Politics

Israel says it is closely monitoring widespread protests in Iran, and the Israeli military describes the unrest as an internal matter while remaining prepared to respond if needed.

Benin held parliamentary and local elections about one month after a failed coup attempt; the main opposition was barred from local contests and faces barriers to the upcoming presidential ballot.

Iranian police said they detained key protest figures who will face legal procedures, while Washington and Tehran have exchanged threats over possible US intervention.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said he was willing to negotiate with protesters while accusing foreign powers of stirring demonstrations; Tehran also warned it would retaliate if the United States took military action in defence of the protesters.

Michael Steele, a former Republican National Committee chair, says law firms, universities and parts of the media quickly yielded to pressure after President Trump returned to office, and he argues voters want accountability as midterm elections approach.

Home Office figures show the number of asylum caseworkers fell to 2,113 from 2,464 under the previous government, while appeals in the immigration tribunal have more than doubled to about 69,670.

Two federal lawsuits by allies of Donald Trump challenge Census Bureau methods and who is counted; the bureau is proceeding with 2030 planning and plans practice runs this year.

Officials report President Trump has been briefed on military options against Iran but has not decided to strike; Iranian leaders warned US and Israeli forces would be legitimate targets if Tehran were attacked.

UK ministers said they want a peaceful transition in Iran and called for violence to be stemmed as Tehran continues a violent crackdown; rights monitors report at least 116 deaths and about 2,638 detentions.

Fifteen-year-old Becky Pepper-Jackson, a West Virginia high school athlete, is part of cases the Supreme Court is hearing about state bans on transgender girls in school sports. The court is weighing whether those bans violate the Constitution or Title IX, with decisions expected by early summer.

Iran imposed a nationwide internet shutdown as protests spread across provinces, and external reports and leaked footage indicate security forces used force; future developments are undetermined.

Kemi Badenoch said a Conservative government would ban under-16s from social media and introduce age limits. Labour ministers say they will review Australia's new under-16s ban but have not announced matching UK measures.

The Conservative party says it would ban under-16s from social media and would ban phones in schools, citing concerns about young people’s mental health and concentration. Kemi Badenoch is set to discuss the proposal on the BBC's Sunday Politics programme.

Peter Mandelson said he will not apologise to Jeffrey Epstein's victims but apologised for a system that ignored their voices; he was sacked as UK ambassador after emails showing his support for Epstein were released.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told BBC Scotland the government must make 'tough choices' in the upcoming Scottish Budget and will prioritise NHS investment and tackling child poverty; Finance Secretary Shona Robison will set out the budget and any tax decisions on Tuesday.

A UK cabinet minister said the UK seeks a peaceful transition in Iran and urged an end to violence; other UK politicians commented on regime change as protests continue and governments monitor the situation.

Reports say President Trump asked special forces to draw up plans for an invasion of Greenland, and senior U.S. military leaders are resisting those plans on legal and congressional grounds.

Heba Muraisi, a Palestine Action activist, has refused food for about 70 days and is reported to be seriously unwell; officials say the detainees face alleged serious charges and remand decisions are made by independent judges.

Labour MP Karl Turner broke the party whip and criticised Sir Keir Starmer after the Government proposed removing the right to jury trials for offences likely to carry sentences of three years or less; the Government says it will also limit appeals from magistrates to crown court, and legislation has not yet been introduced.

A source reported that Jack Renshaw, convicted in 2019 over a plot to kill Labour MP Rosie Cooper, was attacked by another prisoner at HMP Wakefield and sustained facial injuries. Undetermined at this time.

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison says next year's Holyrood Budget will prioritise the NHS and action on the cost-of-living crisis, and Labour has said it will not block the draft plan so it is expected to pass.

The US State Department has urged American citizens to depart Venezuela after reports that armed pro‑regime militias known as colectivos are setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles; officials also visited Caracas in what is reported to be preparatory work toward reopening the US embassy.

Government research finds toddlers who use screens for about five hours a day say fewer words than those with lower use, and ministers plan guidance on under‑5 screen time to be published in April.

US and partner forces carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria on Saturday, in an operation Centcom named Operation Hawkeye Strike and said was ordered by President Trump in response to a Dec. 13 attack on US forces, Centcom announced on X.

Officials said dozens were arrested and a police officer was injured during Minneapolis protests; many of those arrested were later released.

Sir Tom Hunter said he was moved to tears by shop closures on Ayr High Street and urged ministers to ease business rates ahead of the Scottish Government's 2026-27 draft Budget.

Officials say Sir Keir Starmer discussed NATO plans to bolster Arctic deterrence and that military planners are drawing up options for operations in Greenland.

Local officials said a drone strike in Voronezh killed one person and wounded three, and authorities reported damage to homes and a school.

Iran's parliament speaker warned that any US attack would lead Tehran to strike at Israel and regional US bases. Media reports say the US held preliminary discussions about military options while widespread protests and communications restrictions continue in Iran.

President Trump's comments about acquiring Greenland and his refusal to rule out using force have created tension with Denmark, the territory's sovereign; analysts note Denmark could invoke NATO's Article 4 to request consultations.