Why forcing the strait open is high risk

As the war between the United States and Iran has entered its fourth week, the Strait of Hormuz has become the conflict’s most critical — and volatile — battlefield. The narrow chokepoint, through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes, is now effectively paralysed. Iran has largely blockaded the strait, snarling oil shipments and disrupting global trade. Tehran, […]

US-Israel Iran war Day 23: Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum; Qatar crash

Donald Trump warned the US could “obliterate” Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours. Iran fired a missile toward Dimona in southern Israel, injuring dozens near a nuclear site, while tensions rose after a strike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. Missiles were also launched toward the US-UK base […]

Primary colours are back, but styling them isn’t child’s play

You would think primary shades would be the easiest colours to wear. Red, yellow, blue: we can name these before we can tie our shoelaces. They are not sophisticated colours, such as Armani greige or Pantone favourite Mocha Mousse. They are not challenging-to-wear colours, like chartreuse or mustard. They are Mr Men colours. So wearing them […]

GLP-1 diabetes drugs could stop anxiety and depression

Diabetes drugs could prevent anxiety and depression from worsening, according to research. Type 2 diabetes affects more than 800 million people globally and research shows that those with the condition are about twice as likely to have depression as the wider population. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide are commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity. While studies have found other […]

Understanding My Autistic Son Through Doctor Who

The film Elf is a no-go in our house. My son interprets it as the psychological horror story of a man who is telling the truth but is constantly disbelieved. He loves The Traitors and rewatches entire series of it – knowing who the traitors are gives him an autonomy and comfort watching the game. Any other […]

US-Iran War Day 22: Trump Eyes Drawdown, Eases Oil Sanctions

Donald Trump said the US may “wind down” its Middle East military operation, even as his administration deploys more troops and requests an additional $200 billion from Congress. The United Kingdom has approved the use of its bases for US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington considers lifting sanctions on Iranian oil at […]

US-Israel-Iran War Day 22: Key Updates

Airspace disruptions and rising regional tensions are impacting travel and security across the UAE, with flights delayed and routes altered. Authorities confirmed the situation remains stable after intercepting missiles and drones, while travellers face uncertainty over schedules and rights. Meanwhile, Hormuz shipping has plunged, prompting global concern as nations coordinate efforts to keep vital energy […]

Therapist-Approved Ways To Cope With Anxiety

Anxiety is a word that’s often tossed around lightly and used as if it’s just another synonym for stress — something mildly bothersome, but relatable, since hey, don’t we all feel that way from time to time? True anxiety, however, goes way beyond that. Anxiety disorder is a serious, debilitating mental health issue, one that […]

Saudi Arabia warns Iran of ‘consequences’ after attacks on refineries

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister issued a stark warning to Iran late Wednesday, declaring the Kingdom reserves the right to launch military strikes after aerial attacks on key targets. Speaking after an emergency summit of Arab and Islamic ministers in Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said pre-war trust with Tehran is now obliterated — and urged […]

Arab-Islamic bloc condemns Iran strikes on Gulf states 

 Arab and Islamic foreign ministers issued a unified condemnation of Iran’s missile and drone attacks across the Gulf on Thursday, warning that the strikes on civilian infrastructure “cannot be justified under any circumstances” and urging Tehran to immediately halt its escalation. Meeting in Riyadh amid intensifying regional tensions, ministers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, […]