The Gur hasidic leadership has directed students to avoid large Purim celebrations and public gatherings this year. Festivities, prayers, and the traditional reading of the Scroll of Esther will be scaled back and limited to small groups.

Israel and the United States have expanded strikes across Iran, prompting broader regional retaliation and raising fears of rapid escalation. Experts say the conflict now threatens the survival of Iran’s leadership, with internal instability and a potential power struggle underway.

The Gulf states initially sought neutrality and dialogue to avoid conflict with Iran. But as Iranian strikes hit their territory, that stance is becoming harder to maintain, raising questions about their next move.

President Donald Trump said the United States and Israel have sunk ten Iranian ships and killed top leaders in a sweeping military campaign. He called the operation the last and best chance to eliminate threats from Iran and warned of overwhelming force if Tehran retaliates.

Richard Littlejohn claims Keir Starmer’s hesitation over allowing United States air strikes from British bases has damaged the transatlantic alliance. He argues the decision makes Britain appear unreliable and weak on the world stage.

Sir Ed Davey said British nationals living in Dubai should help fund the Armed Forces amid rising tensions with Iran. His comments drew criticism from Isabel Oakeshott, while the Prime Minister reaffirmed the duty to protect citizens abroad.

Escalating strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel have put pressure on the United Kingdom to choose between alliance loyalty and military restraint. Keir Starmer faces a delicate balancing act as he tries to avoid deeper involvement in the conflict.

A massive study found that long-term exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say polluted air may directly damage the brain, highlighting air quality as a major public health issue.

The Israel Defense Forces released footage of female aircrew members and a pilot conducting airstrikes on Iran as part of Operation Roaring Lion. About 30 women are participating in the mission, according to the military.

Natural gas prices climbed sharply after Qatar halted production following attacks on its facilities. Europe was hit hardest, and analysts warned that a prolonged disruption could drive prices significantly higher.

President Donald Trump launched Operation Epic Fury, a large-scale military campaign targeting Iran’s leadership and nuclear infrastructure. The strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered Iranian retaliation across the Middle East. Officials say the conflict could last up to four weeks with no clear exit strategy outlined.

The United States military said it struck the Iranian naval drone carrier Shahid Bagheri during the opening phase of its operation on Saturday. Officials rejected claims that an American aircraft carrier had been hit, saying the only damaged carrier was the Iranian vessel.