Iran's security chief warned that anyone in Iran planning to protest against the government will be seen as an "enemy." This statement followed comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who urged Iranians to take action against their government.
Key Facts
Iran's security chief made a statement about anti-government protests.
The warning labels protesters as "enemies."
The warning is linked to ongoing US and Israeli actions against Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraged Iranians to protest.
The situation relates to tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
A Reddit user shared a creative project where they built a storage area under their house floorboards. This space is a common feature in many U.K. homes designed for air circulation. The post generated a lot of interest and discussion online.
Key Facts
A Reddit user posted about building a storage space under their house floor, which is about 3 feet deep.
Such spaces are common in U.K. homes and usually allow for air circulation to prevent moisture.
The user used materials like damp-proof membrane and treated timber to construct the storage area.
They maintained existing air vents for ventilation, which is important to prevent dampness.
Photos online show a trap door that opens to this storage area.
The post received over 2,300 upvotes on Reddit and many comments with advice and jokes.
Some suggestions included using wheeled panels for easy movement of stored items.
Newsweek cannot verify all details of the project as reported by the Reddit user.
The United States and Israel are currently involved in a military conflict with Iran that has lasted 12 days. The conflict began with the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader and aims to destabilize Iran's leadership. However, Iran's military strategy has allowed it to continue fighting without collapsing.
Key Facts
The conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran is ongoing and has entered its 12th day.
An airstrike by the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026.
Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader after the assassination.
President Trump has called for Iran's unconditional surrender and offered amnesty to military commanders who switch sides.
The conflict has resulted in over 1,300 civilian deaths in Iran, according to Iranian sources.
Iran's "mosaic defence" strategy allows regional military units to operate independently if central communications fail.
Iran has used missile and drone attacks to try to wear down Israeli defenses and disrupt their economy.
G7 countries are considering releasing a large amount of oil from their reserves to lower high prices caused by the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is planning a major action by releasing between 300 to 400 million barrels of oil. This move aims to stabilize oil prices, which have increased due to disruptions in a major oil export route.
Key Facts
G7 countries are thinking about releasing oil from their reserves because of high prices.
Prices increased due to a conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is set to release 300 to 400 million barrels of oil.
This amount is more than double what was released after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The conflict has severely disrupted oil exports from a key waterway in Iran.
G7 energy ministers agree, in principle, with using reserves to address the issue.
Rising fuel prices in the Philippines have led to an increase in the use of public transport and the introduction of a four-day workweek in Manila. This change is a response to the global impact of the US-Israeli war affecting Iran.
Key Facts
Fuel prices are going up in the Philippines.
More people in Manila are using public transportation because of high fuel costs.
The government introduced a four-day workweek to save energy.
This change is part of cutting non-essential travel to reduce costs.
The situation is linked to global tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Many U.S. embassies and consulates have stopped processing visas in parts of the Middle East and South Asia due to ongoing security concerns related to conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. This suspension could lead to big visa backlogs, affecting tens of thousands of people seeking U.S. visas in these regions. The United States has tightened rules requiring most visa applicants to apply from their home country, which limits their options further due to these closures.
Key Facts
U.S. embassies and consulates in countries like Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have paused visa services.
This action has stopped thousands of visa appointments, potentially affecting 40,000 to 60,000 applicants each week.
Experts say backlogs could reach 150,000 to 200,000 pending visa cases if closures persist.
Reasons for the closures include security concerns related to conflicts involving Iran.
In March 2025, thousands of nonimmigrant visas were issued in impacted countries, showing the regular demand.
Major U.S. consular operations have also halted in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Baghdad, and Beirut.
The U.S. State Department now requires most visa applicants to apply in their home country, further limiting their options.
Turkey is the only country in the region currently processing visas without major interruptions.
Ukraine reported hitting a Russian missile component factory using British missiles. Russia claims civilians were harmed in the attack and blames British involvement. Both Ukraine and Russia continue to engage in military actions, and peace talks, led by President Trump, are planned.
Key Facts
Ukraine says it struck a Russian factory making missile components.
The attack used British Storm Shadow missiles.
Russia reported six civilians killed and 42 injured in the attack.
Russia accused the UK of being involved in the missile launch.
Russia's military operation aims to demilitarize Ukraine, according to Russian officials.
Ukraine has been getting support from Western countries, including advanced weapons.
Peace talks directed by President Trump involve negotiations over the Donbas region.
Both sides continue attacks, sustained by support from their respective allies.
An aid worker from UNICEF was killed in a drone attack on a house in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The area is controlled by the M23 rebels, who blamed the attack on the Congolese government. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, with international accusations against Rwanda for supporting the M23 group.
Key Facts
A French UNICEF aid worker was killed in Goma, DRC.
The M23 rebels, who control Goma, said the attack was drone-led.
M23 blamed the Congolese government for the drone attack.
President Macron of France confirmed the aid worker's death on social media.
The DRC's army reported shooting down drones from Rwandan forces recently.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 group, an allegation Rwanda denies.
Tensions continue despite peace agreements signed between involved parties.
The U.S. sanctioned Rwanda's military due to alleged support of the M23.
An Iranian female football player who was among a group of seven team members offered asylum by Australia has chosen to return to Iran. The Australian interior minister said her decision led to moving her former teammates to a new location.
Key Facts
One Iranian female football player was offered asylum by Australia.
This player has decided to return to Iran.
There were a total of seven players offered asylum.
Australia needed to move the remaining teammates after her decision.
The player revealed the secret location of her former teammates, according to the Australian interior minister.
Recently, a photo claiming to show a 392-year-old Greenland shark has captured attention online. The photo is linked to a 2016 study where researchers estimated some Greenland sharks could be very old, possibly up to 512 years. Experts used radiocarbon dating to make these estimates but noted the difficulty in accurately determining the age of marine animals.
Key Facts
A photo claiming a Greenland shark is 392 years old has circulated widely on social media.
The photo's origin is a screenshot from a video shared by researcher Julius Nielsen in 2020.
The claim about the shark's age comes from a study published in 2016.
Researchers examined 28 female Greenland sharks and estimated they could live between 272 to 512 years.
They used radiocarbon dating, a method measuring carbon changes from nuclear tests, to estimate the sharks' ages.
Greenland sharks mature slowly and can live for several centuries.
The photo often includes claims of the shark being much older, like 400 or 500 years, which researchers dispute.
Researcher Julius Nielsen stated the specific age of the shark in the photo is uncertain, and any estimate remains unverified.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to target economic centers and banks related to the United States and Israel in response to an attack on an Iranian bank. This threat comes amid ongoing conflict and accusations of attacks on civilian sites in Iran by US and Israeli forces. The situation has escalated, with Iran naming US companies with Israeli connections as potential targets.
Key Facts
Iran’s IRGC plans to target US and Israeli-linked economic centers and banks in the region.
The IRGC's statement follows an attack on an Iranian bank.
Iran accuses the US and Israel of bombing nearly 10,000 civilian sites in Iran.
Iran claims over 1,300 civilians have been killed since the conflict began on February 28.
The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency listed US companies like Google and Microsoft as potential targets due to their Israeli links.
Iran's state broadcaster criticized an Israeli attack on a Tehran bank as "illegitimate."
Israel has attacked Lebanese sites linked to Hezbollah, claiming it's necessary to dismantle the group.
A video of a golden retriever named Ranger exploring a Lululemon store in search of treats has become popular on TikTok. The dog is seen sniffing mannequins, looking for treats, which amused viewers and gained widespread attention.
Key Facts
A golden retriever named Ranger is the focus of a viral TikTok video.
Ranger is shown in a Lululemon store trying to find treats.
The dog sniffs and approaches mannequins, mistaking them for people with treats.
The video has been viewed nearly 760,000 times and has over 120,000 likes in just two days.
Viewers found Ranger's actions endearing and amusing.
The video highlights the common appeal of golden retrievers on social media platforms.
Newsweek reported on this viral moment and attempted to contact the dog's owner for more information.
Iran reports that the ongoing war with the United States and Israel has damaged hospitals and affected thousands of civilians. Many buildings, including residential units and healthcare facilities, have been hit, and the conflict has caused significant casualties. Iran's government stresses the need for international help to protect civilians.
Key Facts
Iran says 77 healthcare facilities have been affected by the conflict.
Nearly 20,000 civilian buildings, including 16,000 residential units, have been impacted.
Iran's Red Crescent Society reported damage to 16 of its centers, affecting their operations.
At least 167 people, mostly students, died at a school in Minab on the war's first day.
Over 1,250 civilians, including 200 children and 200 women, have been killed.
Iran considers U.S. and Israeli economic interests and military tech companies as targets.
The Iranian government has contingency plans to import necessary goods during the conflict.
Iran has called for international organizations to help protect civilians.
Seven members of the Iranian women's soccer team decided to stay in Australia after being offered asylum. However, one of those players later chose to return to Iran. The situation gained international attention, with discussions about the safety and rights of the players who had initially remained silent during the national anthem.
Key Facts
The Iranian women's soccer team was in Australia for a tournament.
Australian officials offered asylum to the team members.
Seven players accepted the asylum offer; one later decided to return to Iran.
The players' silence during their national anthem attracted attention.
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the Australian government's actions.
An Iranian official stated that the players would be safe returning to Iran.
Australia attempted to provide choices and safety for the women concerned.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that President Donald Trump has welcomed Iran to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The tournament, cohosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, faces challenges due to the war involving Iran. There are concerns about Iran's participation, but President Trump assured that Iran is welcome to compete.
Key Facts
FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with President Trump and discussed Iran's participation in the World Cup.
The US, Mexico, and Canada will host the World Cup in June and July.
All of Iran's group matches are scheduled to be played in the US.
The conflict involves US and Israel attacks on Iran, resulting in casualties and Iran's missile responses.
Iran did not attend a recent FIFA planning meeting, raising questions about its participation.
If the US refuses Iran's presence, FIFA might consider changing the tournament's venues.
President Trump stated Iran is a "very badly defeated country" and is not concerned about its participation.
Previous instances show that countries refusing to host certain teams have lost their right to host FIFA events.
Workers in Birmingham have been on strike over waste management issues for a year, affecting garbage and recycling services. The city council has used temporary workers for regular trash collection, but recycling has stopped. Residents are frustrated by the situation, which has led to trash piling up, rats, and fly-tipping.
Key Facts
Birmingham's bin workers went on strike starting January 6, 2025, turning into a year-long unresolved dispute.
The strike initially began over a few job positions within Birmingham City Council's waste team.
Regular waste is being collected by temporary workers, but recycling services have been suspended for over a year.
Residents report problems with rats, illegal dumping, and difficulty accessing recycling centers.
People like Lorraine Boyce are storing recycling at home due to suspended services.
Some locals suggest withholding council tax due to the lack of waste services.
Former bin worker Derek Roberts took voluntary redundancy after being told his job and pay might be at risk.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is nearing a majority in the House of Commons after a fourth Member of Parliament (MP) switched to join the Liberal party. Lori Idlout, previously from the New Democrats (NDP), is the latest to join Carney's Liberals, following recent similar moves by three former Conservative MPs.
Key Facts
Mark Carney is the Prime Minister of Canada and leads a minority government.
Lori Idlout, an MP from the NDP, has joined the Liberal party.
Idlout was elected as an MP from the territory of Nunavut in 2021.
Her move follows defections by three former Conservative MPs to the Liberals.
Interim NDP leader Don Davies expressed disappointment over Idlout's decision.
The Liberals could achieve a majority with upcoming by-elections.
The next by-elections will occur on April 13 in Toronto and Montreal.
Winning these by-elections could secure the Liberals 173 seats in the House of Commons, avoiding another election for up to three years.
India's Supreme Court approved the country's first passive euthanasia case. The court allowed life support withdrawal for Harish Rana, a man in a vegetative state for over 12 years. This decision follows India's 2018 recognition of passive euthanasia under strict conditions.
Key Facts
India’s Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia for the first time.
The case involves Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state since 2013 after an accident.
A court bench, including Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan, made the decision.
Rana’s family petitioned to stop artificial life support due to his lack of recovery.
In 2018, India legally recognized passive euthanasia under strict conditions.
Rana, without a living will, could not consent to euthanasia himself.
Passive euthanasia involves discontinuing artificial life support, not actively causing death.
A couple was devastated to learn that their wedding photos might be permanently lost due to a technical issue with a photographer's memory card. The photographer attempted to recover the lost images, but they could not be retrieved. The incident highlights the importance of having backup systems for important digital files.
Key Facts
A bride named Trinity shared on TikTok that her wedding photos might be lost.
The photographer discovered a problem with a memory card, making the photos inaccessible.
They tried to recover the images through professional services but failed.
Trinity stated the photographer was great on the wedding day, and she did not blame her.
Experts say photographers need backup systems to prevent such losses.
A popular camera, the Canon EOS R6, can store photos on two memory cards simultaneously for safety.
The incident received 1.2 million views on TikTok, raising awareness about photo backups.
Newsweek could not verify the details of the story.
Three ships have been damaged by mysterious attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route. The U.S. military has responded by destroying Iranian mine-laying ships in the area. The ongoing conflict and threats in the strait have raised global oil prices and affected shipping traffic.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global oil trade, with about 20% of the world's oil passing through it.
Recent incidents damaged three ships in the strait, with one off the UAE coast, another north of Oman, and the location of the third not reported.
The U.S. military has destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying ships in the strait.
Iran has previously threatened to attack any ships trying to pass through.
The conflict has significantly reduced sea traffic and caused a rise in global oil prices.
Closing the strait would impact global economies that rely on oil, including China, India, and Japan.
Ships passing through now face risks of attacks or expensive insurance costs.
Oil prices have temporarily decreased following comments from President Trump about the conflict's progress.
