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Britain’s reputation for gloomy skies and frequent showers has long been the subject of jokes. Yet the country’s damp climate has also become part of its identity and, increasingly, an attraction for visitors. Get today's headlines by email Although Britain is widely viewed as exceptionally wet, global data shows otherwise. The country ranks around 83rd worldwide for average annual rainfall, behind places such as Colombia, the Maldives, Jamaica, and New Zealand. Still, rain remains deeply embedded in British culture. Meteorologists say geography plays a key role. Moist air moving in from the Atlantic Ocean, combined with fast-moving upper-air currents known as the jet stream, regularly drives weather systems across the islands. That pattern creates unpredictable conditions, where showers can arrive at almost any time. The climate has influenced British art and popular culture for centuries. Painter J. M. W. Turner captured the drama of rain and steam in industrial Britain in his work Rain, Steam and Speed – The Great Western Railway. More recently, the band Travis turned the country’s familiar complaint about gloomy weather into the hit song Why Does It Always Rain on Me? Rain inspires products and industriesBritain’s wet reputation has also shaped industries built around coping with the elements. The umbrella remains one of the most recognisable symbols. London-area manufacturer Fox Umbrellas, founded in 1868 in Croydon, produces around 20,000 to 25,000 umbrellas each year. The company’s products have appeared in television dramas including Outlander, The Crown, and Peaky Blinders. Company managing director Paul Garrett says many visitors see umbrellas as a distinctly British accessory. In the Victorian era, he notes, gentlemen typically carried one alongside a bowler hat as part of formal dress. Today, tourists often seek out traditional umbrella makers while visiting Britain. Some even commission bespoke designs as souvenirs of the country’s long association with rainy weather. Rain has also helped shape the success of fashion brands such as Burberry, whose trench coats—originally designed to withstand wet conditions—remain a staple of British style. In Scotland, the climate has contributed to another iconic industry: whisky. Distilleries rely heavily on local water sources, many of which originate from rainfall filtering through rock and soil. At the Isle of Raasay Distillery, rainwater flows across volcanic rock before collecting in sandstone aquifers beneath the site. Distillery co-founder Alasdair Day says the mineral content of the water influences the character of the whisky produced there. The water is used throughout the distillation process, including mashing, fermentation and dilution before bottling. Rainy days draw visitorsTourism officials say wet weather does not deter travelers. In some cases, it enhances the experience. VisitBritain executive Carl Walsh says the country’s landscapes often appear at their most dramatic after rainfall. In the Yorkshire Dales, for example, rainfall intensifies the waterfalls along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, making the route particularly striking. Nearby, the cavern known as Gaping Gill—a massive underground chamber created by falling water—can become even more dramatic when rain feeds the cascade above. In Scotland, rapidly changing skies and mist also shape the atmosphere around islands such as Raasay, where views of neighboring Skye shift constantly with the weather. Travel guides have even embraced the idea. In 2022, Fodor’s listed several destinations across the United Kingdom that are especially appealing during rainy conditions. Changing climate brings new risksMeteorologists warn that Britain’s weather may grow wetter as the climate warms. According to the Royal Meteorological Society, rising temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, increasing the likelihood of heavier rainfall events. Recent months have already shown signs of that shift. Northern Ireland recorded its wettest January in nearly 150 years at the start of 2026. Scientists say more intense rainfall could bring challenges including flooding, power outages and transport disruption. For a country that has long turned drizzle into cultural identity—and even a tourist draw—the changing climate may test how much rain Britain can ultimately absorb. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026 View full article

The administration of Donald Trump is preparing to scale back a sweeping asylum crackdown introduced after a fatal shooting involving members of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., according to U.S. homeland security officials. Get today's headlines by email The earlier measure halted hundreds of thousands of asylum cases handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security. Officials introduced the freeze in late November following an attack in which an Afghan man granted asylum in 2025 allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House. One of the soldiers later died from her injuries. Policy shift after sweeping pauseAuthorities argued the suspension was necessary to reassess security screening and vetting procedures for asylum applicants. Under the new plan, the government intends to lift the pause for most asylum applications filed outside immigration courts. Homeland security officials said the change will allow cases from countries considered lower risk to resume processing. Restrictions remain for certain nationalitiesThe freeze will continue to apply to asylum applicants from 39 countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions introduced under a presidential proclamation by Trump. The list includes several African nations such as Senegal, Somalia, and Nigeria, along with countries in Asia including Afghanistan, Iran, and Laos. Some Latin American states—including Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela—are also affected. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the agency has already lifted the hold for “thoroughly screened asylum seekers from non high-risk countries.” Officials said the move will allow immigration authorities to focus resources on cases viewed as presenting greater security concerns. “Maximum screening and vetting for all aliens continues,” the department said in a statement. Other immigration freezes still in forceAlthough most asylum adjudications may restart, broader restrictions tied to the travel-ban countries remain in place. The administration continues to suspend several other legal immigration processes for nationals of those 39 nations. The halt affects applications for work permits, permanent residency—often known as green cards—and even naturalization requests. Those suspensions were also introduced following the Washington shooting and have not been lifted. The original asylum halt was unprecedented in scope. Immigration officials had instructed officers to stop issuing approvals or denials on all asylum cases handled by the agency while continuing interviews and case reviews up to the decision stage. Part of broader immigration crackdownThe asylum pause formed part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to tighten the legal immigration system. Officials have also proposed limiting work permits for asylum seekers and reviewing refugee admissions granted during the administration of former President Joe Biden. The White House has said these policies aim to reduce immigration fraud and address national-security risks that officials argue were not adequately managed previously. Advocacy groups supporting immigrants have criticized the measures, saying they penalize people pursuing legal immigration pathways and complying with U.S. procedures. The partial rollback suggests the administration is adjusting its strategy after months of halted asylum processing while maintaining broader restrictions targeting countries viewed as higher risk. oin the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026 View full article

President Donald Trump said the United States will allow a Russian oil tanker to deliver crude to Cuba, easing pressure from a U.S. policy that had largely halted fuel shipments to the island. Get today's headlines by email Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said he had no objection if other countries supply oil to Cuba. He framed the decision as humanitarian, saying the Cuban population needs fuel for basic services such as heating, cooling and electricity. “If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem whether it’s Russia or not,” he said. Trump signals tolerance for oil shipmentThe tanker, owned by the Russian government, is carrying roughly 730,000 barrels of crude oil and was approaching Cuban waters, according to ship-tracking data. Analysts said the shipment could provide the island with several weeks of fuel under current rationing conditions. Energy crisis on the islandCuba has been facing a severe energy shortage after the Trump administration effectively cut off many oil deliveries in an effort to pressure the country’s communist leadership. The move left the island struggling to secure fuel imports. Power outages have become frequent in recent weeks, affecting hospitals, transportation and other basic services. The shortage has also intensified the country’s wider economic crisis. Fuel imports are critical for Cuba because oil is used to generate most of the country’s electricity. Without regular shipments, authorities have had to ration diesel and scale back power generation. Trump dismissed suggestions that allowing the tanker could benefit Vladimir Putin, the Russian president. He said a single shipment would not significantly affect Russia’s energy revenue. “It doesn’t help him,” Trump said, adding that losing one cargo of oil would have little impact on Moscow. Pressure campaign against HavanaThe U.S. restrictions formed part of a broader strategy aimed at forcing political change in Cuba. Washington has limited oil sales to private businesses while restricting deliveries to the state-run system that controls key infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and utilities. Trump has repeatedly criticized the Cuban leadership, describing it as corrupt and ineffective. He said the government’s problems would not be solved by a single tanker shipment. “Cuba’s finished,” he told reporters, arguing the regime faces deep structural problems regardless of outside assistance. Still, the decision to allow the Russian cargo marks a shift from the strict enforcement of the oil blockade in recent months. Earlier measures included threatening sanctions against countries that supplied fuel to the island. Diplomacy and regime change debateU.S. officials remain divided on how far to push the pressure campaign. Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, has led discussions with Cuban officials about potential political changes. Rubio has indicated the United States expects reforms but has suggested they could occur gradually rather than through an immediate collapse of the system. Meanwhile, some U.S. lawmakers—especially from Florida—continue to advocate for stronger measures aimed at removing the current leadership in Havana. Cuban authorities recently announced steps intended to attract foreign investment, but U.S. officials said those moves do not go far enough to address Washington’s demands. For now, the approaching tanker highlights a temporary easing of the pressure campaign, even as tensions between Washington and Havana remain high. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026 View full article

A partial shutdown of the United States government has become the longest in the country’s history as lawmakers remain locked in a dispute over funding for key security agencies. Get today's headlines by email The funding lapse reached 44 days on Sunday, surpassing the previous record set during a shutdown that ended in November 2025. The current standoff centres on financing for the United States Department of Homeland Security, the agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement and airport screening operations. Shutdown passes record lengthThe shutdown has disrupted several federal services and left thousands of government employees working without pay while Congress continues negotiations. Airports across the country have been particularly affected because staff from the Transportation Security Administration remain on duty despite missing pay cheques. Airport disruptions growA growing number of TSA officers have called in sick or resigned during the shutdown, causing staffing shortages at security checkpoints. The United States Department of Homeland Security says around 500 officers have quit their jobs during the funding gap. On Friday alone, more than 3,500 officers were absent from work, representing roughly 12% of the TSA workforce. The shortages have led to long security lines and delays at several major airports. Videos shared online show travellers waiting in queues stretching outside terminals. Officials have also raised concerns about the potential impact on major upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States is preparing to help host beginning in June. Trump signs order to pay officersDonald Trump said he had signed an executive order intended to allow TSA officers to begin receiving pay early next week. The move aims to ease the pressure on airport security staff during the shutdown. However, legal questions remain about the order because the US Constitution assigns authority over government spending to Congress. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was willing to ensure officers were paid “for as long as we need to” but urged lawmakers to approve a funding bill. Tom Homan said immigration officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would continue assisting at airports during the disruption. “We’ll be there as long as they need us,” he said, adding that the duration would depend on how quickly TSA staff returned to work once payments resumed. Political standoff continuesNegotiations remain stalled between Republicans and Democrats over the future funding of the Department of Homeland Security. The United States Senate approved a compromise bill last week that would partially restore funding to the department and reduce airport disruptions. But the United States House of Representatives rejected the proposal and instead backed a short-term funding measure covering the department’s entire budget. Democrats in the Senate oppose that approach unless policy changes are included. Among the proposed reforms are restrictions on immigration enforcement practices, including limits on agents wearing masks and measures addressing racial profiling. Republicans argue they will not support legislation unless it maintains funding for immigration enforcement and introduces voter identification requirements. With Congress currently on a two-week recess and no agreement in sight, the shutdown is expected to continue, leaving federal workers and travellers facing ongoing uncertainty. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026 View full article

Australian police say a man believed to be double-murder suspect Dezi Freeman has been shot dead after months on the run. Get today's headlines by email Officers confronted the suspect at a rural property in the north-east of the Australian state of Victoria on Monday morning. Police say the man died following an hours-long standoff. Authorities believe the man is Freeman, though formal identification of the body is still under way. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said confirmation could take up to two days. Police believe fugitive killed after standoff“If confirmed, this brings closure to what was a tragic and terrible event,” he said. Police said the man emerged from a structure described as resembling a shipping container combined with a long caravan shortly after 08:30 local time. He was wrapped in a blanket and armed when he appeared. Bush said officers had intended to arrest him but he failed to surrender peacefully. Police opened fire during the confrontation. No officers were injured. The shooting will now be examined as part of a standard investigation into police use of force. Seven-month manhunt after police killingsFreeman, 56, had been on the run since August after two police officers were killed at his property in the small town of Porepunkah. The officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart, had gone to the property during an investigation into alleged sex offences. Within minutes of arriving, both senior constables were shot and killed. Their families were informed first about the suspected death of Freeman, police said. Authorities launched a large-scale search across steep bushland near the alpine tourist region beneath Mount Buffalo. The terrain included caves and old mine shafts, complicating the search. Police also offered a reward of one million Australian dollars for information leading to Freeman’s capture. Officials now plan to investigate whether anyone helped the fugitive while he remained hidden. “It would be very difficult for him to get to where he was without assistance,” Bush said, adding that anyone found to have helped him would face consequences. Anti-government beliefs and past clashesFreeman, whose legal name was Desmond Filby, publicly identified as a “sovereign citizen,” part of a loosely connected anti-government movement that rejects state authority and laws. Local residents said he lived in the Porepunkah area with his wife and two children. His conflict with authorities had been documented in online posts, videos and court proceedings. During the Covid-19 pandemic his views intensified, according to residents. Freeman had previously attempted to place former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews on trial for treason in a case that was later dismissed. Police said the officers sent to Freeman’s property in August had expected a difficult interaction. However, specialist tactical units were not deployed at the time. One of the officers killed, Thompson, had previous contact with Freeman and was believed to have established some rapport with him. Community reaction after manhunt endsThe death of the suspected gunman has prompted mixed reactions from police groups and residents. The Police Association of Victoria said the development represented a step forward but did not erase the trauma caused by the killings. Local independent MP Helen Haines said the town had lived under a “dark cloud” since the shootings and that the end of the manhunt marked the close of a long and devastating chapter. Friends of the slain officers also said the news brought some measure of closure, though it could not undo the loss. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026 View full article

President Donald Trump said he would like the United States to “take the oil in Iran,” suggesting Washington could capture the country’s main export hub during the ongoing conflict. Get today's headlines by email In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said controlling Iranian oil resources would be his preferred outcome of the war. He dismissed criticism from opponents in the United States who question the idea. Trump raises prospect of seizing Iranian oil“To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” Trump said, adding that critics who oppose the move are “stupid people.” The president compared the situation to Venezuela, saying Washington intends to control that country’s oil industry for the long term following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. Trump said the United States has multiple options to weaken Iran’s ability to export oil. Kharg Island seen as key strategic targetTrump also suggested the United States could seize Kharg Island, the Persian Gulf terminal that handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude shipments. The island is central to the country’s energy system, processing roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports and serving as a major loading point for tankers heading to global markets. Asked directly about the possibility of capturing the facility, Trump said the decision had not been made. “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” he told the newspaper. “It would also mean we had to be there for a while.” Control of the island would effectively give the United States influence over Iran’s ability to sell oil abroad, analysts say, because most of the country’s crude exports pass through its terminals. Conflict disrupts global energy routesThe comments come as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies across the region. Iran has blocked or threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime energy routes. The narrow waterway normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. The disruption has pushed oil prices sharply higher and heightened fears about global supply. Trump said US military operations against Iran had already made significant progress, but he declined to detail potential next steps. Escalation raises regional stakesThe suggestion of seizing Iran’s main oil export facility signals a possible expansion of the conflict’s objectives beyond military targets. Analysts say any attempt to take control of the island would likely require US forces to occupy the facility and remain there to maintain operations. Such a move could also trigger retaliation from Iran against energy infrastructure across the Gulf, further threatening global oil supplies and regional stability. The proposal underscores the growing link between the military confrontation and global energy markets, as both sides seek leverage over critical oil routes and export facilities. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026 View full article

Global oil prices climbed sharply on Monday as tensions in the Middle East intensified. The international benchmark Brent crude rose more than 3% to above $115 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed to about $103. Get today's headlines by email The surge places Brent on course for its largest monthly gain on record. Oil had traded near $72 a barrel on 27 February, the day before US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered the current conflict. Since then, the benchmark has repeatedly approached levels last seen in 2022. Oil jumps on widening conflictEnergy markets reacted to fears that the war could disrupt major shipping routes. Iran has threatened attacks on vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel used for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Shipping through the route has slowed dramatically, pushing prices higher as traders factor in supply risks. Asian stocks tumbleStock markets across Asia opened sharply lower amid the spike in energy costs and rising geopolitical uncertainty. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell about 4.5% in early trading, while South Korea’s Kospi dropped roughly 4%. The declines reflected broader concerns that the conflict could weigh on economic growth by raising fuel prices and disrupting supply chains. Investors have increasingly shifted toward safer assets as the war escalates and volatility spreads across commodity and financial markets. Analysts say the surge in oil prices has become a central driver of the market reaction. War expands across regionThe latest market shock followed signs that the conflict is widening beyond Iran and Israel. Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen launched attacks on Israel over the weekend, adding another front to the crisis. Iran has also threatened to expand retaliatory strikes, warning it could target universities and the homes of US and Israeli officials. Meanwhile, Washington has deployed thousands of additional troops to the Middle East as tensions intensify. US President Donald Trump said in an interview that the United States could seize Iran’s key oil facilities, including the export hub at Kharg Island. He suggested the site could be taken easily and compared the potential move to Washington’s plans to control Venezuela’s oil industry indefinitely. Iranian officials responded with warnings that their forces are prepared to confront US troops arriving in the region. Fears for global energy supplyEnergy analysts say the conflict threatens multiple chokepoints that are critical to global oil flows. Beyond the Strait of Hormuz, there are concerns about the Bab al-Mandeb strait near Yemen. Any disruption there could affect another major share of the world’s oil shipments moving between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Market specialists warn prices could climb further if the fighting continues. Some analysts expect Brent crude to approach $130 a barrel in the coming weeks if threats to shipping routes persist. Higher energy costs could also trigger wider economic effects. Analysts say rising fuel and food prices may squeeze consumers globally, raising the risk of a broader slowdown in economic activity. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026 View full article

Verified photographs show a US Air Force command and control aircraft severely damaged at an air base in Saudi Arabia. The images indicate the aircraft, an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane, was effectively torn into two sections. Get today's headlines by email The pictures appear to have first circulated on a Facebook page that posts US military news. Analysis confirms they were taken at Prince Sultan Air Base, roughly 100km south-east of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Images confirm damage to US surveillance aircraftDetails visible in the images, including pylons, storage units and ground markings on the paved apron, match features seen in satellite imagery of the base. This verification confirms the location where the aircraft was photographed. US Central Command has not publicly commented on the incident. A request for comment has been sent. Attack reported to have injured US personnelA US official told Reuters on Friday that 12 American personnel were wounded during an Iranian military attack on the air base. Two of the injured were reported to be in serious condition. The Wall Street Journal also reported that at least two US aerial refuelling aircraft were damaged in the same attack. Iranian media later offered its own account of the strike. On Sunday the Fars news agency, which is linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that a Shahed drone had struck the E-3 aircraft. Satellite imagery adds further context but does not confirm the precise moment of the damage. An E-3 aircraft can be seen at the same location in an image taken on 11 March, though it cannot be confirmed whether it is the same aircraft shown in the photos. One of the verified images shows the aircraft’s tail number. Using this identifier, flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates that the plane was airborne near the base on 18 March. Separate satellite imagery captured on Friday appears to show a fire on the air base apron around 1,600 metres east of the E-3’s location. It remains unclear whether that fire was linked to the same attack that damaged the aircraft. Role of the E-3 early warning aircraftThe E-3 Sentry is a key airborne surveillance platform used by the US Air Force. The aircraft is based on the Boeing 707 airliner and is easily identified by a large rotating radar disc mounted above the rear of the fuselage. The radar system allows the aircraft to detect and track aircraft and other potential threats across large distances. This early warning capability enables commanders to monitor airspace and coordinate combat operations. According to the US Air Force, the aircraft provides commanders with the information needed to gain and maintain control of air battles. The E-3 entered service in 1977 and remains an important part of US airborne surveillance capability. Reports indicate the aircraft type is expected to remain in operation with the US Air Force until 2035. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 March 2026 View full article

More than 3,500 US troops have reached the Middle East as fighting linked to the Iran war intensifies across the region. US Central Command said the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli arrived with about 2,500 Marines as part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Get today's headlines by email The vessel, previously stationed in Japan, sailed to the region roughly two weeks ago after receiving deployment orders. It is among the newest US amphibious warships and is designed to operate aircraft including F-35 stealth fighters and Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. New US forces arriveCentral Command said the ship also carries transport and strike aircraft as well as amphibious assault capabilities. Additional naval forces are also heading to the region. The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and two other vessels, along with another Marine Expeditionary Unit, have been ordered to deploy from San Diego. Strikes and missile attacksThe reinforcement comes as military operations linked to the conflict expand. According to Central Command, more than 11,000 targets have been struck since Operation Epic Fury began on Feb. 28. The deployment follows an Iranian attack that injured at least 10 US troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Iran launched six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at the installation. Two US service members were seriously wounded in the strike. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington believes it can meet its objectives without deploying ground forces. However, he said President Donald Trump must remain ready for multiple scenarios and retain military options. Conflict widens across regionThe conflict has disrupted global travel and energy markets. Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has affected oil exports and pushed fuel prices higher. Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen said they had joined the conflict. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group launched missile attacks against Israel to coincide with operations by Iran and Hezbollah. Israel said it intercepted at least one missile but did not immediately confirm further launches from Yemen. Analysts warn the Houthis could again threaten shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The passage is vital for vessels travelling toward the Suez Canal. Around 12% of global trade moves through Bab el-Mandeb, while about 10% of maritime commerce — including 40% of container traffic — passes through the Suez Canal each year. Saudi Arabia has already redirected millions of barrels of crude oil daily through Bab el-Mandeb as shipping through Hormuz remains effectively blocked. Shipping risks growRenewed Houthi attacks could further destabilise maritime routes. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the group targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two ships. The growing tensions could also complicate the future deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently arrived in Croatia for repairs. Sending the carrier to the Red Sea could expose it to attacks similar to those previously directed at the carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in 2024 and USS Harry S. Truman in 2025. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Trump has given Iran until April 6 to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran says no negotiations are under way. oin the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 March 2026 View full article

Supporters of Donald Trump attending the Conservative Political Action Conference expressed strong loyalty to the US president while voicing concern about the impact of the war with Iran. Get today's headlines by email Many activists said they trusted Trump’s decision to launch military action but hoped the conflict would end quickly and avoid deeper US involvement. Attendees said the best outcome would involve a short campaign, falling fuel prices and no deployment of American ground troops. Some also said they hoped the Iranian public would overthrow the country’s leadership. Support for Trump mixed with uneaseHowever, several participants acknowledged uncertainty over how the conflict might develop. Kyle Sims, a Republican strategist from Texas, said he supported Trump’s handling of the war but had mixed feelings about the broader consequences. He said economic pressures, including high grocery prices, remain a major concern for many Americans. Sims added he opposed sending US troops into Iran and warned against repeating long military campaigns similar to those in Iraq and Afghanistan. War exposes divisions among RepublicansThe conflict has also highlighted differences within the Republican Party, where some factions question the risks of military escalation. Participants at CPAC said internal divisions could affect the party’s prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. Ron Eller, a Republican congressional candidate from Mississippi, said rising fuel costs were already causing political tension. He noted that filling his truck recently cost about $120, reflecting the economic strain many voters are experiencing. According to Eller, economic concerns could influence voting behaviour in the midterm elections because many voters prioritise their household finances. He said stabilising energy markets and reopening shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz would help ease pressure. Calls to avoid a prolonged warSeveral speakers warned that an extended conflict could erode public support. Mercedes Schlapp said Americans do not want a prolonged war, raising the issue during a panel discussion about Iran. Some participants argued that the preferred outcome would be a domestic uprising inside Iran rather than direct US intervention to change the government. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon told conference attendees that Americans should support Trump but also weigh the potential costs of the conflict. Bannon said the war could escalate to the point where US forces might be required to operate near strategic areas such as the Strait of Hormuz. Strong backing remains among activistsDespite the concerns, many activists voiced unwavering support for the president. Douglas Hoyt, a Trump supporter from West Virginia, said he fully trusted the president’s decisions and would continue backing him. Public figures also defended the administration’s actions. Actor Dean Cain argued that Iran had long been hostile toward the United States and said military action was necessary to address the threat. Another speaker, Reza Pahlavi, urged continued pressure on Iran’s leadership and called on supporters not to abandon the campaign. Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, said the current leadership in Tehran was weakening and urged Western supporters to maintain their approach. Some attendees acknowledged that higher fuel prices could test public patience. Angela Paxton, a state senator in Texas, said voters may tolerate economic pressure temporarily if they believe the conflict serves a broader national purpose. But she warned public backing could weaken if the war drags on. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 March 2026 View full article

European allies say Russia is providing more direct support to Iran than the United States has publicly acknowledged, according to diplomatic sources. Get today's headlines by email Officials from several European countries have privately and publicly told American counterparts that Moscow is materially assisting Iran’s military activities. They argue the conflict involving Iran is increasingly linked to the war in Ukraine, pointing to growing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. Europe warns of deeper Russia–Iran cooperationA British official said defence ties between the two countries have expanded significantly in recent years. According to the United Kingdom’s assessment, Iran supplied Shahed drones to Russia for use in Ukraine and also transferred production expertise. The official said this exchange has contributed to advances in Iran’s drone warfare capabilities, although they could not confirm any recent transfer of hardware from Russia to Iran. France and Ukraine raise intelligence concernsJean-Noël Barrot, foreign minister of France, described the relationship between Moscow and Tehran as “two-way cooperation”. He said there are reasons to believe Russia is now supporting Iran’s military efforts, particularly operations that could target American interests. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, said Kyiv possesses what he described as “irrefutable evidence” that Russia is supplying signals and electronic intelligence to Iran. According to Zelenskyy, intelligence briefings indicated Russian satellites photographed several facilities linked to the United States and its allies across the Middle East. Locations cited included the joint US–UK military base on Diego Garcia as well as sites in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. Zelenskyy made the remarks while visiting the United Arab Emirates, where he has promoted Ukrainian anti-drone technology to Gulf states concerned about Iranian attacks. Washington plays down impactSenior US officials have taken a more cautious public stance on the extent of cooperation between Russia and Iran. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said Moscow’s actions were not affecting American military operations. “There is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is impeding or affecting our operation or its effectiveness,” Rubio told reporters following a meeting of the Group of Seven countries. However, other Western officials have taken a stronger view. Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, said Russia is providing intelligence support that could help Iran target American personnel. She told G7 leaders that Moscow was helping Tehran gather intelligence and providing drone-related assistance. Broader security concerns among alliesJohn Healey, the UK defence secretary, told the BBC News he believed the “hidden hand” of Vladimir Putin could be seen behind Iran’s military activities. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said the administration of Donald Trump was closely monitoring contacts between the countries. A recent assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said there is “selective cooperation” among Russia, Iran, China and North Korea. The report said the countries share a goal of countering US influence but stopped short of describing their relationship as a full alliance. Meanwhile, demand is increasing among Israel, Gulf states and Ukraine for US-made missile interceptors used to defend against incoming attacks. Rubio said current transfers of defensive equipment to Ukraine had not yet been affected by rising demand in the Middle East, although he acknowledged the United States could redirect weapons in the future if necessary. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 March 2026 View full article

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central London on Saturday for an anti far-right march organised by Together Alliance. Get today's headlines by email Protesters began assembling around 13:00 GMT before marching through the capital’s streets carrying banners with messages including “fight ignorance not immigrants” and “reject racist lies”. Large crowds march through central LondonOrganisers said as many as 500,000 people joined the demonstration. The Metropolitan Police Service estimated the turnout at roughly 50,000, noting that an exact count was difficult due to the spread of crowds across several areas. The march passed through central districts before converging near Whitehall for speeches and events. Arrests and police operations during protestPolice said two protesters were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and causing a public nuisance after allegedly attempting to climb pillars near Trafalgar Square. Authorities later reported five additional arrests during the day as officers began clearing the demonstration area shortly after 17:00, the time police had set for the protest to end. Separately, 18 people were arrested at a demonstration outside New Scotland Yard on suspicion of supporting the activist group Palestine Action. Police also intervened earlier in the afternoon after counter-protesters appeared on Pall Mall along the main march route. Officers said the intervention prevented a possible breach of the peace. Politicians and celebrities support rallySeveral public figures backed the event, including comedian Lenny Henry and singer Paloma Faith. Musician Billy Bragg was expected to attend, while Leigh‑Anne Pinnock was scheduled to perform at a related event in Trafalgar Square. A video message from Sadiq Khan was also planned for the gathering at Whitehall. Political figures attending included Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, Diane Abbott of the Labour Party and Zack Polanski. Participants carried banners representing teachers’ unions, public service workers and fire brigades, alongside pro-immigration messages from groups across the United Kingdom. Demonstration follows earlier far-right rallyThe protest comes months after a large demonstration organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. That rally, held in London in September 2025 and titled Unite the Kingdom, drew between 110,000 and 150,000 people, according to estimates at the time. Police reported several arrests during that earlier event after tensions escalated and objects were thrown at officers, leaving some injured. Saturday’s march was partly organised in response to what campaigners say is growing support for far-right movements. Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of Together Alliance, said organisers believe most people in Britain oppose racism and division and want to challenge far-right groups. The coalition says it represents more than seven million people through a network of trade unions, civil society organisations and faith groups. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 March 2026 View full article

The launch of new European Union biometric border checks at the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel has been delayed once more, officials say. Get today's headlines by email British travellers were expected to begin undergoing fingerprint and facial scans from 10 April when entering France. The checks form part of the EU’s new border management system. Biometric checks postponed againAuthorities say the postponement is due to continuing technical problems with the Entry/Exit System. In a statement, LeShuttle said the biometric process will begin only after formal approval is granted by authorities. The company added that the rollout will be introduced in a phased and coordinated way once the system is ready. French technology issues blamedOfficials at the Port of Dover said implementation cannot proceed until problems affecting the French technology are resolved and testing at the port is completed. Until then, existing border procedures will remain in place for travellers heading to France. Toby Howe of the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum said passengers will still need to provide extra information during French border checks. Travellers arriving at the port or the Channel Tunnel will have their passports scanned and may be asked additional questions to register them in the system. However, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images will not yet be collected. New system aims to track travellersThe Entry/Exit System was proposed by the European Commission to strengthen border security and monitor visitors entering the Schengen area. It replaces the traditional passport stamp for travellers from outside the European Union entering the Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries. The system records information about when travellers enter and leave the bloc, allowing authorities to identify those who overstay their permitted time. The EU has been gradually introducing the system since October last year. Biometric checks are already used at the Kent ferry port for lorry drivers and coach passengers. Airports across the European Union are scheduled to introduce the full system from 10 April. Authorities say further updates will be issued once technical problems are resolved and a new implementation timetable is agreed. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 March 2026 View full article