‘We have all the cards’: Trump says US war on Iran ‘nearing completion’ 02. April 2026 (04:29) President says ‘little journey’ to Iran close to achieving US aims but offers few details on plan to wind down conflictMiddle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump used a primetime address to the nation on Wednesday evening to declare the month-long war in Iran a success “nearing completion”, despite a spiraling conflict that has caused economic turmoil across the globe, fractured transatlantic alliances and eroded the president’s approval ratings.In remarks from the White House, Trump argued that the US’s “little journey” to Iran had nearly accomplished “all of America’s military objectives”, but offered little clarity on how he planned to wind down the conflict over the next “two to three weeks”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New Zealand signs defence pact with Cook Islands after quarrel over China deal 02. April 2026 (03:55) Agreement comes after Wellington halted millions in aid to its former colony after Cook Islands formed strategic partnership with Beijing New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a defence and security declaration, ending a year-long diplomatic row that erupted after the Cook Islands struck strategic agreements with China.The Cook Islands was a dependent New Zealand colony from 1901-65 but has since operated as a self-governing nation in “free association” with New Zealand. Its roughly 17,000 citizens hold New Zealand citizenship. There are obligations between the two nations to regularly consult on matters of defence and security. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Final day as BBC director-general for Tim Davie 02. April 2026 (03:45) Mr Davie will be replaced by interim director-general, Rhodri Talfan Davies, on April 2, before former Google boss Matt Brittin steps in on May 18.(London News)
Middle East crisis live: Trump set to give prime-time address amid widening economic fallout from Iran war 02. April 2026 (02:47) President is expected to offer a timeline for end of the war, and speak about his threat to withdraw the US from Nato as he faces falling poll numbers and global energy crisisTrump says he is ‘absolutely’ considering withdrawing US from Nato Israel hits Iran with waves of attacks and says it killed top Hezbollah commanderAs Donald Trump prepares to address the American people, US central command has released an update on the ongoing conflict in Iran.Operation Epic Fury has seen more than 13,000 combat flights, which have struck over 12,000 targets and damaged or destroyed more than 150 Iranian vessels, according to Centcom. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Bob’s Burgers actor Eugene Mirman rescued from fiery car crash by New Hampshire governor’s detail 02. April 2026 (02:15) Actor and comedian known for voicing Gene Belcher, as well as roles in Flight of the Conchords and Archer, has suffered serious injuriesBob’s Burgers voice actor and comedian Eugene Mirman has suffered serious injuries after crashing his car into a toll plaza in New Hampshire, before he was pulled from the fiery wreckage by a state trooper assigned to protect the state’s governor.The crash happened just before noon Tuesday when a northbound electric vehicle struck the Bedford toll plaza and caught fire, New Hampshire state police said. Republican governor Kelly Ayotte and her security detail came upon the crash soon after, and a trooper and two others pulled Mirman from the burning car through a window, said New Hampshire state police colonel, Mark Hall. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Alleged Bondi terrorist Naveed Akram denied suppression order over identities of family members 02. April 2026 (02:03) Lawyers for accused had argued names of family members should be suppressed due to fears for their mental and physical safetyFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe alleged Bondi attacker has been denied a suppression order over his family member’s names and home and work addresses after a collective of media organisations won a challenge against the bid.In the Downing Centre local court on Thursday, judge Hugh Donnelly decided to deny the request for a 40-year suppression order, ending an interim suppression order that was granted for Naveed Akram’s mother, brother and sister in early March which banned the publication of their names and addresses. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Man accused of plotting WA terror attack believed assault he was planning would be worse than Bondi beach shootings, court hears 02. April 2026 (02:00) Defence lawyer, former federal attorney general Christian Porter, says accused Jayson Joseph Michaels was ‘pretender full of big talk’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA man accused of plotting a mass casualty terror attack targeting public buildings and places of worship believed his assault would be worse than the Bondi beach mass shootings, a court has heard.Jayson Joseph Michaels detailed his alleged plan for a violent assault on Western Australia police headquarters, WA Parliament House and mosques in a diary, the Perth magistrates court was told during a failed bid for bail on Wednesday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
