Latest News
- United States prepares ground invasion plans amid troop deployments in region
- Massive Turnout for ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump Nationwide
- G7 discusses ceasefire plans in Gaza and sanctions on Russia’s fleet
- Iran Claims Forces Await US Ground Troops as Tensions Escalate
- Derby Incident: Motorist ‘strikes several pedestrians’ in city centre by Friar Gate
- UK nationals detained in UAE for filming Iranian missile strikes amid conflict
- Denmark’s snap election results leave Frederiksen’s future uncertain
- US inflation rate declines to lowest level in two years amid rising wages
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
Knowledge Hub
Global Reaction to DE Elections
United States prepares ground invasion plans amid troop deployments in region
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: United States prepares ground invasion plans amid troop deployments in region
The United States is preparing a ground invasion of Iran as thousands of American soldiers and Marines arrive in the region. A further 3,500 American troops have arrived in the Middle East as part of a unit led by the warship USS Tripoli.
The Pentagon is reportedly planning operations in Iran that would involve special forces and conventional troops, according to the Washington Post. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality,” clarifying that no decision has been made by the President.
The Pentagon is preparing plans for weeks of operations involving special forces and conventional troops in Iran, although these will not constitute a full-scale invasion. Meanwhile, further tensions escalate as Iran’s speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, vowed that the armed forces are ready to confront American troops and retaliate against regional partners.
US ‘preparing for ground invasion’ of Iran with marines arriving in the Gulf | News World
The United States is preparing a ground invasion of Iran as thousands of American soldiers and Marines arrive in the region.
The Pentagon is drawing up plans for weeks of troops on the ground in Iran, the Washington Post reported.
Anonymous officials said operations would fall short of a full-scale invasion but involve raids by special forces and conventional troops.
Donald Trump is yet to approve any plans, but he has previously called a ground invasion a ‘waste of time’.
U.S. Marines on the flight deck of America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, which is heading towards the Gulf (Picture: USS Tripoli (LHA 7))
The President told reporters in the Oval Office last week: ‘I’m not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you, but I’m not putting troops.’
Despite this, a further 3,500 American troops have arrived in the Middle East.
The sailors and marines sailed into the region as part of a unit led by the warship USS Tripoli, which also includes assault and transport assets.
Iran’s speaker reacted to reports of a ground invasion by saying the regime was ready to fight them off.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said: ‘[The armed forces]… are waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever.’
He added: ‘Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased.’
These threats came after Iran warned it will hit US and Israeli universities in the Middle East in revenge for attacks against its own institutions.
They gave Washington a midday Monday deadline to condemn strikes on the University of Science and Technology in Tehran.
It has been heavily speculated that US troops might seize Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, which handles roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports.
Karg Island in the Persian Gulf has been speculated as a target for a boots-on-the-ground operation (Picture: EPA)
The five-mile long island is around a third of the size of Manhattan in New York, and has been described by US officials as the ‘nexus for all the Iranian oil supply.’
Any ground operation in Iran would face considerable public backlash.
One poll, conducted jointly by the Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, found that 62 percent of respondents strongly oppose the use of ground troops in Iran.
Only 12 percent were in favour.
A staunch support of the President in Congress, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wisconsin), told reporters on Thursday he has been ‘100 percent crystal clear from the beginning’ that he opposed boots on the ground.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: ‘It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision.’
Comment now
Comments
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
Massive Turnout for ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump Nationwide
2:00 pm
Massive Turnout for ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump Nationwide
Massive protests
Tens of thousands attended “No Kings” rallies across the US, with over 3,200 events planned in all 50 states, aiming for the largest single-day protest in US history.
White House Critique
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the protests, claiming they were financed by “leftist funding networks” with minimal public backing.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the protests, claiming they were financed by “leftist funding networks” with minimal public backing.
Event Attendance
Organisers anticipated participation from nine million people in the “No Kings” rallies, aiming to establish the protests as the largest single-day demonstration in US history.
Organisers anticipated participation from nine million people in the “No Kings” rallies, aiming to establish the protests as the largest single-day demonstration in US history.
Briefing summary
Tens of thousands participated in “No Kings” rallies across the United States, with over 3,200 events held in all 50 states, marking a significant protest against Donald Trump.
The flagship rally in Minnesota drew around 100,000 attendees, featuring Bruce Springsteen, who spoke passionately about hope in the face of US immigration enforcement actions.
Full reading: Large crowds attend ‘No Kings’ rallies against Trump across US | US News
Tens of thousands of anti-Trump protesters have been attending “No Kings” rallies on Saturday across the US.
More than 3,200 events were planned in all 50 states, and organisers hoped it would be the biggest single-day protest in US history.
There were rallies in cities including Washington DC, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, as well as further afield in London and Paris, where people demonstrated against the Iran war.
Organisers expected nine million people would take part in America this time, after the first two rounds of rallies last June and October attracted five million and seven million respectively.
Bruce Springsteen performs during a protest in St Paul, Minnesota. Pic: Reuters
The rallies came as Donald Trump‘s approval rating fell to 36%, which is its lowest point since he returned to power, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
And a national NBC News poll earlier this month found that majorities of registered voters in the US disapproved of the president’s handling of immigration, Iran, inflation and the cost of living.
The flagship rally on Saturday was in the state of Minnesota, where Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot dead in January by federal agents in the city of Minneapolis as they monitored a crackdown on illegal immigration.
Around 100,000 were expected to attend as people stood on the Minnesota Capitol lawn and surrounding streets in St Paul, with Bruce Springsteen headlining the event.
The US singer performed his song Streets of Minneapolis which he wrote in response to the two fatal shootings.
Demonstrators attend a ‘No Kings’ protest against Donald Trump in St Paul. Pic: Reuters
Springsteen said that people pushing back against US Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) had given the rest of the country hope.
“Your strength and your commitment told us that this was still America,” he said.
“And this reactionary nightmare, and these invasions of American cities, will not stand.”
But White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the rallies were backed by “leftist funding networks” with little real public support.
The “only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them”, Ms Jackson said in a statement.
The scene in Washington DC. Pic: Reuters
And Mike Marinella, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, criticised Democratic politicians and candidates for supporting the rallies.
Meanwhile, vice president JD Vance was the Conservative Political Action Conference’s choice this year to be the next Republican nominee for US president, ahead of secretary of state Marco Rubio, according to a poll.
In Washington DC, hundreds of people marched past the Lincoln Memorial and into the National Mall, holding signs that read “Put down the crown, clown” and “Regime change begins at home”.
Demonstrators also rang bells, played drums and chanted “No Kings”.
A demonstration in Denver, Colorado. Pic: Reuters
In New York, thousands gathered in Manhattan, where actor Robert De Niro said “there have been other presidents who have tested the constitutional limits of their power, but none have been such an existential threat to our freedoms and security”.
In San Diego, police said about 40,000 people marched in a “No Kings” event.
However, organisers said two-thirds of the rallies were expected to take place outside major city centres.
They included communities in conservative-leaning states like Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, South Dakota and Louisiana, as well as in suburban areas of Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona.
Demonstrators gather in Los Angeles. Pic: Reuters
The first No Kings day of protest in June 2025 was organised amid Mr Trump’s decision to hold a military parade in Washington on his birthday.
At the time, the president told reporters that “if there’s any protester that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force”.
Read more from US News:
Whale stranded again – just days after rescue
The AI delusion problem is bigger than we thought
Meanwhile in London, people protesting against the US-Israeli war in Iran held banners that said “Stop the far right” and “Stand up to Racism”.
And in Paris, several hundred people, mostly Americans living in France, along with those from French labour unions and human rights organisations, gathered at the Bastille.
In Rome, thousands of people took part in a march against conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. They also protested at the Israeli and US attacks on Iran, calling for “a world free from wars”.
G7 discusses ceasefire plans in Gaza and sanctions on Russia’s fleet
1:00 pm
G7 discusses ceasefire plans in Gaza and sanctions on Russia’s fleet
G7 Meeting
Today, the Group of Seven is discussing ceasefire plans in Gaza, securing maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet.
Today, the Group of Seven is discussing ceasefire plans in Gaza, securing maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet.
Economic Influence
The G7’s collective economic stature grants it significant sway over global financial policies, with actions like asset freezes and tax agreements prompting worldwide adaptation.
The G7’s collective economic stature grants it significant sway over global financial policies, with actions like asset freezes and tax agreements prompting worldwide adaptation.
Official Position
“The G7’s influence hinges on unity; however, its limited membership may restrict its ability to address global challenges effectively,” stated a diplomatic source.
“The G7’s influence hinges on unity; however, its limited membership may restrict its ability to address global challenges effectively,” stated a diplomatic source.
Key developments
The Group of Seven is discussing plans for a ceasefire in Gaza, enhanced sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet, and securing maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz during their current meeting.
The G7, comprising the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, has historically wielded significant economic influence, yet lacks the capacity to enact binding international laws.
Watch: The G7 Foreign Ministers’ Summit is happening in France – but what it can actually do?
Published on
The Group of Seven is an exclusive, informal club made up of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, alongside the EU.
They have immense economic gravity. When the G7 unifies on freezing assets or setting global taxes, the rest of the world listens and usually adapts.
As they meet today, they will discuss ceasefire plans in Gaza, securing maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz, backing Ukraine and adding more sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet.
And it feels like history is repeating itself. After all, The G7 was created on France’s initiative following the 1970s oil crisis.
But does it have power? It depends how we define it.
The G7 cannot pass binding international laws, and it has no combined military. Every pledge relies entirely on leaders keeping their promises back home.
And it also faces structural limits. By limiting its membership to traditional Western powers, it might overlook the Global South. The rapid expansion of BRICS, so a coalition of emerging economies, proves the G7 is no longer the only heavyweight in international affairs.
Watch the EU News video in the player above for the full story.
Iran Claims Forces Await US Ground Troops as Tensions Escalate
11:01 am
Iran Claims Forces Await US Ground Troops as Tensions Escalate
In the evolving tensions surrounding the Middle East, Iran has issued a stark warning that its forces are “waiting” for a potential ground invasion by the United States. This declaration comes as additional American Marines arrive in the region, escalating fears of armed conflict. The Iranian parliamentary speaker emphasised that diplomatic overtures may be overshadowed by military preparations amid speculation about a US-led operation amid mounting geopolitical frictions.
The economic ramifications are profound, particularly with fluctuations in oil exports now considered “at great risk” should hostilities escalate. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation as the looming prospect of military action could impact global oil prices and supply chains. Attention now turns to how US military and diplomatic strategies will unfold, with key developments anticipated in the coming days regarding operational decisions and international responses to the crisis.
Key developments across the world
Middle East crisis live: US secretly plotting ground attack despite message of diplomacy, says Iran’s parliamentary speaker
GLOBAL SECURITY — Tensions escalate as Iran claims its military is prepared for potential US ground operations. Iran’s parliamentary speaker has alleged that the US is secretly planning an invasion while insisting on diplomatic dialogues.
This statement comes amid reports of an increasing American military presence in the region, with the possibility of conflict looming on the horizon. Iran’s readiness to retaliate could intensify the already fragile situation between the two nations and exacerbate regional instability.
US-Iran war live: Shock move puts oil exports ‘at great risk’
GLOBAL ENERGY — The escalating tensions between the US and Iran pose significant risks to oil exports, impacting global oil markets. Analysts warn that a potential military conflict could disrupt supply chains and cause price volatility.
Iran war latest: Tehran says army ‘waiting’ for US ground invasion
GLOBAL SECURITY — Iran confirms its military forces are on high alert, prepared for a potential US ground invasion. This declaration signals a readiness to respond aggressively to enforce its national security amidst rising tensions.
As reports of American troops accumulating near its borders increase, Tehran seeks to assure its populace and allies of its military strength. This measure may lead to further entrenchment of both sides and escalate confrontational postures in the region.
US weighs ground attack in the Middle East amidst rising tensions
GLOBAL SECURITY — The US government is reportedly conducting discussions about initiating military operations against targets in the Middle East. This decision reflects growing concerns about Iranian military activities and regional security dynamics.
US officials indicate that a range of military options are being considered, with ground engagement unlikely to be dismissed as a viable strategy. An escalation could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape, as alliances shift in reaction to US military engagement in the region.
Fox News fans question Trump’s ‘no new wars’ vow after ‘idiot’ Mark Levin’s unhinged rant
DIPLOMACY — Following discussions on a potential military action, there is growing tension surrounding the contradiction in US leadership’s calls for peaceful resolution while considering military options. A notable figure highlighted the desire for confrontation rather than diplomacy.
This sentiment raises questions about the credibility of US commitments to peace in the region and showcases divisions within American political discourse regarding military intervention. As public opinion shifts, the implications for upcoming diplomatic efforts may become increasingly complicated.
What to watch — Monitor developments in US-Iran relations as military preparations suggest an impending escalation.
Further reading from global news sources
BBC News
Iran says its forces are ‘waiting’ for US ground troops, as more American marines arrive in region
The New York Times
5 Takeaways From the ‘No Kings’ Rallies as the Midterms Heat Up
The Telegraph
Iran-US war latest news: US ‘preparing for weeks of ground operations’
Axios
What to know about Iran’s military as the U.S. weighs ground operations
Derby Incident: Motorist ‘strikes several pedestrians’ in city centre by Friar Gate
10:00 am
Get you up to speed: Derby Incident: Motorist ‘strikes several pedestrians’ in city centre by Friar Gate
CAR INCIDENT
Seven pedestrians were injured after a black Suzuki Swift struck them in Derby city centre, with treatment provided by ambulance crews before transportation to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre.
Seven pedestrians were injured after a black Suzuki Swift struck them in Derby city centre, with treatment provided by ambulance crews before transportation to Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre.
PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT
Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed the arrested man, originally from India, faces multiple charges including attempted murder as investigations into the incident continue.
Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed the arrested man, originally from India, faces multiple charges including attempted murder as investigations into the incident continue.
POLICE INVESTIGATION
Detectives from Derbyshire Constabulary have urged witnesses to come forward as the investigation into the serious pedestrian injuries caused by a vehicle continues.
Detectives from Derbyshire Constabulary have urged witnesses to come forward as the investigation into the serious pedestrian injuries caused by a vehicle continues.
What we know so far
Seven people have been injured, some seriously, after a car drove into pedestrians in Derby city centre. The incident occurred around 9.30pm on Saturday night when a black Suzuki Swift struck individuals along Friar Gate.
Emergency services treated the victims at the scene before transporting them to the Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Police confirmed that the seven sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and clarified that, despite speculation, no fatalities occurred.
A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, and other related charges. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives urging anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the vehicle nearby to come forward.
Authorities have cordoned off the Friar Gate area, warning that it will remain closed for a considerable time. Motorists have been advised that vehicles parked within the section will not be released until the police investigation is concluded and the road is reopened.
Read in full
Derby incident: Driver ‘hits multiple pedestrians’ in city centre near Friar Gate | News UK
Seven people have been injured, some of them seriously, after a car ploughed into people in Derby city centre.
The incident happened at about 9.30pm yesterday when a black Suzuki Swift struck pedestrians in Friar Gate.
Ambulance crews treated seven people at the scene before they were rushed to the Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, the police told WTX.
The police said: ‘The seven suffered a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries and we can confirm that contrary to online speculation, no one died in the incident.’
Sign up for all of the latest stories
A vehicle believed to have been involved was pulled over shortly after the incident.
A man in his 30s, who is originally from India, was arrested and taken into police custody.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving.
With the investigation ongoing, detectives are ‘keeping an open mind as to the motives.’
Derbyshire Constabulary said: ‘Although we know this will be alarming, we would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.’
Nadine Peatfield, the leader of Derby City Council, said in a statement: ‘I am horrified by the incident in our city centre on Saturday evening, where several pedestrians were injured after being struck by a vehicle.
‘My thoughts, and those of the entire city, are with those injured, their families, and everyone who witnessed this distressing event.
‘We are working closely with Derbyshire Police as they investigate the circumstances of this incident. I urge anyone with information to contact the Police immediately to assist with their investigation.’
The Friar Gate area from the junction with Curzon Street and Cheapside up to Ford Street has been cordoned off.
It will remain closed for a ‘considerable time’ so people should avoid the area, the police said.
Detectives said: ‘Our investigation is in its early stages but we want to hear from anyone who saw a black Suzuki Swift being driven in Derby around the time of the incident.’
Motorists were warned that vehicles that were parked within the cordon will not be released until the scene investigation has been lifted and the road is reopened.
UK nationals detained in UAE for filming Iranian missile strikes amid conflict
9:00 am
Get you up to speed: UK nationals detained in UAE for filming Iranian missile strikes amid conflict
As many as 70 Britons are currently detained in the United Arab Emirates for filming Iranian attacks on the country. The legal system in the UAE is reportedly overwhelmed, leading to prolonged detention for those arrested, including eight individuals represented by Dubai Watch CEO David Haigh.
As many as 70 British nationals are detained in the United Arab Emirates for allegedly breaching national security laws, with some facing up to ten years in jail, according to reports from campaign groups. David Haigh, CEO of Dubai Watch, stated that local lawyers reported 35 Britons detained in Dubai and similar numbers in Abu Dhabi.
As of now, campaign groups report that access to British consular staff is “restricted or outright denied” for those arrested, with only five British detainees currently receiving consular help for taking pictures. The Foreign Office is actively supporting a number of British nationals detained in the UAE and is engaging with local authorities to ensure full consular access.
Dozens of Britons detained in UAE after ‘filming drone and missile attacks’ | News World
Missile strikes on the glamorous Gulf State have been shared widely on social media (Picture: EPA/X)
As many as 70 Britons have been locked up in the United Arab Emirates for filming Iranian attacks on the Middle Eastern country.
British tourists, expats and cabin crew are being held in overcrowded police cells and could face ten years in jail for breaching laws around protecting ‘national security and stability’.
Campaign groups say the legal system is swamped with cases and some are being denied sleep, food and medicine in detention, the Mail on Sunday reports.
They are accusing the UAE of trying to protect their ‘carefully constructed brand’ as a glamorous and safe travel spot.
Iran kept up its Gulf attacks. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) /” decoding=”async” loading=”lazy”/>
An Emirates aircraft prepares for landing as a smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Laws in the Gulf State prohibit publishing or sharing material that could disturb public security, and the British embassy has previously warned expats not to take pictures or share images of Iranian missiles.
Those nearby to an Iranian strike are sent a text message in both Arabic and English saying: ‘Photographing or sharing security or critical sites, or reposting unreliable information, may result in legal action and compromise national security and stability.’
Even passively receiving an image is deemed illegal under the strictest laws, which could carry a ten-year jail term or a fine up to £200,00.
Dubai Watch CEO David Haigh is representing eight arrested Britons and says local lawyers have told him 35 Brits have been detained in Dubai, with similar numbers in Abu Dhabi.
His human rights group says that those arrested are facing months in detention before being charged because the system is so overwhelmed.
Others have been released on bail but have had their passport confiscated so they cannot leave.
Campaigners have claimed that some Britons have been made to sign Arabic statements they do not understand.
Missiles have struck hotels and other high-profile locations (Picture: Matthew McGinn / SWNS)
Radha Stirling of the Detained In Dubai group told the Mail on Sunday: ‘British citizens are being held in overcrowded conditions, denied medication, and pressured to sign confessions without legal representation.
‘This is a serious failure of protection. Immediate and robust diplomatic intervention is required to safeguard their welfare and secure their release.
‘These are not criminals, but ordinary tourists, workers and residents who acted without malicious intent.’
Access to British consular staff is understood to be ‘restricted or outright denied’ for those arrested.
The Foreign Office is not automatically alerted all arrests and some are advised not to contact the Embassy because it could prolong their case.
Officials believe just five British detainees are receiving consular help for taking pictures.
One Brit being detained in the UAE is a London-based air steward for budget airline FlyDubai.
It is understood he took a picture of the damage caused when an Iranian drone struck close to Dubai airport on March 7 and sent it to colleagues, asking if the area was safe.
Police later checked his phone and arrested him.
An expat lawyer living in Dubai is also among those arrested under national security laws.
The Palm Jumeirah Fairmont hotel was hit by a Shahed suicide drone launched from Iran (Picture: Chris Eubank Jr/Facebook)
Detained In Dubai also say they are helping a 60-year-old British tourist who was charged with 20 others after footage of Iranian attacks was found on their phones.
He faces two years in jail and a fine as large as $40,000 despite deleting the footage.
It is said that UAE police will demand to look through the phones of people close to the site of a missile attack and arrest anyone caught with photos of the strikes.
Officers reportedly track down and arrest people who receive photos through apps like WhatsApp.
Mr Haigh, who was tortured in a Dubai jail, said: ‘Dubai is a corporation, a gleaming global brand desperate to keep the facade intact.
‘So, once tourists and expats take photos of a missile intercept, or a drone strike, they become the enemy.
‘They are arrested, vanished, threatened, charged, forced to report friends, and face years in jail.’
There were more than 240,000 Britons living in the United Arab Emirates before the start of the war with Iran.
The Emirati embassy in London said people had been warned about taking or sharing photos from ‘incident sites’, adding: ‘Disseminating such materials or inaccurate information can incite public panic and create a false impression of the UAE’s actual situation.’
The Foreign Office said: ‘We are supporting a number of British nationals in the UAE who have been detained or arrested.
‘We expect full consular access to British nationals. The British Ambassador regularly speaks to the authorities about access.’
Comment now
Comments
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
Local insights
Related Election News
© 2026 WTX News.