s students remain without comparable facilities. Abu Daqqa stresses that the project is only the beginning: "We have built dozens of makeshift schools, but the need is far greater. Imagine what could be done if the needed resources were allowed through."

The proposed gold mine in Northern Ireland's Sperrins area has become a contentious issue, with environmental concerns clashing with the promise of economic benefits. The mine, valued at £21bn, is backed by US-owned Dalradian Gold and could bring hundreds of jobs and significant tax revenue to the area.Fidelma O'Kane and Cormac McAleer, a retired social worker and community worker, are leading the opposition to the mine. They argue that it would desecrate an area of outstanding natural beauty, pollute local rivers, and harm the health of their children. The couple has been rallying support from other locals, with over 50,000 letters of objection submitted to the planning process.Dalradian Gold claims the mine will be carbon neutral and support a supply chain worth £1bn. The company says it will create 1,000 jobs and contribute £3bn in taxes. However, opponents dispute these claims and point to the potential risks to local wildlife, including otters, pine martens, and freshwater pearl mussels.The public inquiry into the mine's planning application will begin on April 13, 2026, and will run until early June. The inquiry's outcome will be crucial in determining the fate of the mine and the future of the Sperrins area.