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<p>In a shocking turn of events, a woman packed her father in a gunny bag to take him to a courier office in order to send a parcel out of Bengaluru. The act was done to make a reel for social media, highlighting that "couriering a person" was the only option left for travel when bus tickets are often sold out during the festive season. The whole scene was captured on camera and went viral on social media.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The incident came to light on Tuesday when the five members of the family, a woman, her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, visited a courier service's office within the Vyalikaval police station limits carrying a large package. When staff asked what was inside, the family refused to respond. Suspicious, employees opened the parcel and were shocked to discover the woman’s father inside.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Citing sources, NDTV confirmed that the man appeared visibly distressed and was unable to breathe properly. The family later claimed the act was staged to create a reel for social media to highlight how bus tickets are often unavailable during the festive season around Ugadi and Ramzan, suggesting that sending a person by courier was the only remaining option.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even after being confronted, the family reportedly argued with the staff, insisting that the package be accepted since they had gone to the trouble of bringing it there. Later, they alerted the cops, leading them to the police station, where they also recorded an apology video and admitted that their actions were irresponsible. Authorities stated that they allowed the family to go after issuing a stringent warning for attempting the same stunts in the future.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We live in a weird weird world. Daughter &amp; family pack father in a gunny bag,take him to a courier office,ask staff to send parcel out of Bengaluru, all this for a reel showing it&#39;s easier to courier a man than get bus &amp; train tickets this festive season. Land in police station. <a href="https://t.co/ROz2SWjFpT">pic.twitter.com/ROz2SWjFpT</a></p>&mdash; Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpkBopanna/status/2033957424307335385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Netizens react to the shocking incident</h3><p>After the video surfaced on social media, a user on X said, "When content crosses the line between creativity and common sense, situations like this happen."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The next said, "Creativity is great, but stunts like this send the wrong message and can be dangerous."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"For the sake of fame, what lows will people go to? Exposing bodies, chasing clout with cheap content, fake controversies, staged drama, clickbait lies, relationship publicity stunts, etc., and now this. Attention has become more important than dignity to some," the next said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/coldplay-kiss-cam-woman-has-ended-all-ties-with-former-boss-he-wasn-t-the-person-1773896386270">Coldplay kiss cam woman has ended all ties with former boss. 'He wasn't the person...'</a></p>

The incident came to light on Tuesday when the five members of the family, a woman, her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, visited a courier service's office within the Vyalikaval police station limits carrying a large package.

In a shocking turn of events, a woman packed her father in a gunny bag to take him to a courier office in order to send a parcel out of Bengaluru. The act was done to make a reel for social media, highlighting that "couriering a person" was the only option left for travel when bus tickets are often sold out during the festive season. The whole scene was captured on camera and went viral on social media. The incident came to light on Tuesday when the five members of the family, a woman, her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, visited a courier service's office within the Vyalikaval police station limits carrying a large package. When staff asked what was inside, the family refused to respond. Suspicious, employees opened the parcel and were shocked to discover the woman’s father inside. Citing sources, NDTV confirmed that the man appeared visibly distressed and was unable to breathe properly. The family later claimed the act was staged to create a reel for social media to highlight how bus tickets are often unavailable during the festive season around Ugadi and Ramzan, suggesting that sending a person by courier was the only remaining option. Even after being confronted, the family reportedly argued with the staff, insisting that the package be accepted since they had gone to the trouble of bringing it there. Later, they alerted the cops, leading them to the police station, where they also recorded an apology video and admitted that their actions were irresponsible. Authorities stated that they allowed the family to go after issuing a stringent warning for attempting the same stunts in the future.

<p>The incident came to light on Tuesday when the five members of the family, a woman, her husband, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, visited a courier service's office within the Vyalikaval police station limits carrying a large package.</p>

Indian woman tried to 'courier' her father to record reel, and then this happened. But why did she do it? WATCH

<p>An Australian man has developed a cancer vaccine for his dog. For someone even with a medical background, that is a huge feat. However, Paul Conyngham is a tech entrepreneur and still managed to do the unthinkable. After his dog Rose was given a terminal cancer diagnosis, he was left devastated. Paul told &nbsp;Australia’s Today program that Rose was with him through tough times, and he wanted to do his part in helping her. So he designed a personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for his 8-year-old rescue dog. He has no medical background, and so he relied on what he did know - his skills in machine learning and data analysis. He used the AI tool ChatGPT and AlphaFold, an AI program, to create a personalised cancer vaccine for his dog. Both together analysed the protein structures linked to cancer and created a sequence. The Australian reported that the AI-derived sequence generated by Paul was given to the RNA Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW), and the scientists here used it to manufacture the vaccine for Rose.</p><h2><strong>AI for cancer vaccines and treatment</strong></h2><p>UNSW Professor Pall Thordarson, the director of the RNA Institute, told Today that the vaccine was ready in less than two months, and it was a success. Paul said that the vaccine "pushed back about 75 per cent of the cancer." Rose is a Staffordshire bull terrier who had large tumours on one of her back legs. She was diagnosed with mast cell cancer and had only a few months left. Paul turned to AI and sequenced the tumour DNA, which revealed the mutations that could be targeted. The data was used to search for the problem in her DNA, and "then develop a cure based off that, and ChatGPT assisted throughout the entire process," Conyngham told Today.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/california-boy-asked-chatgpt-how-to-take-drugs-he-died-of-an-overdose-1767670591114"><strong>California boy asked ChatGPT how to take drugs. He died of an overdose</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The vaccine started showing visible results in Rose in about a month. Her mobility and behaviour improved, Paul told Today. He said, "She started to shut down and be a bit sad" at the start of December. But by the end of January, "she was jumping over a fence to chase a rabbit." Paul said the vaccine "shrunk it all down. There was just a little bit (of cancer) that didn’t respond." What Paul managed to do shows how AI could be used to help design treatments for medical problems.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The dog was suffering from mast cell cancer and could not move because of the tumours in a leg. Her owner decided to do something about it and turned to data learning tools and AI to create a solution, which was then used to make a vaccine.

An Australian man has developed a cancer vaccine for his dog. For someone even with a medical background, that is a huge feat. However, Paul Conyngham is a tech entrepreneur and still managed to do the unthinkable. After his dog Rose was given a terminal cancer diagnosis, he was left devastated. Paul told Australia’s Today program that Rose was with him through tough times, and he wanted to do his part in helping her. So he designed a personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for his 8-year-old rescue dog. He has no medical background, and so he relied on what he did know - his skills in machine learning and data analysis. He used the AI tool ChatGPT and AlphaFold, an AI program, to create a personalised cancer vaccine for his dog. Both together analysed the protein structures linked to cancer and created a sequence. The Australian reported that the AI-derived sequence generated by Paul was given to the RNA Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW), and the scientists here used it to manufacture the vaccine for Rose. AI for cancer vaccines and treatment UNSW Professor Pall Thordarson, the director of the RNA Institute, told Today that the vaccine was ready in less than two months, and it was a success. Paul said that the vaccine "pushed back about 75 per cent of the cancer." Rose is a Staffordshire bull terrier who had large tumours on one of her back legs. She was diagnosed with mast cell cancer and had only a few months left. Paul turned to AI and sequenced the tumour DNA, which revealed the mutations that could be targeted. The data was used to search for the problem in her DNA, and "then develop a cure based off that, and ChatGPT assisted throughout the entire process," Conyngham told Today. Also Read: California boy asked ChatGPT how to take drugs. He died of an overdose The vaccine started showing visible results in Rose in about a month. Her mobility and behaviour improved, Paul told Today. He said, "She started to shut down and be a bit sad" at the start of December. But by the end of January, "she was jumping over a fence to chase a rabbit." Paul said the vaccine "shrunk it all down. There was just a little bit (of cancer) that didn’t respond." What Paul managed to do shows how AI could be used to help design treatments for medical problems.

<p>The dog was suffering from mast cell cancer and could not move because of the tumours in a leg. Her owner decided to do something about it and turned to data learning tools and AI to create a solution, which was then used to make a vaccine.</p>

Owner creates cancer vaccine for his rescue dog despite no medical background

<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into former Counterterrorism Director Joe Kent. This comes just a little over 24 hours after the US intel chief resigned in protest of the Iran war claiming that the Feb 28 strikes were based on a fabricated imminent threat. The Trump administration has confirmed he is under investigation for allegedly leaking classified secrets.</p><h2><strong>Is the FBI Probe Into Joe Kent a Political Retaliation?</strong></h2><p>According to a NewsNation report, Kent was already under investigation when he resigned his resignation from the post on Tuesday, arguing that Iran posed "no imminent threat" to the US. He insisted that Iran did not pose any "imminent threat" to the US and claimed external pressure, including from Israeli officials and US media, influenced the conflict, assertions the administration rejected as false.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-imminent-threat-tulsi-gabbard-caught-trimming-key-intel-to-fit-trump-s-iran-war-narrative-after-joe-kent-resignation-1773887284597"><strong>‘No imminent threat’: Tulsi Gabbard caught ‘trimming’ key intel to fit Trump’s Iran war narrative after Joe Kent resignation</strong></a></p><p>"I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," he wrote on X, posting a copy of his resignation.</p><p>While the Trump admin has confirmed that Kent is under investigation by the FBI, the agency is yet to issue a statement.</p><h2><strong>'Israel Drove the Decision': What Joe Kent Told Tucker Carlson</strong></h2><p>Doubling down on his reason for resignation, Kent an interview with right-wing pundit Tucker Carlson insisted that Israel influenced US into participating in the war. "The Israelis drove the decision to take this action," he said, adding "which we knew would set off a series of events, meaning the Iranians would retaliate."</p><p>Countering US President Donald Trump's claim that hitting Iran was necessary because Tehran posed an imminent threat to American national security, he said "that just simply did not exist".</p><p>He also claimed that former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed earlier this month in US-Israeli strikes, was actually "preventing" Iran from "getting a nuclear weapon".</p><p>"I'm no fan of the former supreme leader… however, he was moderating their nuclear program. He was preventing them from getting a nuclear weapon," &nbsp;said Kent in his first public remarks since stepping down.</p><p>He insisted that US intel did not predict a surprise 9/11 like attack on American targets. "There was no intelligence that said… the Iranians are going to launch this big sneak attack… some kind of a 9/11, Pearl Harbor," he said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chernobyl-in-the-gulf-us-israel-missile-hits-iran-s-bushehr-nuclear-plant-is-the-world-at-risk-of-regional-scale-radiological-disaster-russia-1773875738801"><strong>Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Why Trump and Tulsi Gabbard Disagree with Joe Kent on the 'Iran Threat'</strong></h2><p>The Iran war on Thursday (Mar 19) entered its 20th day. Since the start of the conflict, President Donald Trump has sought to justify the war with Iran citing Tehran's alleged plans to make nuclear weapons. However, Kent claims that Trump &nbsp;"started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby".</p><p>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Kent’s comments as “insulting and laughable.”</p><p>Trump himself went further, questioning Kent’s judgement. "I always thought he was a nice guy, but I always thought he was weak on security," the president said. "When I read his statement I realized it’s a good thing that he’s out."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

Is the FBI probing Joe Kent for leaks or is this retaliation after his Iran war claims? Just days after resigning, Joe Kent is under investigation for allegedly leaking classified information. But Kent says the Iran war was based on a “fabricated threat.” What’s really behind the probe? 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into former Counterterrorism Director Joe Kent. This comes just a little over 24 hours after the US intel chief resigned in protest of the Iran war claiming that the Feb 28 strikes were based on a fabricated imminent threat. The Trump administration has confirmed he is under investigation for allegedly leaking classified secrets. Is the FBI Probe Into Joe Kent a Political Retaliation? According to a NewsNation report, Kent was already under investigation when he resigned his resignation from the post on Tuesday, arguing that Iran posed "no imminent threat" to the US. He insisted that Iran did not pose any "imminent threat" to the US and claimed external pressure, including from Israeli officials and US media, influenced the conflict, assertions the administration rejected as false. Also read | ‘No imminent threat’: Tulsi Gabbard caught ‘trimming’ key intel to fit Trump’s Iran war narrative after Joe Kent resignation "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," he wrote on X, posting a copy of his resignation. While the Trump admin has confirmed that Kent is under investigation by the FBI, the agency is yet to issue a statement. 'Israel Drove the Decision': What Joe Kent Told Tucker Carlson Doubling down on his reason for resignation, Kent an interview with right-wing pundit Tucker Carlson insisted that Israel influenced US into participating in the war. "The Israelis drove the decision to take this action," he said, adding "which we knew would set off a series of events, meaning the Iranians would retaliate." Countering US President Donald Trump's claim that hitting Iran was necessary because Tehran posed an imminent threat to American national security, he said "that just simply did not exist". He also claimed that former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed earlier this month in US-Israeli strikes, was actually "preventing" Iran from "getting a nuclear weapon". "I'm no fan of the former supreme leader… however, he was moderating their nuclear program. He was preventing them from getting a nuclear weapon," said Kent in his first public remarks since stepping down. He insisted that US intel did not predict a surprise 9/11 like attack on American targets. "There was no intelligence that said… the Iranians are going to launch this big sneak attack… some kind of a 9/11, Pearl Harbor," he said. Also read | Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'? Why Trump and Tulsi Gabbard Disagree with Joe Kent on the 'Iran Threat' The Iran war on Thursday (Mar 19) entered its 20th day. Since the start of the conflict, President Donald Trump has sought to justify the war with Iran citing Tehran's alleged plans to make nuclear weapons. However, Kent claims that Trump "started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby". White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Kent’s comments as “insulting and laughable.” Trump himself went further, questioning Kent’s judgement. "I always thought he was a nice guy, but I always thought he was weak on security," the president said. "When I read his statement I realized it’s a good thing that he’s out." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>Is the FBI probing Joe Kent for leaks or is this retaliation after his Iran war claims? Just days after resigning, Joe Kent is under investigation for allegedly leaking classified information. But Kent says the Iran war was based on a “fabricated threat.” What’s really behind the probe?&nbsp;</p>

Whistleblower or traitor? FBI probing Joe Kent for leaking classified secrets after he 'exposes' Trump’s Iran war strategy

<p>Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday (Mar 18) issued a defiant blood oath following the assassination of national security kingpin Ali Larijani. In a written message released during Larijani’s funeral, Mojtaba warned that the "criminal murderers," and apparent reference to Israel and the US—will "soon have to pay" for the strike that killed the regime's most vital wartime strategist. The Iran supreme leader's warning comes on day 19 of the US-Israel-Iran war. This comes on the heels of Israel announcing that it has authorised the IDF to "thwart and hunt down" any senior Iranian official without requiring further approval.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421"><strong>Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>'Every Drop of Blood': What Mojtaba Khamenei’s Message Means for the War</strong></h2><p>In a message published on his official Telegram channel, Iranain Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said that "Every drop of spilled blood comes at a price." He vowed that "the criminal murderers of these martyrs will soon have to pay it".</p><p>The assassination of figures like security chief Ali Larijani "attest" to his importance and "to the hatred that the enemies of Islam harbour toward him," added Mojtaba on the of Larijani's funeral in Tehran.</p><h2><strong>Why Ali Larijani’s Death is the Biggest Blow to Iran Since February 28</strong></h2><p>Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1.</p><p>A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Larijani was the senior most Iranian official to be assassinated during the ongoing Iran war.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421"><strong>Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Schrödinger's Leader: Is Mojtaba Khamenei Injured or Just Underground?</strong></h2><p>Mojtaba Khamenei was recently appointed as the supreme leader, having succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the war's first day. The cleric is yet to make a single public appearance, fueling intense global speculation about his health, and safety.</p><p>Last week, the US claimed that he was injured in a "chaotic environment" and is "likely disfigured". During a press briefing on Friday &nbsp;(Mar 13), US Defence Secretary noted that a statement released by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday had "no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement."</p><p>This, he said, was because the "new so-called, not so supreme, leader is wounded and likely disfigured." Hegseth said Khamenei lacks "legitimacy" and was running scared. Before that Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, had confirmed that the newly appointed Supreme Leader had sustained injuries in the Iran war, but insisted that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-news-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-safe-and-sound-despite-war-injuries-says-president-pezeshkian-s-son-1773210931273">"safe and sound"</a>.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

Mojtaba Khamenei takes “blood oath” after security chief's assassination. Iran’s Supreme Leader has vowed revenge, warning the “murderers” US and Israel will soon “pay” for the assassination of Ali Larijani. Here's all you need to know.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday (Mar 18) issued a defiant blood oath following the assassination of national security kingpin Ali Larijani. In a written message released during Larijani’s funeral, Mojtaba warned that the "criminal murderers," and apparent reference to Israel and the US—will "soon have to pay" for the strike that killed the regime's most vital wartime strategist. The Iran supreme leader's warning comes on day 19 of the US-Israel-Iran war. This comes on the heels of Israel announcing that it has authorised the IDF to "thwart and hunt down" any senior Iranian official without requiring further approval. Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' 'Every Drop of Blood': What Mojtaba Khamenei’s Message Means for the War In a message published on his official Telegram channel, Iranain Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said that "Every drop of spilled blood comes at a price." He vowed that "the criminal murderers of these martyrs will soon have to pay it". The assassination of figures like security chief Ali Larijani "attest" to his importance and "to the hatred that the enemies of Islam harbour toward him," added Mojtaba on the of Larijani's funeral in Tehran. Why Ali Larijani’s Death is the Biggest Blow to Iran Since February 28 Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1. A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Larijani was the senior most Iranian official to be assassinated during the ongoing Iran war. Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' Schrödinger's Leader: Is Mojtaba Khamenei Injured or Just Underground? Mojtaba Khamenei was recently appointed as the supreme leader, having succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the war's first day. The cleric is yet to make a single public appearance, fueling intense global speculation about his health, and safety. Last week, the US claimed that he was injured in a "chaotic environment" and is "likely disfigured". During a press briefing on Friday (Mar 13), US Defence Secretary noted that a statement released by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday had "no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement." This, he said, was because the "new so-called, not so supreme, leader is wounded and likely disfigured." Hegseth said Khamenei lacks "legitimacy" and was running scared. Before that Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, had confirmed that the newly appointed Supreme Leader had sustained injuries in the Iran war, but insisted that he was "safe and sound". Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>Mojtaba Khamenei takes “blood oath” after security chief's assassination. Iran’s Supreme Leader has vowed revenge, warning the “murderers” US and Israel will soon “pay” for the assassination of Ali Larijani. Here's all you need to know.</p>

'Every drop of spilled blood has a price': Mojtaba Khamenei issues chilling warning to US and Israel, as slain security chief Ali Larijani buried

<p>Kristin Cabot, the woman at the centre of the Coldplay kiss cam scandal, spoke with Oprah Winfrey, hinting that Andy Byron, her former boss, lied to her. Cabot and Byron were seen in an embrace on the Jumbotron during the Boston concert last year. Byron turned around while Cabot flung her hands to her face. Lead singer Chris Martin said, "either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy." Both of them were married at the time, and Byron was the CEO of Astronomer while Cabot was the HR chief. Talking about the current status of their relationship on The Oprah Podcast, Cabot said she had “ended communication” with him. She said that Byron "lied" to her, although she didn't clarify what it was about. "There was a big miss on honesty and integrity. He wasn't the person he represented himself to be, to me — and lying is a non-negotiable for me," Cabot said.</p><h2><strong>Cabot says she thought Byron was separated from his wife</strong></h2><p>Oprah asked Cabot if she meant he lied about his marital life, but Cabot refused to give a straight reply. “I wanna be really careful, because the world spoke for me and on my behalf, and I don't wanna do that to somebody else and their family,” she said. But she added that "a lot of what was represented to her was not true." Cabot opened up on the matter towards the end of 2025, giving a series of interviews. She talked about the death threats she received after the clip went viral and how she and her kids had suffered because of the episode. She also said at the time that she thought Byron had split for his wife, repeating the same thing to Oprah.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hr-executive-caught-with-boss-on-coldplay-kiss-cam-to-speak-at-crisis-conference-1770269067877"><strong>HR executive caught with boss on Coldplay kiss cam to speak at crisis conference, for $875 a pop</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/astronomer-cheating-scandal-kristin-cabot-caught-on-coldplay-kiss-cam-husband-statement-1757387879679"><strong>Husband of woman caught on Coldplay kiss cam with her boss speaks up, reveals they were...</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Cabot said Byron has a choice, she doesn't</strong></h2><p>Cabot said Byron's silence on the episode left her battling the unwanted attention alone. “I was left holding the bag — and I don’t, you know, being the one that was attacked for this and he’s [Byron] remained silent, to me, that's not a quality that I would look for in a friend or a partner or a boss,” she said, adding that this is why they have "no relationship now."</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/has-andy-byron-caught-cheating-with-hr-chief-at-coldplay-concert-mended-things-with-wife-here-s-what-we-know-1759289844863"><strong>Has Andy Byron, caught cheating with HR chief at Coldplay concert, mended things with wife? Here's what we know</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cabot was in the process of divorcing her husband at the time. Meanwhile, Byron has been seen with his wife a few times, and they are said to be together. She admitted to Oprah that she had made a mistake, but everyone chose to target her. “Every single part of my physical appearance was picked apart.” Cabot pointed out that the difference between her and Byron is that he can return to work whenever he wants. However, she has to explain herself to get an opportunity to work.</p>

Colplay kiss cam scandal: Kristin Cabot has ended all ties with her former boss, in whose embrace she was seen at the Boston concert last year. The former Astronomer HR chief admitted she made a mistake, and added that she was lied to.

Kristin Cabot, the woman at the centre of the Coldplay kiss cam scandal, spoke with Oprah Winfrey, hinting that Andy Byron, her former boss, lied to her. Cabot and Byron were seen in an embrace on the Jumbotron during the Boston concert last year. Byron turned around while Cabot flung her hands to her face. Lead singer Chris Martin said, "either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy." Both of them were married at the time, and Byron was the CEO of Astronomer while Cabot was the HR chief. Talking about the current status of their relationship on The Oprah Podcast, Cabot said she had “ended communication” with him. She said that Byron "lied" to her, although she didn't clarify what it was about. "There was a big miss on honesty and integrity. He wasn't the person he represented himself to be, to me — and lying is a non-negotiable for me," Cabot said. Cabot says she thought Byron was separated from his wife Oprah asked Cabot if she meant he lied about his marital life, but Cabot refused to give a straight reply. “I wanna be really careful, because the world spoke for me and on my behalf, and I don't wanna do that to somebody else and their family,” she said. But she added that "a lot of what was represented to her was not true." Cabot opened up on the matter towards the end of 2025, giving a series of interviews. She talked about the death threats she received after the clip went viral and how she and her kids had suffered because of the episode. She also said at the time that she thought Byron had split for his wife, repeating the same thing to Oprah. Also Read: HR executive caught with boss on Coldplay kiss cam to speak at crisis conference, for $875 a pop Also Read: Husband of woman caught on Coldplay kiss cam with her boss speaks up, reveals they were... Cabot said Byron has a choice, she doesn't Cabot said Byron's silence on the episode left her battling the unwanted attention alone. “I was left holding the bag — and I don’t, you know, being the one that was attacked for this and he’s [Byron] remained silent, to me, that's not a quality that I would look for in a friend or a partner or a boss,” she said, adding that this is why they have "no relationship now." Also Read: Has Andy Byron, caught cheating with HR chief at Coldplay concert, mended things with wife? Here's what we know Cabot was in the process of divorcing her husband at the time. Meanwhile, Byron has been seen with his wife a few times, and they are said to be together. She admitted to Oprah that she had made a mistake, but everyone chose to target her. “Every single part of my physical appearance was picked apart.” Cabot pointed out that the difference between her and Byron is that he can return to work whenever he wants. However, she has to explain herself to get an opportunity to work.

<p>Colplay kiss cam scandal: Kristin Cabot has ended all ties with her former boss, in whose embrace she was seen at the Boston concert last year. The former Astronomer HR chief admitted she made a mistake, and added that she was lied to.</p>

Coldplay kiss cam woman has ended all ties with former boss. 'He wasn't the person...'

<p>A mysterious unidentified fireball was seen zig-zagging through the sky over Texas on Tuesday night, with some calling it a UFO because of its strange trajectory. This is the fourth such object in a week, and fifth overall in 2026, to make an appearance anywhere in the world - Ohio, Turkey, Australia and New York. The object was captured over Red Oak, and videos show an orange fireball that went against the laws of physics. A typical meteor moves in a straight line and either crashes or burns up in the atmosphere. However, the mystery visitor in Texas moved bizarrely. The object was plummeting to the ground and suddenly changed direction, turning upwards. The Pennsylvania and Ohio fireball was seen streaking through the sky on Tuesday morning. The Turkey incident was recorded on Sunday in the city of Uşak. A bright green meteor was spotted by residents of Sydney.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/meteorite-older-than-earth-found-in-uk-1769590914496"><strong>Meteorite older than Earth found in UK: Why the discovery by a 9-year-old girl matters</strong></a></p><p>Also Read:<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/green-fireball-in-moscow-same-night-russia-reported-downing-over-100-ukrainian-drones-triggers-debate-1761555432108"><strong>Green fireball in Moscow same night Russia reported downing over 100 Ukrainian drones triggers debate</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The objects in Australia, Ohio and Turkey have been clearly identified as meteors. However, the latest incident has not been confirmed to be a meteor because of its bizarre movement. Witnesses claim they saw a bright orange tail being released by the object, like fire coming from a rocket. But most meteors can also release such fiery tails because of the speed with which they enter the Earth's atmosphere. It left social media buzzing with speculations as curious netizens proposed all kinds of theories. Some said it appeared to be a UFO because it manoeuvred left and right and even changed direction. Others think it might not be either a meteor or a UFO, and possibly was a drone carrying fireworks.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/comet-fragment-travelling-at-81-000-km-hr-explodes-over-portugal-a-second-one-recorded-nearby-1762333330392"><strong>Comet fragment travelling at 81,000 km/hr explodes over Portugal, a second one recorded nearby</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Video of Texas fireball</strong></h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔥🚨BREAKING: The alleged meteor that was spotted in Red Oak Texas appeared to operate as if it was an alien ship, the fireball can be seen moving up and down in a controlled manner. <br><br>This is the 5th fireball spotted in the sky on this planet this week. <a href="https://t.co/kSq31wGFbY">pic.twitter.com/kSq31wGFbY</a></p>&mdash; Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) <a href="https://twitter.com/dom_lucre/status/2034145951510651166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>What was the Texas fireball? UFO? Drones? Skydiver?&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A social media user wrote, "Red Oak, Texas, 'meteor" zigzagging like it's got a pilot? Up, down, hover – no straight drop." Some suggested that it could be a skydiver, and smirked at those proposing it was a "controlled" object. The most strange thing this object did was shooting up when it should have fallen down. "Meteors burn straight paths while fragmenting from atmospheric friction, yet this one moves with eerie precision, almost like it's piloted," a user wrote. Its movement defies logic and science, and hints at the possibility that it was an artificial object. Strange acting lights were also seen in New York City 10 days ago. They steered, stopped and hovered and appeared to be chasing each other.&nbsp;</p>

Texas fireball: Earth just had its fifth mystery visitor in 2026, as an orange fireball with a clear tail was seen over Texas on Tuesday. It did not act like a meteor, moving in an odd fashion and even changing direction, shooting up suddenly. 

A mysterious unidentified fireball was seen zig-zagging through the sky over Texas on Tuesday night, with some calling it a UFO because of its strange trajectory. This is the fourth such object in a week, and fifth overall in 2026, to make an appearance anywhere in the world - Ohio, Turkey, Australia and New York. The object was captured over Red Oak, and videos show an orange fireball that went against the laws of physics. A typical meteor moves in a straight line and either crashes or burns up in the atmosphere. However, the mystery visitor in Texas moved bizarrely. The object was plummeting to the ground and suddenly changed direction, turning upwards. The Pennsylvania and Ohio fireball was seen streaking through the sky on Tuesday morning. The Turkey incident was recorded on Sunday in the city of Uşak. A bright green meteor was spotted by residents of Sydney. Also Read: Meteorite older than Earth found in UK: Why the discovery by a 9-year-old girl matters Also Read: Green fireball in Moscow same night Russia reported downing over 100 Ukrainian drones triggers debate The objects in Australia, Ohio and Turkey have been clearly identified as meteors. However, the latest incident has not been confirmed to be a meteor because of its bizarre movement. Witnesses claim they saw a bright orange tail being released by the object, like fire coming from a rocket. But most meteors can also release such fiery tails because of the speed with which they enter the Earth's atmosphere. It left social media buzzing with speculations as curious netizens proposed all kinds of theories. Some said it appeared to be a UFO because it manoeuvred left and right and even changed direction. Others think it might not be either a meteor or a UFO, and possibly was a drone carrying fireworks. Also Read: Comet fragment travelling at 81,000 km/hr explodes over Portugal, a second one recorded nearby Video of Texas fireball

<p>Texas fireball: Earth just had its fifth mystery visitor in 2026, as an orange fireball with a clear tail was seen over Texas on Tuesday. It did not act like a meteor, moving in an odd fashion and even changing direction, shooting up suddenly.&nbsp;</p>

Earth sees fifth mystery visitor of 2026: Texas fireball moving bizarrely shocks onlookers as it shoots upwards

<p><strong>Washington: </strong>In a high-stakes congressional face-off, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday (Mar 18) faced accusations of sanitising intelligence to protect President Donald Trump’s justification for war with Iran. During a congressional hearing, Gabbard admitted to omitting written testimony that described Iran’s nuclear program as "obliterated," a detail that directly contradicts Trump’s claims of an "imminent" nuclear threat. This comes as the Trump administration reels from the bombshell resignation of counterterrorism chief Joe Kent, who declared Iran posed "no imminent threat". The hearing has raised questions about whether the US was misled into a conflict that has now effectively shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz. All you need to know.</p><h2><strong>Did Tulsi Gabbard Omit Intel to Support Trump’s Iran War?</strong></h2><p>According to AFP, in written testimony for the annual threat assessment to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard had asserted that Operation Midnight Hammer has "obliterated" Iran's nuclear enrichment programme and that Tehran had made "no efforts" to rebuild it.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chernobyl-in-the-gulf-us-israel-missile-hits-iran-s-bushehr-nuclear-plant-is-the-world-at-risk-of-regional-scale-radiological-disaster-russia-1773875738801"><strong>Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant hit by missile, are we facing a nuclear disaster?</strong></a></p><p>However, at what was the public briefing on intelligence since the war began in late February, Gabbard did not say that. When pressed by Democratic Senator Mark Warner for the reason for skipping certain parts of her remarks, Gabbard said she trimmed her public remarks because they were "running long". In reply to this, Warner pointedly remarked, "So you chose to omit the parts that contradict the president." This was in apparent reference to Trump's claims that military action against Iran was justified because of the nation's nuclear-weapon development.</p><h2><strong>Why Did Joe Kent Resign? The 'No Imminent Threat' Bombshell</strong></h2><p>On March 17, 2026, citing strong opposition to the Iran war, Joe Kent publicly announced his decision to step down as the US Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. He insisted that Iran did not pose any "imminent threat" to the US and claimed external pressure, including from Israeli officials and US media, influenced the conflict, assertions the administration rejected as false.</p><p>"I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," he wrote on X, posting a copy of his resignation.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-moment-of-silence-for-the-0-07-internet-reacts-as-kim-jong-un-s-perfect-election-marred-by-rare-dissent-north-korea-1773819815156"><strong>'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.<br><br>I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… <a href="https://t.co/prtu86DpEr">pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr</a></p>&mdash; Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) <a href="https://twitter.com/joekent16jan19/status/2033897242986209689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Was Trump Warned About the Strait of Hormuz Shutdown?</strong></h2><p>At the hearing, Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were questioned whether intelligence officials had warned Trump that Iran could potentially attack the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical maritime oil chokepoint. Since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through daily.</p><p>In reply, Ratcliffe vaguely said that "The president gets briefings constantly about intelligence". He added that the Pentagon prepared for Iran to hit "US interests in energy sites across the region" and "took measures for force protection".</p><p>Gabbard meanwhile, confirmed that the threat was flagged. She noted that the intelligence community had a "longstanding assessment" that Iran "would likely hold the Strait of Hormuz". The Director of National Intelligence said that the US defence department took "pre-emptive planning measures" as a result of that intel.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Did US intelligence omit key facts to support Donald Trump’s Iran war narrative? During a tense hearing, Tulsi Gabbard was accused of skipping intel that contradicted Donald Trump’s claims of an imminent threat. Did officials downplay evidence? Scroll down to find out.

Washington: In a high-stakes congressional face-off, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday (Mar 18) faced accusations of sanitising intelligence to protect President Donald Trump’s justification for war with Iran. During a congressional hearing, Gabbard admitted to omitting written testimony that described Iran’s nuclear program as "obliterated," a detail that directly contradicts Trump’s claims of an "imminent" nuclear threat. This comes as the Trump administration reels from the bombshell resignation of counterterrorism chief Joe Kent, who declared Iran posed "no imminent threat". The hearing has raised questions about whether the US was misled into a conflict that has now effectively shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz. All you need to know. Did Tulsi Gabbard Omit Intel to Support Trump’s Iran War? According to AFP, in written testimony for the annual threat assessment to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard had asserted that Operation Midnight Hammer has "obliterated" Iran's nuclear enrichment programme and that Tehran had made "no efforts" to rebuild it. Also read | Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant hit by missile, are we facing a nuclear disaster? However, at what was the public briefing on intelligence since the war began in late February, Gabbard did not say that. When pressed by Democratic Senator Mark Warner for the reason for skipping certain parts of her remarks, Gabbard said she trimmed her public remarks because they were "running long". In reply to this, Warner pointedly remarked, "So you chose to omit the parts that contradict the president." This was in apparent reference to Trump's claims that military action against Iran was justified because of the nation's nuclear-weapon development. Why Did Joe Kent Resign? The 'No Imminent Threat' Bombshell On March 17, 2026, citing strong opposition to the Iran war, Joe Kent publicly announced his decision to step down as the US Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. He insisted that Iran did not pose any "imminent threat" to the US and claimed external pressure, including from Israeli officials and US media, influenced the conflict, assertions the administration rejected as false. "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," he wrote on X, posting a copy of his resignation. Also read | 'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent

<p>Did US intelligence omit key facts to support Donald Trump’s Iran war narrative? During a tense hearing, Tulsi Gabbard was accused of skipping intel that contradicted Donald Trump’s claims of an imminent threat. Did officials downplay evidence? Scroll down to find out.</p>

‘No imminent threat’: Tulsi Gabbard caught ‘trimming’ key intel to fit Trump’s Iran war narrative after Joe Kent resignation

<p>The saintly image of American civil rights icon Cesar Chavez has been shattered by a bombshell investigation. Chavez who for decades stood as one of the most recognisable faces of the American labour movement has been accused of being a serial rapist who abused minors and coerced women for decades. Chavez carried out his nefarious activities under the guise of United Farm Workers (UFW), the civil moment he led, a bombshell New York Times investigation said Wednesday (Mar 18). In a move that has sent shockwaves from California to the White House, his longtime comrade Dolores Huerta has broken her silence, alleging Chavez forced her into sexual encounters that resulted in two secret pregnancies.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chernobyl-in-the-gulf-us-israel-missile-hits-iran-s-bushehr-nuclear-plant-is-the-world-at-risk-of-regional-scale-radiological-disaster-russia-1773875738801"><strong>Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What are the Allegations Against Cesar Chavez?</strong></h2><p>Chavez's legacy has been besmirched by allegations of child molestation involving 12-year-olds and a "culture of silence" within the United Farm Workers (UFW). With this, the movement that transformed Latino rights is now facing a total moral collapse.</p><p>The allegations against Chavez some from those closest to the movement, including Dolores Huerta, one of Chavez’s closest collaborators.</p><p>The American civil rights icon who died in 1993, was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former US president Bill Clinton. His bust was installed in the Oval Office by former president Joe Biden.</p><h2><strong>Dolores Huerta Reveals Secret Children: "I Didn't Feel I Could Say No."</strong></h2><p>Huerta revealed that Chavez, pressured her into sex on two occasions in the 1960s, both resulting in pregnancies. The first time... I didn't feel I could say no because he was someone that I admired, my boss and the leader of the movement I had already devoted years of my life to," she said, describing the power imbalance between them. "The second time I was forced, against my will, and in an environment where I felt trapped."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421"><strong>Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Accounts of abuse dating back decades</strong></h2><p>Two other women, daughters of members of the United Farm Workers, told the newspaper they were abused as minors in the 1970s. Ana Murguia said Chavez began touching her inappropriately when she was 12. Debra Rojas alleged the abuse began at 13 and included sexual intercourse at 15, which under California law constitutes rape. The report also suggests that others within the movement were aware of the allegations but chose to remain silent for years.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Civil rights icon Cesar Chavez has been accused of decades of abuse, including allegations involving minors and coercion within the United Farm Workers. Even longtime ally Dolores Huerta has spoken out. What does the investigation reveal? Scroll down to find out.

The saintly image of American civil rights icon Cesar Chavez has been shattered by a bombshell investigation. Chavez who for decades stood as one of the most recognisable faces of the American labour movement has been accused of being a serial rapist who abused minors and coerced women for decades. Chavez carried out his nefarious activities under the guise of United Farm Workers (UFW), the civil moment he led, a bombshell New York Times investigation said Wednesday (Mar 18). In a move that has sent shockwaves from California to the White House, his longtime comrade Dolores Huerta has broken her silence, alleging Chavez forced her into sexual encounters that resulted in two secret pregnancies. Also read | Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'? What are the Allegations Against Cesar Chavez? Chavez's legacy has been besmirched by allegations of child molestation involving 12-year-olds and a "culture of silence" within the United Farm Workers (UFW). With this, the movement that transformed Latino rights is now facing a total moral collapse. The allegations against Chavez some from those closest to the movement, including Dolores Huerta, one of Chavez’s closest collaborators. The American civil rights icon who died in 1993, was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former US president Bill Clinton. His bust was installed in the Oval Office by former president Joe Biden. Dolores Huerta Reveals Secret Children: "I Didn't Feel I Could Say No." Huerta revealed that Chavez, pressured her into sex on two occasions in the 1960s, both resulting in pregnancies. The first time... I didn't feel I could say no because he was someone that I admired, my boss and the leader of the movement I had already devoted years of my life to," she said, describing the power imbalance between them. "The second time I was forced, against my will, and in an environment where I felt trapped." Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' Accounts of abuse dating back decades Two other women, daughters of members of the United Farm Workers, told the newspaper they were abused as minors in the 1970s. Ana Murguia said Chavez began touching her inappropriately when she was 12. Debra Rojas alleged the abuse began at 13 and included sexual intercourse at 15, which under California law constitutes rape. The report also suggests that others within the movement were aware of the allegations but chose to remain silent for years.

<p>Civil rights icon Cesar Chavez has been accused of decades of abuse, including allegations involving minors and coercion within the United Farm Workers. Even longtime ally Dolores Huerta has spoken out. What does the investigation reveal? Scroll down to find out.</p>

'Serial rapist': Bombshell probe accuses civil rights icon Cesar Chavez of child abuse and coercion

<p>A projectile struck Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant this week, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog on Wednesday. Taking to social media, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that they have been "informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening". The strike on Tehran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, which is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, comes as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues for the 19th day. Is the nuclear plant damaged? Is the region on the brink of a Chornobyl-style radiological and environmental disaster that could render the Persian Gulf uninhabitable? All you need to know.</p><h2><strong>How Close Did the Projectile Get to the Bushehr Nuclear Core?</strong></h2><p>In a terrifying escalation of the regional war, the IAEA has confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Iran's only operational nuclear reactor at Bushehr. Russia’s Tass news agency, citing Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, reported that the strike “hit the area adjacent to the metrology service building located at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site." This, he said, was "in close proximity to the operating power unit.”</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421"><strong>Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</strong></a></p><p>While no damage to the plant or injuries to the staff had been reported, the Vienna-based agency warned that the strike "violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict". Agency head Rafael Grossi reiterated "his call for restraint during the conflict to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident."</p><p>"Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict and should never take place," read the statement.</p><p>Russia, meanwhile, has erupted in fury, accusing Israel and the United States of a "wholly unacceptable" strike.</p><h2><strong>Why is Russia Warning of a 'Radiological Disaster' in the Persian Gulf?</strong></h2><p>Russia, which helped build the nuclear plant in Bushehr and had staff on the site, confirmed reports of a missile strike on the NPP's inner perimeter. Calling the attack "completely unacceptable," Moscow said that the US and Israel "must refrain from reckless attacks on nuclear infrastructure".</p><p>Speaking during a weekly briefing, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that attacks on nuclear infrastructure "pose a real risk of a regional-scale radiological and environmental disaster". She added that her country has repeatedly warned Washington and Tel Aviv against "threatening the lives" of Russian personnel working at the plant.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-moment-of-silence-for-the-0-07-internet-reacts-as-kim-jong-un-s-perfect-election-marred-by-rare-dissent-north-korea-1773819815156"><strong>'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Are the US and Israel Targeting Iranian Nuclear Sites?</strong></h2><p>This was the first confirmed attack on a nuclear power plant during the course of the current United States-Israel large-scale military conflict with Iran.</p><p>However, it must be noted that in June 2025, during the war that came to be known as the Twelve-Day War, Washington's Operation Midnight Hammer used B-2 stealth bombers to drop GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs to target Iranian nuclear sites. The massive airstrikes led to significant damage at four Iranian nuclear sites. Natanz had been effectively obliterated, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility, which is buried deep underground, sustained major, potentially catastrophic structural damage. In Isfahan, the Nuclear Technology Centre was heavily damaged, while the heavy-water reactor at Arak was similarly crippled.</p><p>The Bushehr plant, located in southwestern Iran, is the country’s only functioning nuclear power reactor. It was connected to the national grid in 2011 and remains central to Iran’s civilian nuclear programme.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

Missile strikes Iran’s only operational nuclear plant, triggering fears of a radiological disaster. IAEA confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, raising alarm on Day 19 of Iran war. Was the reactor damaged? how serious is the risk? Scroll down to find out.

A projectile struck Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant this week, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog on Wednesday. Taking to social media, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that they have been "informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening". The strike on Tehran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, which is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, comes as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues for the 19th day. Is the nuclear plant damaged? Is the region on the brink of a Chornobyl-style radiological and environmental disaster that could render the Persian Gulf uninhabitable? All you need to know. How Close Did the Projectile Get to the Bushehr Nuclear Core? In a terrifying escalation of the regional war, the IAEA has confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Iran's only operational nuclear reactor at Bushehr. Russia’s Tass news agency, citing Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, reported that the strike “hit the area adjacent to the metrology service building located at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site." This, he said, was "in close proximity to the operating power unit.” Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' While no damage to the plant or injuries to the staff had been reported, the Vienna-based agency warned that the strike "violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict". Agency head Rafael Grossi reiterated "his call for restraint during the conflict to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident." "Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict and should never take place," read the statement. Russia, meanwhile, has erupted in fury, accusing Israel and the United States of a "wholly unacceptable" strike. Why is Russia Warning of a 'Radiological Disaster' in the Persian Gulf? Russia, which helped build the nuclear plant in Bushehr and had staff on the site, confirmed reports of a missile strike on the NPP's inner perimeter. Calling the attack "completely unacceptable," Moscow said that the US and Israel "must refrain from reckless attacks on nuclear infrastructure". Speaking during a weekly briefing, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that attacks on nuclear infrastructure "pose a real risk of a regional-scale radiological and environmental disaster". She added that her country has repeatedly warned Washington and Tel Aviv against "threatening the lives" of Russian personnel working at the plant. Also read | 'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent Are the US and Israel Targeting Iranian Nuclear Sites? This was the first confirmed attack on a nuclear power plant during the course of the current United States-Israel large-scale military conflict with Iran. However, it must be noted that in June 2025, during the war that came to be known as the Twelve-Day War, Washington's Operation Midnight Hammer used B-2 stealth bombers to drop GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs to target Iranian nuclear sites. The massive airstrikes led to significant damage at four Iranian nuclear sites. Natanz had been effectively obliterated, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility, which is buried deep underground, sustained major, potentially catastrophic structural damage. In Isfahan, the Nuclear Technology Centre was heavily damaged, while the heavy-water reactor at Arak was similarly crippled. The Bushehr plant, located in southwestern Iran, is the country’s only functioning nuclear power reactor. It was connected to the national grid in 2011 and remains central to Iran’s civilian nuclear programme. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>Missile strikes Iran’s only operational nuclear plant, triggering fears of a radiological disaster. IAEA confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, raising alarm on Day 19 of Iran war. Was the reactor damaged? how serious is the risk? Scroll down to find out.</p>

Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'?

<p>The Shroud of Turin, the religious linen which is believed to have been wrapped around Jesus Christ's body, was faked by some clergymen, a study has revealed. In fact, people first came to know that it was fake in the 1300s, while followers and critics continue to debate it in the 21st century. Several scientific analyses have also shown that the Shroud is inauthentic. The study published in the Journal of Medieval History states that the famed Shroud of Turin was dismissed in the treatise written by the theologian Nicole Oresme. The authors wrote that French theologian Nicole Oresme asserted that this piece of cloth with a man's face on it was “a fraud" committed by some people, Popular Mechanics reported. Oresme was a great scholar of the 14th century, and his contributions to mathematics, astrology, and psychology have accorded him a high status as an ancient academician. He also ascended to the role of Bishop of Lisieux under Charles V of France.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Study’s lead author, Dr Nicolas Sarzeaud of the Université Catholique of Louvain, said, "What has been uncovered is a significant dismissal of the Shroud." The treatise was written sometime between 1355 and 1382, with researchers pegging the time to the 1370s, although they are not fully sure. The finding means that it is now the earliest dismissal of the Shroud of Turin, knocking off the previous earliest rejection by Pierre d’Arcis, the Bishop of Troyes, in 1389. Sarzeaud said that Oresme’s writing stands out because he tries to offer "rational explanations for unexplained phenomena" and does not "interpret them as divine or demonic."</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com//science/was-the-body-of-jesus-christ-not-wrapped-in-shroud-of-turin-shocking-study-claims-772300"><strong>Was the body of Jesus Christ not wrapped in Shroud of Turin? Shocking study claims...</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-discovery-points-to-the-exact-date-jesus-christ-was-likely-crucified-8979096"><strong>NASA discovery points to the exact date Jesus Christ was likely crucified</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Oresme on Shroud of Turin</strong></h2><p>He added, "The philosopher even rated witnesses according to factors such as their reliability, and also cautioned against rumour." Oresme’s Shroud of Turin rejection is based on the argument that "simply because ‘good people’, including clergy, claim certain events to have happened does not make them true." The scholar declared in the treatise, "I do not need to believe anyone who claims: ‘Someone performed such miracle for me’, because many clergymen thus deceive others, in order to elicit offerings for their churches." Sarzeaud noted, "Oresme chose the claim of the Champenoise (Lirey) shrine to possess the Shroud as a striking example of lies fabricated by the clergy."</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-scientist-claims-star-of-bethlehem-was-real-1765284433403"><strong>NASA scientist claims Star of Bethlehem was real, and China has proof. However, it wasn't a star, but...</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Documented rejection of Shroud of Turin is a big deal</strong></h2><p>The study authors say that this rejection assumes major significance because, in those times, the potential for superstitious devotion in such topics was restricted to satire. Now there are "concrete accusations of fraud against a clerical institution", something that was very rarely put on paper.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>More recently, radiocarbon dating showed that the Turin dated back to only the 13th or 14th century. Another study stated that a human face couldn't make such an impression on a piece of cloth.&nbsp;</p>

The Shroud of Turin is fake, an esteemed scholar said this in the 14th century. The world is still debating its authenticity today, but apparently, it was outrightly dismissed nearly 600 years ago. The Shroud of Turin is a cloth in which Christ's body is said to have been wrapped. 

The Shroud of Turin, the religious linen which is believed to have been wrapped around Jesus Christ's body, was faked by some clergymen, a study has revealed. In fact, people first came to know that it was fake in the 1300s, while followers and critics continue to debate it in the 21st century. Several scientific analyses have also shown that the Shroud is inauthentic. The study published in the Journal of Medieval History states that the famed Shroud of Turin was dismissed in the treatise written by the theologian Nicole Oresme. The authors wrote that French theologian Nicole Oresme asserted that this piece of cloth with a man's face on it was “a fraud" committed by some people, Popular Mechanics reported. Oresme was a great scholar of the 14th century, and his contributions to mathematics, astrology, and psychology have accorded him a high status as an ancient academician. He also ascended to the role of Bishop of Lisieux under Charles V of France. Study’s lead author, Dr Nicolas Sarzeaud of the Université Catholique of Louvain, said, "What has been uncovered is a significant dismissal of the Shroud." The treatise was written sometime between 1355 and 1382, with researchers pegging the time to the 1370s, although they are not fully sure. The finding means that it is now the earliest dismissal of the Shroud of Turin, knocking off the previous earliest rejection by Pierre d’Arcis, the Bishop of Troyes, in 1389. Sarzeaud said that Oresme’s writing stands out because he tries to offer "rational explanations for unexplained phenomena" and does not "interpret them as divine or demonic." Also Read: Was the body of Jesus Christ not wrapped in Shroud of Turin? Shocking study claims... Also Read: NASA discovery points to the exact date Jesus Christ was likely crucified Oresme on Shroud of Turin He added, "The philosopher even rated witnesses according to factors such as their reliability, and also cautioned against rumour." Oresme’s Shroud of Turin rejection is based on the argument that "simply because ‘good people’, including clergy, claim certain events to have happened does not make them true." The scholar declared in the treatise, "I do not need to believe anyone who claims: ‘Someone performed such miracle for me’, because many clergymen thus deceive others, in order to elicit offerings for their churches." Sarzeaud noted, "Oresme chose the claim of the Champenoise (Lirey) shrine to possess the Shroud as a striking example of lies fabricated by the clergy." Also Read: NASA scientist claims Star of Bethlehem was real, and China has proof. However, it wasn't a star, but... Documented rejection of Shroud of Turin is a big deal The study authors say that this rejection assumes major significance because, in those times, the potential for superstitious devotion in such topics was restricted to satire. Now there are "concrete accusations of fraud against a clerical institution", something that was very rarely put on paper. More recently, radiocarbon dating showed that the Turin dated back to only the 13th or 14th century. Another study stated that a human face couldn't make such an impression on a piece of cloth.

<p>The Shroud of Turin is fake, an esteemed scholar said this in the 14th century. The world is still debating its authenticity today, but apparently, it was outrightly dismissed nearly 600 years ago. The Shroud of Turin is a cloth in which Christ's body is said to have been wrapped.&nbsp;</p>

600 years ago, a scholar proved that someone faked the Shroud of Turin. 'I do not need to believe...'

<p>French architect Robert Couturier, who worked for a short time on Jeffrey Epstein's infamous island, says he could see tell-tale signs that something was not right with the place. He also commented on those who said that they did not notice anything wrong with Epstein's island, stating that it is 'impossible" to believe that whoever visited the island could miss how weird it was. Talking to CNN, Couturier said Epstein hired him to work on the island, but he left after a few months after coming across multiple warning signs. One of them was the bunk beds, he told Kyung Lah. He recalled asking Epstein if he was expecting "grandchildren" on the island. The paedophile told him, "No… these are for the girls." Couturier said, "There’s no mistaking… you don’t put women on bunk beds. I’m sorry. Everybody knew what was happening on that island. Even his staff people worked for him."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In statements to investigators, high-profile figures who visited Epstein's Little Saint James island claimed that they did not notice anything unusual. But the French architect says it is hard to believe that people missed out on clear signs. "You can decide that you’re blind… but the idea that a person would go to that island and not see something weird is impossible to me," he said. He further detailed what he saw at Epstein's home, and almost everything was eerie. He said there was one room filled with computers, which Epstein told him was for "the girls when they have fun." The rooms had heavy, dark curtains and windows that were almost never opened, lending the overall atmosphere a "terrible" vibe. Couturier said, "The girls and young women on the island were basically prisoners. He added that he was questioned about Epstein and the island in 2010, but no one took any action.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-had-a-baby-with-perfect-mystery-woman-a-victim-told-fbi-according-to-doj-files-1773289438919"><strong>Epstein had a baby with 'perfect' mystery woman, had her photo and mold at his mansion, DOJ files show</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>CNN quoted a former staffer as saying there were rooms with photos of young girls, some of them half-naked. Staff saw Epstein bring young girls into his room regularly, and one of them told investigators about a man with nude underage girls. He also claimed that he saw former Prince Andrew with a young girl in a pool. Over 3 million Epstein Files were released in January this year, naming some powerful figures. Photos showing Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and Andrew with girls were part of the tranche.&nbsp;</p>

French architect Robert Couturier worked on Epstein's island for a short time. He noticed weird things around him and decided to quit. In an interview, Couturier said the curtains, beds and the overall atmosphere felt terrible. 

French architect Robert Couturier, who worked for a short time on Jeffrey Epstein's infamous island, says he could see tell-tale signs that something was not right with the place. He also commented on those who said that they did not notice anything wrong with Epstein's island, stating that it is 'impossible" to believe that whoever visited the island could miss how weird it was. Talking to CNN, Couturier said Epstein hired him to work on the island, but he left after a few months after coming across multiple warning signs. One of them was the bunk beds, he told Kyung Lah. He recalled asking Epstein if he was expecting "grandchildren" on the island. The paedophile told him, "No… these are for the girls." Couturier said, "There’s no mistaking… you don’t put women on bunk beds. I’m sorry. Everybody knew what was happening on that island. Even his staff people worked for him." In statements to investigators, high-profile figures who visited Epstein's Little Saint James island claimed that they did not notice anything unusual. But the French architect says it is hard to believe that people missed out on clear signs. "You can decide that you’re blind… but the idea that a person would go to that island and not see something weird is impossible to me," he said. He further detailed what he saw at Epstein's home, and almost everything was eerie. He said there was one room filled with computers, which Epstein told him was for "the girls when they have fun." The rooms had heavy, dark curtains and windows that were almost never opened, lending the overall atmosphere a "terrible" vibe. Couturier said, "The girls and young women on the island were basically prisoners. He added that he was questioned about Epstein and the island in 2010, but no one took any action. Also Read: Epstein had a baby with 'perfect' mystery woman, had her photo and mold at his mansion, DOJ files show CNN quoted a former staffer as saying there were rooms with photos of young girls, some of them half-naked. Staff saw Epstein bring young girls into his room regularly, and one of them told investigators about a man with nude underage girls. He also claimed that he saw former Prince Andrew with a young girl in a pool. Over 3 million Epstein Files were released in January this year, naming some powerful figures. Photos showing Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and Andrew with girls were part of the tranche.

<p>French architect Robert Couturier worked on Epstein's island for a short time. He noticed weird things around him and decided to quit. In an interview, Couturier said the curtains, beds and the overall atmosphere felt terrible.&nbsp;</p>

Architect who worked on Epstein island describes eerie things he saw - 'Bunk beds for women'

<p>In a statistical "miracle" that has sent social media into a frenzy of dark humour, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has secured a 15th Supreme People’s Assembly win with a near-impossible figure of 99.93% votes. This is from another figure of 99.99% voter turnout. While the Workers’ Party claimed 99.93% of the total vote, state media outlet KCNA made the unprecedented move of acknowledging a 0.07% dissent rate—the first time "No" votes have been admitted since 1957. The numbers have sent netizens into a frenzy with users on X (formerly Twitter) joking about a "summer population decrease" for the brave 0.07%. Here's all you need to know.</p><h2><strong>99.99% Turnout: How Kim Jong Un's '15th Assembly' Reset Works</strong></h2><p>In the elections that were held to choose members of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly, the country’s legislature, almost every eligible voter turned up. According to official data, only a tiny fraction, 0.0037%, were unable to vote due to being overseas or at sea. An even smaller share, 0.00003%, abstained.</p><p>On the ballot, the outcome was just as overwhelming. Of those who voted, 99.93% supported the candidates. Just 0.07% voted against.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-korean-supreme-leader-kim-jong-un-takes-heir-apparent-ju-ae-shooting-photoshoot-or-show-of-strength-amid-iran-war-1773304047290"><strong>North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un takes heir apparent Ju Ae shooting: Photoshoot or show of strength amid Iran war?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Who are the 0.07%? North Korea Admits "No" Votes for the first time in 69 years</strong></h2><p>That 0.07% figure, small as it is, stands out for another reason. It is the first time since 1957 that North Korean state media has acknowledged any level of opposition in a Supreme People’s Assembly election.</p><p>Outside observers have long described these polls as tightly controlled exercises rather than competitive elections. But even within that context, the admission of dissent, however minor, is unusual.</p><p>The number has set off a meme storm on social media with people joking about the fate of the 0.07% who didn't vote for North Korea Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.</p><p>“Moment of silence for the 0.07%,” one user wrote. Another quipped, “That 0.07% just became the most wanted people in the country.”</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-shield-of-the-americas-or-shackles-china-mocks-trump-with-ai-video-of-eagle-trapping-latin-american-doves-here-s-what-it-means-1773458991330"><strong>Watch: ‘Shield of the Americas, or shackles?’ China mocks Trump with AI video of eagle trapping doves. Here's what it means</strong></a></p><p>"God waiting to receive the 0.07% who didn't vote for him," said a third. Let's take a look at the choicest memes on Kim's 0.07% haters.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">God waiting to receive the 0.07% who didn't vote for him <a href="https://t.co/jYYA0ZewXj">pic.twitter.com/jYYA0ZewXj</a></p>— timeless (@_DrTobi) <a href="https://twitter.com/_DrTobi/status/2034037801889431658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In unrelated news, population expected to decrease by 0.07% this summer</p>— TheLogicalResponse (@LogicianReacts) <a href="https://twitter.com/LogicianReacts/status/2034021963258106095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">.07% <a href="https://t.co/VM8Snstnqa">pic.twitter.com/VM8Snstnqa</a></p>— Human 🌱 (@6tanky) <a href="https://twitter.com/6tanky/status/2034103938052681809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE BALLOTS: <a href="https://t.co/BlyMwW6K87">pic.twitter.com/BlyMwW6K87</a></p>— WorldMonitor (@_WorldMonitor_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_WorldMonitor_/status/2034021898837741629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Meanwhile North Koreans <a href="https://t.co/7wWGc2PpiQ">pic.twitter.com/7wWGc2PpiQ</a></p>— Notorious Rana (@RahulRa00703319) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulRa00703319/status/2034070767768637660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">the 0.07%: <a href="https://t.co/86b6ciXTjq">pic.twitter.com/86b6ciXTjq</a></p>— George (@verybasedgeorge) <a href="https://twitter.com/verybasedgeorge/status/2034022615090606276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Is North Korea Defining South Korea as a 'Hostile State' in the New Constitution?</strong></h2><p>This remains a key question after the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly. Observers are keenly keeping an eye on whether, after years of hostility, North Korea will finally formally define its relationship with South Korea as openly hostile within its legal framework.</p>

How did Kim Jong Un win 99.93% votes and still go viral over just 0.07%? North Korea reported near-total support for Kim Jong Un, but the rare admission of “No” votes has triggered a meme storm online. Why is that tiny 0.07% breaking the internet? 

Scroll down to see the memes.

In a statistical "miracle" that has sent social media into a frenzy of dark humour, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has secured a 15th Supreme People’s Assembly win with a near-impossible figure of 99.93% votes. This is from another figure of 99.99% voter turnout. While the Workers’ Party claimed 99.93% of the total vote, state media outlet KCNA made the unprecedented move of acknowledging a 0.07% dissent rate—the first time "No" votes have been admitted since 1957. The numbers have sent netizens into a frenzy with users on X (formerly Twitter) joking about a "summer population decrease" for the brave 0.07%. Here's all you need to know. 99.99% Turnout: How Kim Jong Un's '15th Assembly' Reset Works In the elections that were held to choose members of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly, the country’s legislature, almost every eligible voter turned up. According to official data, only a tiny fraction, 0.0037%, were unable to vote due to being overseas or at sea. An even smaller share, 0.00003%, abstained. On the ballot, the outcome was just as overwhelming. Of those who voted, 99.93% supported the candidates. Just 0.07% voted against. Also read | North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un takes heir apparent Ju Ae shooting: Photoshoot or show of strength amid Iran war? Who are the 0.07%? North Korea Admits "No" Votes for the first time in 69 years That 0.07% figure, small as it is, stands out for another reason. It is the first time since 1957 that North Korean state media has acknowledged any level of opposition in a Supreme People’s Assembly election. Outside observers have long described these polls as tightly controlled exercises rather than competitive elections. But even within that context, the admission of dissent, however minor, is unusual. The number has set off a meme storm on social media with people joking about the fate of the 0.07% who didn't vote for North Korea Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. “Moment of silence for the 0.07%,” one user wrote. Another quipped, “That 0.07% just became the most wanted people in the country.” Also read | Watch: ‘Shield of the Americas, or shackles?’ China mocks Trump with AI video of eagle trapping doves. Here's what it means "God waiting to receive the 0.07% who didn't vote for him," said a third. Let's take a look at the choicest memes on Kim's 0.07% haters.

<p>How did Kim Jong Un win 99.93% votes and still go viral over just 0.07%? North Korea reported near-total support for Kim Jong Un, but the rare admission of “No” votes has triggered a meme storm online. Why is that tiny 0.07% breaking the internet?&nbsp;</p><p>Scroll down to see the memes.</p>

'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent

<p>A pyramid-like structure first seen on Mars in 2001 has renewed debate on whether human-like creatures inhabited the planet billions of years ago. The image was captured by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) and found by researcher Keith Laney while he was scanning the data. He believes that this three-sided pyramid on the Martian surface is possibly an artificial structure. Expressing surprise, he said, "Were this found anywhere on Earth, we'd surely be digging into it." The NASA photo is generating interest on social media 25 years later, after it was reshared by documentary filmmaker Brian Dobbs. "On Mars, there is a three-sided pyramid the size of the Great Pyramid in Egypt," he said. The photo of this pyramid would not have reached a lot of people in 2001. But now, it is grabbing eyeballs because the photo truly is amazing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This pyramid-like structure is located in the western region of canyon Candor Chasma inside Valles Marineris, a canyon system which scientists say is the second-largest in our solar system. It has been clicked at least five times by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions between 2001 and 2016. Dobbs told Daily Mail that it is not proof of past life on Mars, but it definitely raises questions about the history of the red planet. Meanwhile, NASA says that since the canyon system is riddled with steep cliffs and witnesses landslides, it is possible for unusual and highly geometric surface features to take shape.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-just-saved-a-precious-drill-on-mars-from-212-million-kilometres-away-1767174556834"><strong>NASA just saved a precious drill stuck on Mars since 8 months from 212 million kilometres away</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Photos of the pyramid on Mars</strong></h2><p>The first photo was taken in 2001, with sunlight falling in such a way that only one side of the structure was visible. In April 2002, a three-sided shape was seen once again. &nbsp;Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter took a high-resolution photo in 2007 and showed more features for the first time. More images in 2014 and 2016 highlighted the geometrical features even more clearly. What was striking in all these images was that, irrespective of sunlight, shadow, image quality, and conditions, the three-sided structure appeared identical each time. The three lines seen from above the structure appear perfectly straight.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mars researcher George Haas wrote in a research paper, that the three-sided pyramid "exhibits a level of geometry and symmetry that supports a high probability of artificial origins." Reports suggest that CIA carried out mysterious experiments regarding Mars, and documents show that an ancient civilisation that built at least one pyramid once lived on the Red Planet. "Project Stargate" seemingly had the agency send a person's consciousness back in time who described a pyramid and a road, suggesting the presence of a civilisation. Today, people like Elon Musk believe that Mars is humanity's next home. However, that aspiration faces a lot of hurdles today.</p>

A photo showing a pyramid-like structure on Mars, taken by NASA's spacecraft several times, is grabbing attention on social media. It is raising questions about whether the Red Planet was ever home to an ancient civilisation.

A pyramid-like structure first seen on Mars in 2001 has renewed debate on whether human-like creatures inhabited the planet billions of years ago. The image was captured by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) and found by researcher Keith Laney while he was scanning the data. He believes that this three-sided pyramid on the Martian surface is possibly an artificial structure. Expressing surprise, he said, "Were this found anywhere on Earth, we'd surely be digging into it." The NASA photo is generating interest on social media 25 years later, after it was reshared by documentary filmmaker Brian Dobbs. "On Mars, there is a three-sided pyramid the size of the Great Pyramid in Egypt," he said. The photo of this pyramid would not have reached a lot of people in 2001. But now, it is grabbing eyeballs because the photo truly is amazing. This pyramid-like structure is located in the western region of canyon Candor Chasma inside Valles Marineris, a canyon system which scientists say is the second-largest in our solar system. It has been clicked at least five times by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions between 2001 and 2016. Dobbs told Daily Mail that it is not proof of past life on Mars, but it definitely raises questions about the history of the red planet. Meanwhile, NASA says that since the canyon system is riddled with steep cliffs and witnesses landslides, it is possible for unusual and highly geometric surface features to take shape. Also Read: NASA just saved a precious drill stuck on Mars since 8 months from 212 million kilometres away Photos of the pyramid on Mars The first photo was taken in 2001, with sunlight falling in such a way that only one side of the structure was visible. In April 2002, a three-sided shape was seen once again. Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter took a high-resolution photo in 2007 and showed more features for the first time. More images in 2014 and 2016 highlighted the geometrical features even more clearly. What was striking in all these images was that, irrespective of sunlight, shadow, image quality, and conditions, the three-sided structure appeared identical each time. The three lines seen from above the structure appear perfectly straight. Mars researcher George Haas wrote in a research paper, that the three-sided pyramid "exhibits a level of geometry and symmetry that supports a high probability of artificial origins." Reports suggest that CIA carried out mysterious experiments regarding Mars, and documents show that an ancient civilisation that built at least one pyramid once lived on the Red Planet. "Project Stargate" seemingly had the agency send a person's consciousness back in time who described a pyramid and a road, suggesting the presence of a civilisation. Today, people like Elon Musk believe that Mars is humanity's next home. However, that aspiration faces a lot of hurdles today.

<p>A photo showing a pyramid-like structure on Mars, taken by NASA's spacecraft several times, is grabbing attention on social media. It is raising questions about whether the Red Planet was ever home to an ancient civilisation.</p>

Three-side pyramid-like structure seen on Mars triggers debate - Natural or artificial?

<p>In a stunning "red-on-red" political escalation, the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday (Mar 17) formally subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify under oath about the Justice Department’s haphazard release of the notorious Jeffrey Epstein files. Led by a vocal faction of Republicans including Nancy Mace, the committee is demanding answers for what they describe as a "White House cover-up" involving missing video evidence and "haphazard" redactions that exposed victims while protecting powerful associates. As Republicans rejoice over the April 14 deposition date, Bondi, who in February taunted lawmakers over "pizzagate" and other conspiracy theories, now faces a bipartisan firing squad determined to unearth why 3 million pages of the sex trafficker's network remain buried.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pam-bondi-subpoenaed-house-oversight-committee-forces-trump-s-ag-to-testify-on-doj-s-alleged-epstein-files-cover-up-bipartisan-vote-1772688470568"><strong>Pam Bondi subpoenaed: House oversight committee to force Trump's AG to testify on DOJ's alleged Epstein files 'cover-up'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Why did Republicans Subpoena AG Pam Bondi Over Epstein Files?</strong></h2><p>The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed Pam Bondi, the Trump administration's top law enforcement official, to investigate what they describe as a possible mismanagement of the federal probe into paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. She will appear for a closed-door deposition on April 14. This<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pam-bondi-subpoenaed-house-oversight-committee-forces-trump-s-ag-to-testify-on-doj-s-alleged-epstein-files-cover-up-bipartisan-vote-1772688470568"> follows a committee vote earlier this month</a> to compel Bondi's testimony. At the time, several Republicans joined Democrats in backing the summons.</p><p>In a letter to Trump's AG Bondi, James Comer, the Republican chairman of the committee, said that they were examining the Justice Department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He raised concerns about how material in the so-called Epstein Files had been reviewed and disclosed.</p><p>"As attorney general, you are directly responsible for overseeing the department's collection, review and determinations regarding the release of files pursuant to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and the committee therefore believes that you possess valuable insight into these efforts," Comer said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-hearing-turns-tense-as-pam-bondi-refuses-to-apologise-to-survivors-says-she-won-t-get-in-the-gutter-1770873842476"><strong>Epstein hearing turns tense as Pam Bondi refuses to apologise to survivors, says she won’t 'get in the gutter'. Watch!</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What is the Epstein Files Transparency Act?</strong></h2><p>The Epstein Files Transparency Act is a federal law signed by US President Donald Trump on November 19, 2025. It mandates the public release of all DoJ records related to the investigation and prosecution of Epstein and his primary accomplice, socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.</p><p>Lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties have condemned the department’s handling of the file release, saying that a significant share of the material is either still undisclosed or so heavily redacted that it is effectively inaccessible.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-files-debacle-doj-exposes-nude-victims-in-catastrophic-file-dump-but-remembers-to-redact-trump-s-face-1770021222053"><strong>Shocking Epstein Files debacle: DOJ exposes nude victims in catastrophic file dump, but remembers to redact Trump's face</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Did the DOJ Withhold Evidence of Epstein's 'Client List'?</strong></h2><p>Based on assessments by Congress and multiple media outlets, the Justice Department has made public only about half of the six million pages it holds. The withheld documents, believed to number tens of thousands of documents, include those with explicit content or information that could reveal victims’ identities.</p><p>Lauding the Bondi subpoena, Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who introduced the motion, said, “Every victim deserves justice. Every crime deserves prosecution. But the reality is the rich and powerful rarely face consequences. This is exactly why the Epstein victims must be louder than ever.”</p><p>“We will not let this go away. We will keep pushing and demanding answers until the truth can no longer be ignored,” she posted on social media.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨JUST IN🚨<br><br>The Oversight Committee has officially subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi, after the committee passed our motion to subpoena her earlier this month.<br><br>She will appear for a deposition on the Department of Justice&#39;s handling of the Epstein investigation and… <a href="https://t.co/3Y793j2Lpe">pic.twitter.com/3Y793j2Lpe</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepNancyMace/status/2034021701084733533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></i> WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.<br> </p>

The House Oversight Committee formally subpoenaed AG Pam Bondi for an April 14 deposition. This comes as Republicans & Democrats accuse DOJ of withholding 3 million pages of Epstein files. Lauding the move, Rep. Nancy Mace warned: “No more dodging.” Why are Republicans turning on Bondi?

In a stunning "red-on-red" political escalation, the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday (Mar 17) formally subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify under oath about the Justice Department’s haphazard release of the notorious Jeffrey Epstein files. Led by a vocal faction of Republicans including Nancy Mace, the committee is demanding answers for what they describe as a "White House cover-up" involving missing video evidence and "haphazard" redactions that exposed victims while protecting powerful associates. As Republicans rejoice over the April 14 deposition date, Bondi, who in February taunted lawmakers over "pizzagate" and other conspiracy theories, now faces a bipartisan firing squad determined to unearth why 3 million pages of the sex trafficker's network remain buried. Also read | Pam Bondi subpoenaed: House oversight committee to force Trump's AG to testify on DOJ's alleged Epstein files 'cover-up' Why did Republicans Subpoena AG Pam Bondi Over Epstein Files? The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed Pam Bondi, the Trump administration's top law enforcement official, to investigate what they describe as a possible mismanagement of the federal probe into paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. She will appear for a closed-door deposition on April 14. This follows a committee vote earlier this month to compel Bondi's testimony. At the time, several Republicans joined Democrats in backing the summons. In a letter to Trump's AG Bondi, James Comer, the Republican chairman of the committee, said that they were examining the Justice Department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He raised concerns about how material in the so-called Epstein Files had been reviewed and disclosed. "As attorney general, you are directly responsible for overseeing the department's collection, review and determinations regarding the release of files pursuant to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and the committee therefore believes that you possess valuable insight into these efforts," Comer said. Also read | Epstein hearing turns tense as Pam Bondi refuses to apologise to survivors, says she won’t 'get in the gutter'. Watch! What is the Epstein Files Transparency Act? The Epstein Files Transparency Act is a federal law signed by US President Donald Trump on November 19, 2025. It mandates the public release of all DoJ records related to the investigation and prosecution of Epstein and his primary accomplice, socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. Lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties have condemned the department’s handling of the file release, saying that a significant share of the material is either still undisclosed or so heavily redacted that it is effectively inaccessible. Also read | Shocking Epstein Files debacle: DOJ exposes nude victims in catastrophic file dump, but remembers to redact Trump's face Did the DOJ Withhold Evidence of Epstein's 'Client List'? Based on assessments by Congress and multiple media outlets, the Justice Department has made public only about half of the six million pages it holds. The withheld documents, believed to number tens of thousands of documents, include those with explicit content or information that could reveal victims’ identities. Lauding the Bondi subpoena, Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who introduced the motion, said, “Every victim deserves justice. Every crime deserves prosecution. But the reality is the rich and powerful rarely face consequences. This is exactly why the Epstein victims must be louder than ever.” “We will not let this go away. We will keep pushing and demanding answers until the truth can no longer be ignored,” she posted on social media.

<p>The House Oversight Committee formally subpoenaed AG Pam Bondi for an April 14 deposition. This comes as Republicans &amp; Democrats accuse DOJ of withholding 3 million pages of Epstein files. Lauding the move, Rep. Nancy Mace warned: “No more dodging.” Why are Republicans turning on Bondi?</p>

'Rich & powerful rarely face consequences': Why are Republicans rejoicing as House subpoenas Pam Bondi in Epstein files probe?

<p>Japan's youngest governor, Takato Ishida, has gone viral on social media for his incredibly good looks. The 36-year-old was elected the governor of Fukui Prefecture in January this year, becoming the youngest incumbent prefectural governor in the country. Ishida drew admiration right after the elections when he posted an Instagram video on February 1. It received 150,000 likes and comments admiring Ishida, and almost all of them were about his looks. He delivered the message in Japanese, yet people who did not understand a word flocked to express their admiration. "He’s so handsome I’m already in a mini panic," someone wrote, while another added, "Yes, I agree with you even though I don't get a word except "ARIGATO GOZAIMASU".</p><h2><strong>Netizens floored by Ishida's intense good looks</strong></h2><p>Now, in March, he is attracting renewed attention and has exploded on social media, with several Instagram posts and reels focused solely on his good looks and how he is too handsome to be a politician. Ishida recently shared new photos and updates from the assembly and a special committee on harassment countermeasures. This triggered a flurry of reactions once again as people started showing their admiration in their comments. A user wrote, "Bro is real life Street Fighter’s Ryu". Another added, “Anti-harassment policy in Japan was never that important for me as now.”</p><h2><strong>Takato Ishida's political career</strong></h2><p>The independent candidate was elected after his predecessor resigned over a sexual harassment scandal. Ishida, who is a former foreign ministry official, defeated two rival candidates - Kenichi Yamada, a 67-year-old independent, and Yukie Kanemoto, 67, an official at the Japanese Communist Party’s Fukui prefectural branch, according to Japan Times. Ishida has been posted in Washington, Zambia and Melbourne in the past. He addressed the issue of sexual harassment in his inaugural message. “No form of harassment can ever be tolerated,” he told reporters.</p>

Japanese politician Takato Ishida has gone viral for his good looks, with people from every nook of the world admiring him. He was recently elected the governor of Fukui Prefecture. His first post after winning garnered attention, and he has again gone viral with new pictures on Instagram.

Japan's youngest governor, Takato Ishida, has gone viral on social media for his incredibly good looks. The 36-year-old was elected the governor of Fukui Prefecture in January this year, becoming the youngest incumbent prefectural governor in the country. Ishida drew admiration right after the elections when he posted an Instagram video on February 1. It received 150,000 likes and comments admiring Ishida, and almost all of them were about his looks. He delivered the message in Japanese, yet people who did not understand a word flocked to express their admiration. "He’s so handsome I’m already in a mini panic," someone wrote, while another added, "Yes, I agree with you even though I don't get a word except "ARIGATO GOZAIMASU". Netizens floored by Ishida's intense good looks Now, in March, he is attracting renewed attention and has exploded on social media, with several Instagram posts and reels focused solely on his good looks and how he is too handsome to be a politician. Ishida recently shared new photos and updates from the assembly and a special committee on harassment countermeasures. This triggered a flurry of reactions once again as people started showing their admiration in their comments. A user wrote, "Bro is real life Street Fighter’s Ryu". Another added, “Anti-harassment policy in Japan was never that important for me as now.” Takato Ishida's political career The independent candidate was elected after his predecessor resigned over a sexual harassment scandal. Ishida, who is a former foreign ministry official, defeated two rival candidates - Kenichi Yamada, a 67-year-old independent, and Yukie Kanemoto, 67, an official at the Japanese Communist Party’s Fukui prefectural branch, according to Japan Times. Ishida has been posted in Washington, Zambia and Melbourne in the past. He addressed the issue of sexual harassment in his inaugural message. “No form of harassment can ever be tolerated,” he told reporters.

<p>Japanese politician Takato Ishida has gone viral for his good looks, with people from every nook of the world admiring him. He was recently elected the governor of Fukui Prefecture. His first post after winning garnered attention, and he has again gone viral with new pictures on Instagram.</p>

Takato Ishida, young Japanese politician, has become a social media eye candy for his intense good looks

<p><strong>ALAMOGORDO:</strong> A "domestic nightmare" turned into a high-stakes security breach at a US military base in New Mexico on Tuesday (Mar 17). The shooting incident at Holloman Air Force Base left a woman dead and a service member fighting for his life. Here's all we know.</p><h2><strong>What happened at the Holloman AFB shoppette?</strong></h2><p>According to reports, the shooting erupted at the base Shoppette (convenience store) after a woman allegedly attempted to serve her husband with divorce papers. In a chilling escalation, the woman opened fire on a vehicle which was reportedly occupied by children, before turning the gun on herself as military security moved in.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421"><strong>Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Is the active shooter at Holloman Air Force Base still at large?</strong></h2><p>No, the shooter, according to reports, died after turning the gun on herself. Soon after the shooting, the US military base was put under lockdown. The 49th Wing has since lifted the 93-square-mile base lockdown, but the facility remains on high alert as investigators piece together how a private dispute turned into a fatal active-shooter event at one of New Mexico's most sensitive military installations.</p><h2><strong>Who are the Victims of the New Mexico Base Shooting?</strong></h2><p>Reports indicate that the shooter, who has yet to be identified, has died in the horrific incident. One service member, purportedly the woman's husband, was injured in the attack. A Native Air medevac helicopter was used to airlift the husband to a hospital in El Paso.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-confirms-ali-larijani-killed-in-israeli-strike-highest-level-death-since-khamenei-mojtaba-ayatollah-iran-war-us-israel-1773729140843"><strong>'Sweet grace of martyrdom': Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani killed in Israeli strike, confirms Iran; highest-level deaths since Khamenei</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨🇺🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | NEWS ⚠️<br>Update at least one dead and one injured tonight after a shooting incident that occurred on Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico one person was air lifted by (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/N120AM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#N120AM</a>) to the University Medical Center of El Paso no word on the condition of the victim just… <a href="https://t.co/Ghxwmhc90c">pic.twitter.com/Ghxwmhc90c</a></p>&mdash; Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) <a href="https://twitter.com/tparon/status/2034088928924283291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Holloman AFB Shooting: A fatal shooting at the Holloman Air Force Base Shoppette (NM), a US Air Base in New Mexico, triggered a 93-sq-mile lockdown. One woman is dead; a male service member was medevaced to El Paso in critical condition after the shooting. All we know.

ALAMOGORDO: A "domestic nightmare" turned into a high-stakes security breach at a US military base in New Mexico on Tuesday (Mar 17). The shooting incident at Holloman Air Force Base left a woman dead and a service member fighting for his life. Here's all we know. What happened at the Holloman AFB shoppette? According to reports, the shooting erupted at the base Shoppette (convenience store) after a woman allegedly attempted to serve her husband with divorce papers. In a chilling escalation, the woman opened fire on a vehicle which was reportedly occupied by children, before turning the gun on herself as military security moved in. Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' Is the active shooter at Holloman Air Force Base still at large? No, the shooter, according to reports, died after turning the gun on herself. Soon after the shooting, the US military base was put under lockdown. The 49th Wing has since lifted the 93-square-mile base lockdown, but the facility remains on high alert as investigators piece together how a private dispute turned into a fatal active-shooter event at one of New Mexico's most sensitive military installations. Who are the Victims of the New Mexico Base Shooting? Reports indicate that the shooter, who has yet to be identified, has died in the horrific incident. One service member, purportedly the woman's husband, was injured in the attack. A Native Air medevac helicopter was used to airlift the husband to a hospital in El Paso. Also read | 'Sweet grace of martyrdom': Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani killed in Israeli strike, confirms Iran; highest-level deaths since Khamenei

<p><strong>Holloman AFB Shooting:</strong> A fatal shooting at the Holloman Air Force Base Shoppette (NM), a US Air Base in New Mexico, triggered a 93-sq-mile lockdown. One woman is dead; a male service member was medevaced to El Paso in critical condition after the shooting. All we know.</p>

‘Divorce paper’ bloodshed: Woman commits suicide after shooting husband at US' Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico

<p>Iran's top security body on Tuesday (Mar 17) confirmed the death of its security chief Ali Larijani, one of the country's most influential figures, following an Israeli airstrike. This comes after Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed the assassination of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force.</p><h2><strong>Ali Larijani confirmed dead</strong></h2><p>In a statement on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Larijani was killed along with his son and bodyguards.</p><p>"The pure souls of the martyrs embraced the purified soul of God’s righteous servant," the council said, describing his death as martyrdom after "a lifetime of struggle" for the Islamic Republic.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-10-million-bounty-amid-iran-war-us-offers-massive-reward-for-information-on-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-and-9-top-iranian-leaders-who-are-they-1773463778740"><strong>US puts $10M bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei, IRGC top leaders it claims ‘plan, organise and execute terror worldwide’. Who are they?</strong></a></p><p>"After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he ultimately attained his long-held aspiration, answered the divine call, and honourably achieved the sweet grace of martyrdom in the trench of service," it said.</p><p>Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1.</p><p>A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Israel had earlier announced that Larijani was killed in an overnight operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike also "eliminated" Gholamreza Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Basij force.</p><h2><strong>Iran confirms Gholamreza Soleimani killed</strong></h2><p>The killing of Gholamreza Soleimani was confirmed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday. "Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij Organization, has been martyred," the Guards said on their Sepah News website.</p><h2><strong>Sanctions and a controversial legacy</strong></h2><p>Both Larijani and Soleimani had faced international scrutiny. The US Treasury had sanctioned Ali Larijani for allegedly "coordinating" the suppression of protests, while Soleimani was similarly targeted by sanctions from the United States and European Union over his role in internal crackdowns.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-stay-away-from-dxb-dubai-shuts-airspace-massive-flight-chaos-as-1-900-iranian-missiles-drones-rain-down-on-uae-1773713487478"><strong>Do not 'proceed to DXB unless...': Dubai shuts airspace; massive flight chaos as 1,900 Iranian missiles, drones rain down on UAE</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Israel signals broader objective</strong></h2><p>Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were part of a wider effort to weaken Iran’s leadership.</p><p>"We are undermining this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it," he said.</p><p>The killings mark another escalation in the conflict, as Israel continues to target senior figures within Iran’s political and military hierarchy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

Iran has confirmed the death of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike, along with senior Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. What role did Larijani play in Iran’s leadership and what does his assassination signal for the US-Israel-Iran war? Scroll down to find out.

Iran's top security body on Tuesday (Mar 17) confirmed the death of its security chief Ali Larijani, one of the country's most influential figures, following an Israeli airstrike. This comes after Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed the assassination of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force. Ali Larijani confirmed dead In a statement on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Larijani was killed along with his son and bodyguards. "The pure souls of the martyrs embraced the purified soul of God’s righteous servant," the council said, describing his death as martyrdom after "a lifetime of struggle" for the Islamic Republic. Also read | US puts $10M bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei, IRGC top leaders it claims ‘plan, organise and execute terror worldwide’. Who are they? "After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he ultimately attained his long-held aspiration, answered the divine call, and honourably achieved the sweet grace of martyrdom in the trench of service," it said. Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1. A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Israel had earlier announced that Larijani was killed in an overnight operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike also "eliminated" Gholamreza Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Basij force. Iran confirms Gholamreza Soleimani killed The killing of Gholamreza Soleimani was confirmed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday. "Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij Organization, has been martyred," the Guards said on their Sepah News website. Sanctions and a controversial legacy Both Larijani and Soleimani had faced international scrutiny. The US Treasury had sanctioned Ali Larijani for allegedly "coordinating" the suppression of protests, while Soleimani was similarly targeted by sanctions from the United States and European Union over his role in internal crackdowns. Also read | Do not 'proceed to DXB unless...': Dubai shuts airspace; massive flight chaos as 1,900 Iranian missiles, drones rain down on UAE Israel signals broader objective Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were part of a wider effort to weaken Iran’s leadership. "We are undermining this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it," he said. The killings mark another escalation in the conflict, as Israel continues to target senior figures within Iran’s political and military hierarchy. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>Iran has confirmed the death of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike, along with senior Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. What role did Larijani play in Iran’s leadership and what does his assassination signal for the US-Israel-Iran war? Scroll down to find out.</p>

'Sweet grace of martyrdom': Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani killed in Israeli strike, confirms Iran; highest-level deaths since Khamenei

<p>There is a growing view that the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, as a strategy by Iran amid the war, is affecting countries that have nothing to do with its ongoing conflict with US and Israel. The strait, which carries roughly 20–25 per cent of global oil traffic and other goods, has become a central flashpoint of the war. Analysts, officials, the shipping and freight industries, and even US allies are explicitly arguing that the strait’s security and Iran’s leverage over it should be treated as a distinct issue, separate from the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.</p><p>No amount of US or allied attempts to secure the strait by military means is likely to be sustainable. Air or naval strikes, warship or coastguard escorts, or coalition-building efforts would not fully wrest control. Iran will still maintain some level of disruption capacity due to the advantages of geography, asymmetric capabilities, and the nature of commercial risks associated with the chokepoint.</p><h2>Nobody wants to ‘shift the war to the Strait of Hormuz’</h2><p>European allies of the US, such as Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, along with countries including the UK, France, Canada, India and China, have either refused or diluted calls for warship coalitions to escort tankers. Such participation, they feel, would entangle them in the war while not securing their energy needs.</p><p>There is a perception that the war has “shifted to the Strait of Hormuz” in recent days. However, Hormuz is not just a military issue. International bodies treat safe passage as a global shipping concern, not the responsibility of any single belligerent in the war. The International Maritime Organization has stated that naval escorts alone cannot guarantee the safety of vessels passing through, particularly without Iranian cooperation.</p><p>Many believe that the strait crisis should not be allowed to escalate or become an extension of the war.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-has-offered-alternative-to-strait-of-hormuz-but-there-s-a-problem-1773669907156">Saudi Arabia has offered alternative to Strait of Hormuz - but there's a problem</a></p><h2>Navies or militaries cannot take Hormuz control away from Iran</h2><p>Several shipping, freight and oil industry executives, regional experts, military planners and officials are of the view that Iran has enduring leverage over the strait, having influenced traffic through it for decades.</p><p>Iran borders the narrow strait, which is only about 21 miles wide at its narrowest point. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) can conduct mine-laying and has demonstrated the ability to launch drone or missile strikes, or engage in swarm tactics using fast boats from the sea or shore.</p><p>These capabilities remain cheap, dispersed and quickly replaceable. Mines and coastal threats persist even after US strikes significantly degraded Iranian naval assets.</p><p>Military escorts and naval presence are not enough for commercial vessels, given the volume of traffic transiting the strait. Insurers, shipping firms and crews still consider passage too risky even with naval protection. The strait effectively becomes a high-risk “kill zone” because threats cannot be eliminated, increasing war-risk premiums for freight passage.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-fruit-exporters-face-mounting-losses-disruption-1773746062782/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-fruit-exporters-face-mounting-losses-disruption-1773746062782/embed</a></p><h2>US is aware of Iran’s capacity for nuisance and disruption</h2><p>US officials initially underestimated Iran’s willingness to escalate in the strait. However, Pentagon briefings now indicate that escort missions are currently too dangerous.</p><p>Even if the US prioritises military operations to secure control of the strait, restoring transit could take months; it is prudent not to worsen the situation.<br>Mine-clearing alone could take weeks. Restoring full transit and trade is more complex than achieving military dominance.</p><p>Markets respond to perceived risk rather than raw force, and this has already been reflected in stock markets as well as crude oil and gas prices.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-allowing-iranian-oil-tankers-through-strait-of-hormuz-to-maintain-global-supply-says-scott-bessent-1773664766747">'US allowing Iranian oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz to maintain global supply', says Scott Bessent</a></p><h2>Iran has de facto control of the Strait of Hormuz: The world needs to live with it</h2><p>For all practical purposes, Iran retains de facto control over the strait. Even attempting to wrest that control through bombardment would not secure safe transit for the ships. Beyond mine-clearing, Iran’s capacity to disrupt the strait through guerrilla-style or asymmetric operations from the near shore or mainland cannot be ruled out.</p><p>If the US were to attempt full control of the strait through military means, it would also need control over adjacent coastal territory. This would imply creating a ‘buffer zone’ to push Iranian forces away—an idea that might be unworkable.&nbsp;</p><p>Given Iran’s ability to launch missile and drone strikes from inland, even a limited physical presence near the coast would not be necessary for Tehran to disrupt shipping.</p><h2>Negotiate a deal for Hormuz, separate trade from war</h2><p>It is important that hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz end as soon as possible. Strategic oil reserve releases or contingency plans for oil- and gas-importing countries cannot be sustained for more than a few weeks. Iran’s selective allowance of ship passage through the strait is also not sustainable.</p><p>Iran’s disruption capacity vis-à-vis the strait is proximity-based. Restoring safe global oil transit will remain difficult as long as Hormuz remains a factor in the war. The situation echoes the 1980s Tanker War, where escorts mitigated risks but never eliminated the threat without addressing land-based sources. It is imperative to end this crisis fast, even if the main war drags on.</p>

Amid the Iran–US–Israel conflict, theres' a growing view that the Strait of Hormuz must be treated separately. Military action cannot eliminate Iran’s disruption capacity, nor can constant Navy escorts be used to ensure safe global oil transit 

There is a growing view that the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, as a strategy by Iran amid the war, is affecting countries that have nothing to do with its ongoing conflict with US and Israel. The strait, which carries roughly 20–25 per cent of global oil traffic and other goods, has become a central flashpoint of the war. Analysts, officials, the shipping and freight industries, and even US allies are explicitly arguing that the strait’s security and Iran’s leverage over it should be treated as a distinct issue, separate from the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. No amount of US or allied attempts to secure the strait by military means is likely to be sustainable. Air or naval strikes, warship or coastguard escorts, or coalition-building efforts would not fully wrest control. Iran will still maintain some level of disruption capacity due to the advantages of geography, asymmetric capabilities, and the nature of commercial risks associated with the chokepoint. Nobody wants to ‘shift the war to the Strait of Hormuz’ European allies of the US, such as Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, along with countries including the UK, France, Canada, India and China, have either refused or diluted calls for warship coalitions to escort tankers. Such participation, they feel, would entangle them in the war while not securing their energy needs. There is a perception that the war has “shifted to the Strait of Hormuz” in recent days. However, Hormuz is not just a military issue. International bodies treat safe passage as a global shipping concern, not the responsibility of any single belligerent in the war. The International Maritime Organization has stated that naval escorts alone cannot guarantee the safety of vessels passing through, particularly without Iranian cooperation. Many believe that the strait crisis should not be allowed to escalate or become an extension of the war. Also read: Saudi Arabia has offered alternative to Strait of Hormuz - but there's a problem Navies or militaries cannot take Hormuz control away from Iran Several shipping, freight and oil industry executives, regional experts, military planners and officials are of the view that Iran has enduring leverage over the strait, having influenced traffic through it for decades. Iran borders the narrow strait, which is only about 21 miles wide at its narrowest point. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) can conduct mine-laying and has demonstrated the ability to launch drone or missile strikes, or engage in swarm tactics using fast boats from the sea or shore. These capabilities remain cheap, dispersed and quickly replaceable. Mines and coastal threats persist even after US strikes significantly degraded Iranian naval assets. Military escorts and naval presence are not enough for commercial vessels, given the volume of traffic transiting the strait. Insurers, shipping firms and crews still consider passage too risky even with naval protection. The strait effectively becomes a high-risk “kill zone” because threats cannot be eliminated, increasing war-risk premiums for freight passage. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-fruit-exporters-face-mounting-losses-disruption-1773746062782/embed US is aware of Iran’s capacity for nuisance and disruption US officials initially underestimated Iran’s willingness to escalate in the strait. However, Pentagon briefings now indicate that escort missions are currently too dangerous. Even if the US prioritises military operations to secure control of the strait, restoring transit could take months; it is prudent not to worsen the situation. Mine-clearing alone could take weeks. Restoring full transit and trade is more complex than achieving military dominance. Markets respond to perceived risk rather than raw force, and this has already been reflected in stock markets as well as crude oil and gas prices. Also read: 'US allowing Iranian oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz to maintain global supply', says Scott Bessent Iran has de facto control of the Strait of Hormuz: The world needs to live with it For all practical purposes, Iran retains de facto control over the strait. Even attempting to wrest that control through bombardment would not secure safe transit for the ships. Beyond mine-clearing, Iran’s capacity to disrupt the strait through guerrilla-style or asymmetric operations from the near shore or mainland cannot be ruled out. If the US were to attempt full control of the strait through military means, it would also need control over adjacent coastal territory. This would imply creating a ‘buffer zone’ to push Iranian forces away—an idea that might be unworkable. Given Iran’s ability to launch missile and drone strikes from inland, even a limited physical presence near the coast would not be necessary for Tehran to disrupt shipping. Negotiate a deal for Hormuz, separate trade from war It is important that hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz end as soon as possible. Strategic oil reserve releases or contingency plans for oil- and gas-importing countries cannot be sustained for more than a few weeks. Iran’s selective allowance of ship passage through the strait is also not sustainable. Iran’s disruption capacity vis-à-vis the strait is proximity-based. Restoring safe global oil transit will remain difficult as long as Hormuz remains a factor in the war. The situation echoes the 1980s Tanker War, where escorts mitigated risks but never eliminated the threat without addressing land-based sources. It is imperative to end this crisis fast, even if the main war drags on.

<p>Amid the Iran–US–Israel conflict, theres' a growing view that the Strait of Hormuz must be treated separately. Military action cannot eliminate Iran’s disruption capacity, nor can constant Navy escorts be used to ensure safe global oil transit&nbsp;</p>

Trade zone, not war zone: Decouple Strait of Hormuz from Iran-US-Israel conflict if the global economy is to stay afloat

<p>A German tourist visited New York City in 2024 and had a series of experiences that led him to ultimately sue three different bodies. However, he lost all the lawsuits that he filed, in which he claimed that he was left with severe "post-traumatic symptoms" and suffered "distress". In the first case, he sued a New York City taqueria for damages, claiming that their salsa was too spicy. He alleged that the restaurant Los Tacos No.1, located in Times Square, failed to warn him how hot the salsa could be. Faycal Manz, an engineer and part-time law student, stated in court filings that a single bite of the self-serve green salsa left him with instant physical problems, The Independent reported. Documents from the federal court in the Southern District of New York show that he "immediately began suffering severe physical symptoms”. His heart rate shot up, and his tongue started burning. He added that the salsa also gave him mouth sores and gastrointestinal and emotional distress, and sought $100,000 in damages.</p><h2><strong>Hot salsa from Mexican restaurant in Times Square</strong></h2><p>“For someone like me, living in Germany and eating nothing spicy, it was a very big shock physically and mentally,” he said in the lawsuit. Despite everything he said, Manz lost, since Judge Dale E. Ho pointed out, “When it comes to salsa, the spice is often the point.” He added that even a simple Google search for Mexican food "salsa", or Los Tacos reviews, would show that the salsa "can be quite spicy". Meanwhile, the restaurant's legal team argues that Manz suffered because of his "own culpable conduct, carelessness, recklessness and negligence." Besides, court documents stated that Los Tacos No.1 described its salsa as "medium".</p><h2><strong>He sued Walmart and NYPD</strong></h2><p>The second trouble he faced was with Walmart. He sued the retail chain, stating that because he had a German phone number, he was denied access to the Wi-Fi in its Secaucus, New Jersey, store. He then sued the NYPD because the officers refused to take his statement or investigate the issue after he complained of an attack on a homeless person. Manz claimed it left him with “post-traumatic stress”. However, this case was also dismissed.</p>

The trip to New York in 2024 left this German tourist shocked when things did not go his way. He did not think the salsa would be hot. He also sued Walmart because he could not get access to the wifi in a store. He even sued the NYPD.

A German tourist visited New York City in 2024 and had a series of experiences that led him to ultimately sue three different bodies. However, he lost all the lawsuits that he filed, in which he claimed that he was left with severe "post-traumatic symptoms" and suffered "distress". In the first case, he sued a New York City taqueria for damages, claiming that their salsa was too spicy. He alleged that the restaurant Los Tacos No.1, located in Times Square, failed to warn him how hot the salsa could be. Faycal Manz, an engineer and part-time law student, stated in court filings that a single bite of the self-serve green salsa left him with instant physical problems, The Independent reported. Documents from the federal court in the Southern District of New York show that he "immediately began suffering severe physical symptoms”. His heart rate shot up, and his tongue started burning. He added that the salsa also gave him mouth sores and gastrointestinal and emotional distress, and sought $100,000 in damages. Hot salsa from Mexican restaurant in Times Square “For someone like me, living in Germany and eating nothing spicy, it was a very big shock physically and mentally,” he said in the lawsuit. Despite everything he said, Manz lost, since Judge Dale E. Ho pointed out, “When it comes to salsa, the spice is often the point.” He added that even a simple Google search for Mexican food "salsa", or Los Tacos reviews, would show that the salsa "can be quite spicy". Meanwhile, the restaurant's legal team argues that Manz suffered because of his "own culpable conduct, carelessness, recklessness and negligence." Besides, court documents stated that Los Tacos No.1 described its salsa as "medium". He sued Walmart and NYPD The second trouble he faced was with Walmart. He sued the retail chain, stating that because he had a German phone number, he was denied access to the Wi-Fi in its Secaucus, New Jersey, store. He then sued the NYPD because the officers refused to take his statement or investigate the issue after he complained of an attack on a homeless person. Manz claimed it left him with “post-traumatic stress”. However, this case was also dismissed.

<p>The trip to New York in 2024 left this German tourist shocked when things did not go his way. He did not think the salsa would be hot. He also sued Walmart because he could not get access to the wifi in a store. He even sued the NYPD.</p>

A trip to New York left a German tourist with PTSD. So he sued a Mexican restaurant, Walmart and NYPD

<p>Donald Trump might be fighting a war with Iran, but he is also apparently busy planning the next innovation he would like to bring to the White House. According to Rodney Mims Cook Jr, the head of the Commission of Fine Arts, the columns outside the presidential home might soon go away. He told the Washington Post that the Ionic columns at the main entrance of the White House will be replaced with those in the Corinthian style. These columns are more ornate, and the president loves them, Cook told the outlet. Corinthian columns also adorn two other most recognisable buildings in Washington - The Capitol and the Supreme Court. The columns belong to Greek architecture and are considered its most luxurious offering. In fact, several of Trump's own buildings also have the Corinthian columns. &nbsp;The current columns along the White House’s North Portico have been standing tall since 1830. The White House has not officially said anything about replacing the columns.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump appointed Cook as the head of the Commission of Fine Arts in October 2025. The department is responsible for advising the president on design, style and aesthetics. "Corinthian is the highest order [of column], and that’s what our other two branches of government have," Cook said. He even expressed shock at the original decision of not having them in the first place. "Why the White House didn’t originally use them, at least on the north front, which is considered the front door, is beyond me," he said. But experts don't think the Corinthian is appropriate for a structure like the White House. Steven Semes, a professor emeritus of architecture at the University of Notre Dame and an expert in classical architecture, told WaPo, "The Corinthian would be inappropriate for the Executive Residence."</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ballroom-construction-is-critical-for-security-concerns-white-house-tells-court-1765905834001"><strong>Ballroom construction is critical for security concerns: White House tells court</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Trump is building a grand ballroom at the White House</strong></h2><p>He added that Ionic columns represent "the character of dignity, grace and a kind of intimacy or domesticity," and suit White House well since it is considered the "People's House". On the other hand, Corinthians are "used to express the height of formality and monumentality". Cook and others were appointed to the commission after all six previous members were fired. The White House said the new team was better suited to Trump's taste. The building is already undergoing major renovations as Trump is building a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. While the president said in July after signing an order that the addition would not affect the existing building, the entire two-story East Wing of the White House, built in 1902, has vanished.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued Trump over the ballroom, saying the required permissions and authorisations were not taken from Congress. Trump also has plans to build a 250-foot arch and revamp ​the Kennedy Centre.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

The columns at the White House could soon become a thing of the past as the head of the Commission of Fine Arts plans to replace them with something more intricate. He recently told the Washington Post that Trump likes more ornate columns, and so they might soon have Corinthian-styled ones.

Donald Trump might be fighting a war with Iran, but he is also apparently busy planning the next innovation he would like to bring to the White House. According to Rodney Mims Cook Jr, the head of the Commission of Fine Arts, the columns outside the presidential home might soon go away. He told the Washington Post that the Ionic columns at the main entrance of the White House will be replaced with those in the Corinthian style. These columns are more ornate, and the president loves them, Cook told the outlet. Corinthian columns also adorn two other most recognisable buildings in Washington - The Capitol and the Supreme Court. The columns belong to Greek architecture and are considered its most luxurious offering. In fact, several of Trump's own buildings also have the Corinthian columns. The current columns along the White House’s North Portico have been standing tall since 1830. The White House has not officially said anything about replacing the columns. Trump appointed Cook as the head of the Commission of Fine Arts in October 2025. The department is responsible for advising the president on design, style and aesthetics. "Corinthian is the highest order [of column], and that’s what our other two branches of government have," Cook said. He even expressed shock at the original decision of not having them in the first place. "Why the White House didn’t originally use them, at least on the north front, which is considered the front door, is beyond me," he said. But experts don't think the Corinthian is appropriate for a structure like the White House. Steven Semes, a professor emeritus of architecture at the University of Notre Dame and an expert in classical architecture, told WaPo, "The Corinthian would be inappropriate for the Executive Residence." Also Read: Ballroom construction is critical for security concerns: White House tells court Trump is building a grand ballroom at the White House He added that Ionic columns represent "the character of dignity, grace and a kind of intimacy or domesticity," and suit White House well since it is considered the "People's House". On the other hand, Corinthians are "used to express the height of formality and monumentality". Cook and others were appointed to the commission after all six previous members were fired. The White House said the new team was better suited to Trump's taste. The building is already undergoing major renovations as Trump is building a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. While the president said in July after signing an order that the addition would not affect the existing building, the entire two-story East Wing of the White House, built in 1902, has vanished. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued Trump over the ballroom, saying the required permissions and authorisations were not taken from Congress. Trump also has plans to build a 250-foot arch and revamp the Kennedy Centre.

<p>The columns at the White House could soon become a thing of the past as the head of the Commission of Fine Arts plans to replace them with something more intricate. He recently told the Washington Post that Trump likes more ornate columns, and so they might soon have Corinthian-styled ones.</p>

White House columns to go? Nearly 200-year-old structures could soon be chucked

<p>An African king long thought to be a mythical figure has been proven to have existed. Archaeologists have found proof that Nubian King Qashqash lived hundreds of years ago in the Christian kingdom of Makuria. Digging through the ruins of the ancient city of Old Dongola in northern Sudan revealed a scrap of paper carrying an administrative order issued in the name of King Qashqash. It was part of the nearly two dozen pieces of the 500-year-old paper that were found in the ruins. The study published in Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa states that excavation was carried out at a structure that was once the residence of a high-status leader. It is located near the eastern bank of the Nile, and is known as building A.1, or the House of the Mekk. The edict is in Arabic and simply carries an order on textiles and livestock for the subordinate. It bears the name of King Qashqash, who has remained a fictional person till now.</p><h2><strong>Makurian history was slowly erased&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Study authors wrote that "numismatic evidence, radiocarbon dating, and written sources" were used to investigate "rulership, social interactions, and Arabization in Dongola during the Funj period." The researchers added that the discovery of a paper with the king's order, among other findings at Old Dongola, offers an insight into the network of connections before the colonial era started. The Kingdom of Makuria flourished in the medieval era. However, it started declining after the 14th century, which also caused its history to be slowly deleted. Historians did not have much to study after one point, especially empirical evidence from the 16th and 17th centuries. There was nothing to prove the existence of King Qashqash, leading to him becoming a fictional king in the absence of proof.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-cikai-korran-came-here-2-000-years-ago-indian-man-scribbled-his-name-in-tamil-on-8-egyptian-tombs-1773298022463"><strong>'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs</strong></a><br>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-find-unexpected-structure-hiding-for-2-000-years-7-000-feet-high-in-swiss-alps-1773647281416"><strong>Archaeologists find unexpected structure hiding for 2,000 years 7,000 feet high in Swiss Alps</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Dating the paper and other material discovered</strong></h2><p>Determining the age of the paper depended on nearby organic material and the coins, since the order did not have a date. "Although the archaeological context suggests a later date, internal analysis and comparisons with other sources indicate that it most likely dates to the late 16th or early 17th century," the authors wrote. The researchers stated that the size of the building was a clue that a powerful figure higher up in the social order owned it. They came across more than 20 letters, notes, and legal records, along with textiles, jewellery, leather shoes and a dagger handle crafted from ivory or rhino horn.&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/greek-oracle-entered-a-trance-and-told-people-their-future-turns-out-she-was-just-high-1772705915815"><strong>Oracle of Delphi told Alexander the Great his future. Turns out, the 'spaced-out' woman was lying to him</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>The 4 by 3.5-inch scrap was written by Hamad, the court scribe, and was addressed to a person named Khidr. King Qashqash ordered him to get an ewe from someone named Abd al-Jabir, give it to Muhammad al-Arab and take three textile units in exchange. The study authors wrote that it represents "a rare instance in which a figure previously confined to the domain of hagiographic literature and oral traditions can be situated within a verifiable historical framework" with archaeological evidence backing it.</p>

Nubian King Qashqash was considered a fictional ruler from Africa since there were barely any records to show that he was a real person. But archaeologists have now come across written proof that shows he was not a mythical figure. 

An African king long thought to be a mythical figure has been proven to have existed. Archaeologists have found proof that Nubian King Qashqash lived hundreds of years ago in the Christian kingdom of Makuria. Digging through the ruins of the ancient city of Old Dongola in northern Sudan revealed a scrap of paper carrying an administrative order issued in the name of King Qashqash. It was part of the nearly two dozen pieces of the 500-year-old paper that were found in the ruins. The study published in Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa states that excavation was carried out at a structure that was once the residence of a high-status leader. It is located near the eastern bank of the Nile, and is known as building A.1, or the House of the Mekk. The edict is in Arabic and simply carries an order on textiles and livestock for the subordinate. It bears the name of King Qashqash, who has remained a fictional person till now. Makurian history was slowly erased Study authors wrote that "numismatic evidence, radiocarbon dating, and written sources" were used to investigate "rulership, social interactions, and Arabization in Dongola during the Funj period." The researchers added that the discovery of a paper with the king's order, among other findings at Old Dongola, offers an insight into the network of connections before the colonial era started. The Kingdom of Makuria flourished in the medieval era. However, it started declining after the 14th century, which also caused its history to be slowly deleted. Historians did not have much to study after one point, especially empirical evidence from the 16th and 17th centuries. There was nothing to prove the existence of King Qashqash, leading to him becoming a fictional king in the absence of proof. Also Read: 'Cikai Korran came here': 2,000 years ago, Indian man scribbled his name in Tamil on Egyptian tombs Also Read: Archaeologists find unexpected structure hiding for 2,000 years 7,000 feet high in Swiss Alps Dating the paper and other material discovered Determining the age of the paper depended on nearby organic material and the coins, since the order did not have a date. "Although the archaeological context suggests a later date, internal analysis and comparisons with other sources indicate that it most likely dates to the late 16th or early 17th century," the authors wrote. The researchers stated that the size of the building was a clue that a powerful figure higher up in the social order owned it. They came across more than 20 letters, notes, and legal records, along with textiles, jewellery, leather shoes and a dagger handle crafted from ivory or rhino horn. Also Read: Oracle of Delphi told Alexander the Great his future. Turns out, the 'spaced-out' woman was lying to him The 4 by 3.5-inch scrap was written by Hamad, the court scribe, and was addressed to a person named Khidr. King Qashqash ordered him to get an ewe from someone named Abd al-Jabir, give it to Muhammad al-Arab and take three textile units in exchange. The study authors wrote that it represents "a rare instance in which a figure previously confined to the domain of hagiographic literature and oral traditions can be situated within a verifiable historical framework" with archaeological evidence backing it.

<p>Nubian King Qashqash was considered a fictional ruler from Africa since there were barely any records to show that he was a real person. But archaeologists have now come across written proof that shows he was not a mythical figure.&nbsp;</p>

Mythical African king is proved real as archaeologists dig up an order he wrote 500 years ago

<p>Nearly 60 years ago, an unknown force disabled 20 US nuclear missiles and prevented World War 3, an ex-US Air Force missile launch officer has claimed. He said in a podcast that strange lights moving around beamed a signal that went straight through the missiles and left them non-functional. The incident happened during the height of the Cold War at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base in 1967, Robert Salas claimed. He said that 20 of the military's Minuteman I intercontinental ballistic missiles went from green to red when a fast-moving light hovering over the facility emitted a bright red glow. Talking on the Danny Jones Podcast, Salas said everyone was convinced that the lights were not from any Soviet vehicle, Daily Mail reported. The missiles were hidden deep underground with jammers around the facility, and yet the signal from these UFOs penetrated and reached the missiles. Salas said he is sure that it was the handiwork of "intelligent non-human civilisations" who visited Earth to prevent World War 3 and a nuclear holocaust.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/william-neil-mccasland-classified-space-weapons-program-america-ufo-secrets-is-missing-1773064076407"><strong>Man in charge of classified space weapons program who knew all about America's UFO secrets is missing</strong></a></p><p>Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-we-returned-to-warn-us-personnel-says-he-got-a-cryptic-message-from-the-future-1768812496264"><strong> 'WE RETURNED TO WARN...': US personnel says he got a cryptic message from the future</strong></a></p><h2><strong>10 ICBMs went offline, guards claimed they saw strange lights</strong></h2><p>"It's another civilisation out there that is visiting us and is concerned about us destroying this planet through nuclear war, for many reasons, probably some we don't even understand," he said. The first time it happened was on March 16, 1967. Ten ICBMs went offline without warning. On March 24, the topside security guard called him around 10 pm and told him about multiple strange lights over the nuclear weapons base. The guards claimed they saw the lights making 90-degree turns. Salas did not pay heed to them, but then received another call from security, who saw a pulsating reddish light coming from a UFO hovering over the front gate. Later, similar lights were seen above two of the missile silos, and then all of a sudden, a horn went off. This signalled that something was wrong with the missiles.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/files-on-secret-alien-and-ufo-programs-vanish-hours-after-trump-s-order-deletion-not-corruption-1771922604653"><strong>3.8bn Black Vault files on secret alien and UFO programmes vanish hours after Trump's order: ‘Deletion not corruption’</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Everyone at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base signed NDAs</strong></h2><p>"Look at the board and sure enough, one of them went from green to red. No go. No launch, no ability to launch," Salas told Jones. Incursion lights also went off, indicating an intrusion in the missile area. The UFOs quickly vanished, and Salas and others were made to sign strict non-disclosure agreements by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) personnel, never to reveal what had transpired at the nuclear base. Aerospace company Boeing investigated what led to the warheads being shut down, but could not find a plausible reason. Later, they concluded that an external electromagnetic signal disrupted the guidance and control systems of the missiles. Salas said he decided to finally talk about it because he saw a similar incident mentioned in a publicly available UFO book.<br>&nbsp;</p>

In 1967, something mysterious happened at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base. Twenty nuclear missiles hidden underground went offline. Guards said strange lights above the base beamed a signal. A former Air Force officer is convinced “intelligent non-humans” came to save Earth.

Nearly 60 years ago, an unknown force disabled 20 US nuclear missiles and prevented World War 3, an ex-US Air Force missile launch officer has claimed. He said in a podcast that strange lights moving around beamed a signal that went straight through the missiles and left them non-functional. The incident happened during the height of the Cold War at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base in 1967, Robert Salas claimed. He said that 20 of the military's Minuteman I intercontinental ballistic missiles went from green to red when a fast-moving light hovering over the facility emitted a bright red glow. Talking on the Danny Jones Podcast, Salas said everyone was convinced that the lights were not from any Soviet vehicle, Daily Mail reported. The missiles were hidden deep underground with jammers around the facility, and yet the signal from these UFOs penetrated and reached the missiles. Salas said he is sure that it was the handiwork of "intelligent non-human civilisations" who visited Earth to prevent World War 3 and a nuclear holocaust. Also Read: Man in charge of classified space weapons program who knew all about America's UFO secrets is missing Also Read: 'WE RETURNED TO WARN...': US personnel says he got a cryptic message from the future 10 ICBMs went offline, guards claimed they saw strange lights "It's another civilisation out there that is visiting us and is concerned about us destroying this planet through nuclear war, for many reasons, probably some we don't even understand," he said. The first time it happened was on March 16, 1967. Ten ICBMs went offline without warning. On March 24, the topside security guard called him around 10 pm and told him about multiple strange lights over the nuclear weapons base. The guards claimed they saw the lights making 90-degree turns. Salas did not pay heed to them, but then received another call from security, who saw a pulsating reddish light coming from a UFO hovering over the front gate. Later, similar lights were seen above two of the missile silos, and then all of a sudden, a horn went off. This signalled that something was wrong with the missiles. Also Read: 3.8bn Black Vault files on secret alien and UFO programmes vanish hours after Trump's order: ‘Deletion not corruption’ Everyone at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base signed NDAs "Look at the board and sure enough, one of them went from green to red. No go. No launch, no ability to launch," Salas told Jones. Incursion lights also went off, indicating an intrusion in the missile area. The UFOs quickly vanished, and Salas and others were made to sign strict non-disclosure agreements by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) personnel, never to reveal what had transpired at the nuclear base. Aerospace company Boeing investigated what led to the warheads being shut down, but could not find a plausible reason. Later, they concluded that an external electromagnetic signal disrupted the guidance and control systems of the missiles. Salas said he decided to finally talk about it because he saw a similar incident mentioned in a publicly available UFO book.

<p>In 1967, something mysterious happened at Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base. Twenty nuclear missiles hidden underground went offline. Guards said strange lights above the base beamed a signal. A former Air Force officer is convinced “intelligent non-humans” came to save Earth.</p>

Nuclear base, strange lights, and POOF: Ex-Air Force officer claims 'intelligent non-humans' saved Earth

<p>Don Quixote, a great literary character, is a cautionary tale of a self-proclaimed hero acting on flawed perceptions, often influenced by misleading advice. Actions similar to his— going into battle with perceived enemies like windmills — are called ‘quixotic’. With no immediate end in sight, the Iran war is slowly proving that President Donald Trump and his administration may have made a series of quixotic mistakes. These include not understanding Iran’s resilience, misjudging the speed of victory, not anticipating that Tehran would expand the war into the Gulf region, failing to secure allies' support, and not taking into account the global consequences of a war in which the world economy itself became a weapon. Here are 20 reasons why Trump is proving to be a new-age Don Quixote:</p><h2>1. Bad advice and overconfidence</h2><p>Trump and his team, led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, appear to have relied on overly optimistic assessments that downplayed the risks of war. Shortly before the war escalated, Energy Secretary Chris Wright dismissed fears of oil market disruption. Advisers reportedly ignored warnings of sustained Iranian economic retaliation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have portrayed Iran’s regime as a fragile “house of cards” likely to collapse quickly under sustained bombardment. Some military officials’ cautions about Iran’s unwillingness to yield quickly were sidelined.</p><h2>2. Lack of domestic or allied nations' support</h2><p>The US struggled to secure backing from key allies, including those in Europe and members of the NATO military alliance. Trump’s requests for naval support to secure the Strait of Hormuz—including minesweepers and warships—were either declined or limited by partners such as the UK and Japan. Trump publicly criticised allies for a lack of reciprocity after decades of US security commitments. As he faces a midterm elections, both the Democrats and much of the American media are not enthused about the war, either.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-don-t-need-oil-on-day-18-of-war-trump-says-he-attacked-iran-to-save-other-countries-1773713367047">'We don't need oil': On Day 18 of war, Trump says he attacked Iran to...</a></p><h2>3. Iran regime change assumptions fail in the face of reality</h2><p>The US-Israeli strategy assumed that decapitation strikes—targeting top leadership and killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—would lead to sudden regime collapse or capitulation. Instead, Iran replaced its leadership with a younger, more hardline figure, Mojtaba Khamenei. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continued operating effectively, often appearing independent of any central command structure. The regime suppressed internal unrest. Weeks into the conflict, there was no meaningful shift in control or regime change.</p><h2>4. Operational strains and military incidents</h2><p>Reports surfaced of a refuelling aircraft crashing in Iraq, the warship USS Abraham Lincoln suffering technical issues, and USS Gerald R Ford experiencing a fire while deployed in the Red Sea. Though not combat-related, these incidents exposed US operational strain during wartime deployment.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/is-iran-being-framed-abbas-araghchi-claims-trump-is-using-lucas-drones-that-match-shahed-perfectly-to-attack-arab-nations-1773580911417">Is Iran being framed? Abbas Araghchi claims US is using 'LUCAS' drones that match Shahed 'perfectly' to attack Arab nations</a></p><h2>5. Iran’s economic warfare via the Strait of Hormuz</h2><p>US planners underestimated Iran’s ability to retaliate asymmetrically using its control of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage. Iran threatened tankers, laid mines, and launched selective drone strikes on oil infrastructure in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Targets included the Shah gas field near Abu Dhabi, the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, Fujairah oil terminal, and Saudi Aramco facilities. Iran also warned civilians to evacuate ports and forced a halt in Gulf shipping, leading to a surge in oil prices of over 40 per cent. US gasoline costs rose, while global energy, food, fertiliser markets, and freight transport were disrupted.</p><h2>6. Too much time spent on build-up gave Iran time to prepare</h2><p>For weeks, the US carried out a military build-up before striking Iran on February 28, even as talks were ongoing for what Trump described as a ‘deal’, primarily centred on Iran giving up nuclear weapons ambitions. The prolonged build-up allowed Iran to harden defences, hide or reposition military assets, and prepare asymmetric responses such as drone attacks.&nbsp;</p><h2>7. Underestimating Iran’s resilience and pain tolerance</h2><p>Iran, which has prepared for decades for such a conflict, demonstrated a high tolerance for sustained war. Its multi-layered governance and defence systems allowed continuity despite leadership losses. Treating the war as existential, Iran used sustained missile and drone attacks to deplete US, Israeli, and allied air defence systems.</p><h2>8. Misjudging war duration and costs involved</h2><p>The US has already spent tens of billions of dollars on the war effort, with costs continuing to rise. Officials initially estimated the war would end within four to five weeks, but it has already entered the third week. Trump is alternating between claims of victory and appeals for international assistance.&nbsp;</p><h2>9. Iran’s quick regional escalation was unexpected</h2><p>Trump indicated he had not been advised that Iran would attack neighbouring US allies in the Gulf. Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait were targeted, along with attempted drone attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad. Iran also disrupted regional infrastructure, including airports and urban centres.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/saudi-arabia-s-mbs-speaks-with-trump-regularly-urges-harsh-actions-against-iran-report-1773651226374">Saudi Arabia’s MBS speaks with Trump regularly, urges harsh actions against Iran: Report</a></p><h2>10. A global war already</h2><p>The conflict quickly had global consequences. Economic fallout affected US and international markets, and Washington was forced to ease restrictions on Russian oil exports to stabilise global supply.&nbsp;</p><h2>11. Iran's proxies keep the war simmering</h2><p>Hezbollah is engaging Israeli forces in Lebanon, while the Houthis in Yemen have threatened to disrupt shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the Red Sea chokepoint. With no boots on the ground in Iran from either the US or Israel, decisive battlefield victory remains elusive. The war has become multi-front rather than single-theatre.</p><h2>12. Iranian power structures are more entrenched than anticipated</h2><p>The war has further consolidated the Islamic Republic’s internal power. Public displays of support, including large turnouts during Quds Day rallies, highlight internal cohesion. This reduces the likelihood that external military pressure alone can produce decisive outcomes.</p><h2>13. Mismatch between military success and real outcomes</h2><p>Trump frequently claimed that Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities have been largely destroyed. However, continued US attacks—including on strategic locations such as Kharg Island—suggest otherwise. Iran’s missile-launching capability may be degraded, but it continues to launch attacks, indicating the presence of hidden or dispersed assets.</p><h2>14. Nuclear disarmament or military degradation — unclear objective</h2><p>The US and Israel entered the war with the stated aim of eliminating Iran’s nuclear weapons capability and missile arsenal. Neither objective has been fully achieved. Iran continues to insist on retaining its civilian nuclear programme, complicating negotiations and prolonging the conflict.</p><h2>15. Iran turned US military presence in Gulf into a vulnerability</h2><p>Iran’s attacks on US military bases in Gulf countries—often using low-cost drones—have exposed vulnerabilities in these high-value installations. This has made the US presence a liability for host nations, many of which have remained defensive rather than actively joining the conflict.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-slams-allies-over-hormuz-mission-cites-no-enthusiasm-wion-1773733486200/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-slams-allies-over-hormuz-mission-cites-no-enthusiasm-wion-1773733486200/embed</a></p><h2>16. The trap of the escalation ladder</h2><p>Both sides appear locked in an escalation cycle, unwilling to de-escalate, yet unable to deliver a decisive blow. Iran has steadily increased the cost of war, while US-Israeli strikes have not achieved a breakthrough, creating a prolonged stalemate.</p><h2>17. Global supply chain strain as a weapon</h2><p>From the Strait of Hormuz to regional airports, Iran’s calculated targeting has created logistical disruptions. Missile and drone attacks have affected global supply chains, impacting everything from energy shipments to manufactured goods and food distribution.</p><h2>18. Cyberwar and non-traditional warfare opened new fronts</h2><p>Iran-linked groups have conducted cyberattacks on infrastructure and institutions, adding a significant cyber warfare dimension. Information warfare has also intensified, including control over domestic internet systems. These multiple fronts complicate the definition of victory.</p><h2>19. Economic interdependence limits decisive action</h2><p>Global oil market volatility, inflation risks, and energy supply disruptions have put pressure on all sides to avoid extreme escalation. As a result, neither side is pursuing total war, contributing to a prolonged stalemate.</p><h2>20. Iran’s ability to strike Israel over long distances</h2><p>Iran has demonstrated the capability to strike Israel from thousands of kilometres away. Some missile and drone attacks have penetrated Israeli air defence systems and landed within Israeli territory, exposing vulnerabilities despite the geographical distance.</p><p>Don Quixote had an adviser, Sancho Panza, who often protected him—even by giving misleading information to prevent reckless actions. The question remains whether Trump received sound advice. Did his aides, including son-in-law Jared Kushner, mislead him on the Iran war? Whatever the case, Trump may ultimately need to rely on his dealmaking approach to end the conflict through negotiations rather than prolonged warfare.</p>

The Iran war is slowly exposing US miscalculations—from overconfidence and weak allied backing to Iran’s resilience, proxy warfare and economic disruption. With no decisive victory in sight, is this turning out to be a quixotic excursion for Trump?

Don Quixote, a great literary character, is a cautionary tale of a self-proclaimed hero acting on flawed perceptions, often influenced by misleading advice. Actions similar to his— going into battle with perceived enemies like windmills — are called ‘quixotic’. With no immediate end in sight, the Iran war is slowly proving that President Donald Trump and his administration may have made a series of quixotic mistakes. These include not understanding Iran’s resilience, misjudging the speed of victory, not anticipating that Tehran would expand the war into the Gulf region, failing to secure allies' support, and not taking into account the global consequences of a war in which the world economy itself became a weapon. Here are 20 reasons why Trump is proving to be a new-age Don Quixote: 1. Bad advice and overconfidence Trump and his team, led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, appear to have relied on overly optimistic assessments that downplayed the risks of war. Shortly before the war escalated, Energy Secretary Chris Wright dismissed fears of oil market disruption. Advisers reportedly ignored warnings of sustained Iranian economic retaliation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have portrayed Iran’s regime as a fragile “house of cards” likely to collapse quickly under sustained bombardment. Some military officials’ cautions about Iran’s unwillingness to yield quickly were sidelined. 2. Lack of domestic or allied nations' support The US struggled to secure backing from key allies, including those in Europe and members of the NATO military alliance. Trump’s requests for naval support to secure the Strait of Hormuz—including minesweepers and warships—were either declined or limited by partners such as the UK and Japan. Trump publicly criticised allies for a lack of reciprocity after decades of US security commitments. As he faces a midterm elections, both the Democrats and much of the American media are not enthused about the war, either. Also read: 'We don't need oil': On Day 18 of war, Trump says he attacked Iran to... 3. Iran regime change assumptions fail in the face of reality The US-Israeli strategy assumed that decapitation strikes—targeting top leadership and killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—would lead to sudden regime collapse or capitulation. Instead, Iran replaced its leadership with a younger, more hardline figure, Mojtaba Khamenei. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continued operating effectively, often appearing independent of any central command structure. The regime suppressed internal unrest. Weeks into the conflict, there was no meaningful shift in control or regime change. 4. Operational strains and military incidents Reports surfaced of a refuelling aircraft crashing in Iraq, the warship USS Abraham Lincoln suffering technical issues, and USS Gerald R Ford experiencing a fire while deployed in the Red Sea. Though not combat-related, these incidents exposed US operational strain during wartime deployment. Also read: Is Iran being framed? Abbas Araghchi claims US is using 'LUCAS' drones that match Shahed 'perfectly' to attack Arab nations 5. Iran’s economic warfare via the Strait of Hormuz US planners underestimated Iran’s ability to retaliate asymmetrically using its control of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage. Iran threatened tankers, laid mines, and launched selective drone strikes on oil infrastructure in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Targets included the Shah gas field near Abu Dhabi, the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, Fujairah oil terminal, and Saudi Aramco facilities. Iran also warned civilians to evacuate ports and forced a halt in Gulf shipping, leading to a surge in oil prices of over 40 per cent. US gasoline costs rose, while global energy, food, fertiliser markets, and freight transport were disrupted. 6. Too much time spent on build-up gave Iran time to prepare For weeks, the US carried out a military build-up before striking Iran on February 28, even as talks were ongoing for what Trump described as a ‘deal’, primarily centred on Iran giving up nuclear weapons ambitions. The prolonged build-up allowed Iran to harden defences, hide or reposition military assets, and prepare asymmetric responses such as drone attacks. 7. Underestimating Iran’s resilience and pain tolerance Iran, which has prepared for decades for such a conflict, demonstrated a high tolerance for sustained war. Its multi-layered governance and defence systems allowed continuity despite leadership losses. Treating the war as existential, Iran used sustained missile and drone attacks to deplete US, Israeli, and allied air defence systems. 8. Misjudging war duration and costs involved The US has already spent tens of billions of dollars on the war effort, with costs continuing to rise. Officials initially estimated the war would end within four to five weeks, but it has already entered the third week. Trump is alternating between claims of victory and appeals for international assistance. 9. Iran’s quick regional escalation was unexpected Trump indicated he had not been advised that Iran would attack neighbouring US allies in the Gulf. Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait were targeted, along with attempted drone attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad. Iran also disrupted regional infrastructure, including airports and urban centres. Also read: Saudi Arabia’s MBS speaks with Trump regularly, urges harsh actions against Iran: Report 10. A global war already The conflict quickly had global consequences. Economic fallout affected US and international markets, and Washington was forced to ease restrictions on Russian oil exports to stabilise global supply. 11. Iran's proxies keep the war simmering Hezbollah is engaging Israeli forces in Lebanon, while the Houthis in Yemen have threatened to disrupt shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the Red Sea chokepoint. With no boots on the ground in Iran from either the US or Israel, decisive battlefield victory remains elusive. The war has become multi-front rather than single-theatre. 12. Iranian power structures are more entrenched than anticipated The war has further consolidated the Islamic Republic’s internal power. Public displays of support, including large turnouts during Quds Day rallies, highlight internal cohesion. This reduces the likelihood that external military pressure alone can produce decisive outcomes. 13. Mismatch between military success and real outcomes Trump frequently claimed that Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities have been largely destroyed. However, continued US attacks—including on strategic locations such as Kharg Island—suggest otherwise. Iran’s missile-launching capability may be degraded, but it continues to launch attacks, indicating the presence of hidden or dispersed assets. 14. Nuclear disarmament or military degradation — unclear objective The US and Israel entered the war with the stated aim of eliminating Iran’s nuclear weapons capability and missile arsenal. Neither objective has been fully achieved. Iran continues to insist on retaining its civilian nuclear programme, complicating negotiations and prolonging the conflict. 15. Iran turned US military presence in Gulf into a vulnerability Iran’s attacks on US military bases in Gulf countries—often using low-cost drones—have exposed vulnerabilities in these high-value installations. This has made the US presence a liability for host nations, many of which have remained defensive rather than actively joining the conflict. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-slams-allies-over-hormuz-mission-cites-no-enthusiasm-wion-1773733486200/embed 16. The trap of the escalation ladder Both sides appear locked in an escalation cycle, unwilling to de-escalate, yet unable to deliver a decisive blow. Iran has steadily increased the cost of war, while US-Israeli strikes have not achieved a breakthrough, creating a prolonged stalemate. 17. Global supply chain strain as a weapon From the Strait of Hormuz to regional airports, Iran’s calculated targeting has created logistical disruptions. Missile and drone attacks have affected global supply chains, impacting everything from energy shipments to manufactured goods and food distribution. 18. Cyberwar and non-traditional warfare opened new fronts Iran-linked groups have conducted cyberattacks on infrastructure and institutions, adding a significant cyber warfare dimension. Information warfare has also intensified, including control over domestic internet systems. These multiple fronts complicate the definition of victory. 19. Economic interdependence limits decisive action Global oil market volatility, inflation risks, and energy supply disruptions have put pressure on all sides to avoid extreme escalation. As a result, neither side is pursuing total war, contributing to a prolonged stalemate. 20. Iran’s ability to strike Israel over long distances Iran has demonstrated the capability to strike Israel from thousands of kilometres away. Some missile and drone attacks have penetrated Israeli air defence systems and landed within Israeli territory, exposing vulnerabilities despite the geographical distance. Don Quixote had an adviser, Sancho Panza, who often protected him—even by giving misleading information to prevent reckless actions. The question remains whether Trump received sound advice. Did his aides, including son-in-law Jared Kushner, mislead him on the Iran war? Whatever the case, Trump may ultimately need to rely on his dealmaking approach to end the conflict through negotiations rather than prolonged warfare.

<p>The Iran war is slowly exposing US miscalculations—from overconfidence and weak allied backing to Iran’s resilience, proxy warfare and economic disruption. With no decisive victory in sight, is this turning out to be a quixotic excursion for Trump?</p>

Donald Quixote? Iran is no windmill- 20 reasons why Trump may have been misled by advisors, allies about winning the war

<p>Chinese police reportedly detained a humanoid robot in Macau after it allegedly scared a 70-year-old woman. The incident took place in the evening while the woman was walking in the vicinity of the Lok Yeung Fa Yuen residential complex in Patane last Thursday, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The robot model, a Unitree G1, abruptly stopped behind the old woman while she was on her phone. As soon as she noticed the robot, the old lady panicked and reportedly shouted, “You’re making my heart race! You’ve got plenty to do, so what’s the point of messing around with this? Are you freaking crazy?”, according to the Macau Post.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During the incident, the woman was not physically harmed; however, she was still rushed to the hospital as a precautionary measure and later discharged. The video went viral after the whole incident surfaced on a social media platform. After the video was widely shared on social media, several users mocked the arrest of a robot, raising serious concerns about the safety and regulation in public areas.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨A humanoid robot arrested by police in Macau,China, after it allegedly frightened a 70-year-old woman. <a href="https://t.co/XsFuqp8YOl">pic.twitter.com/XsFuqp8YOl</a></p>&mdash; Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indianinfoguide/status/2033556078064222389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The viral video shows two officers stepping in and escorting the robot away. They also cautioned its operator, a 50-year-old man, advising him to exercise greater care while using the device in public areas. The robot was later handed back to him.</p><h3>Education centre representative defends robot</h3><p>According to a local broadcaster, the robot was being tested by a local education centre. Towin Mak, a representative of the centre, told Teledifusao de Macau (TDM) that the incident occurred as the robot was leaving the area and had paused behind a woman to wait for her to move.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The woman stopped in the middle of the walkway to check her phone, and because the robot couldn’t get around, it simply waited behind her, that’s when she noticed the robot with its lights on, startling her, given the late hour", the representative claimed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Unitree G1 is a commercially available humanoid robot, around four feet tall, built for educational and promotional use, and equipped with advanced obstacle detection systems and depth cameras.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/viral-baby-monkey-punch-lucks-out-finds-love-kisses-and-friends-video-1773725253760">Viral baby monkey Punch lucks out; finds love, kisses and friends - VIDEO</a></p>

During the incident, the woman was not physically harmed; however, she was still rushed to the hospital as a precautionary measure and later discharged. The video of the incident went viral after it was posted on social media.

Chinese police reportedly detained a humanoid robot in Macau after it allegedly scared a 70-year-old woman. The incident took place in the evening while the woman was walking in the vicinity of the Lok Yeung Fa Yuen residential complex in Patane last Thursday, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The robot model, a Unitree G1, abruptly stopped behind the old woman while she was on her phone. As soon as she noticed the robot, the old lady panicked and reportedly shouted, “You’re making my heart race! You’ve got plenty to do, so what’s the point of messing around with this? Are you freaking crazy?”, according to the Macau Post. During the incident, the woman was not physically harmed; however, she was still rushed to the hospital as a precautionary measure and later discharged. The video went viral after the whole incident surfaced on a social media platform. After the video was widely shared on social media, several users mocked the arrest of a robot, raising serious concerns about the safety and regulation in public areas.

<p>During the incident, the woman was not physically harmed; however, she was still rushed to the hospital as a precautionary measure and later discharged. The video of the incident went viral after it was posted on social media.</p>

‘You’re making my heart race!’: Humanoid robot 'arrested' for scaring 70-year-old woman in China | VIDEO

<p>Punch, the monkey who went viral for carrying an orange comfort plushie after being pushed away by his mother, seems to have found love. The macaque has been seen cuddling and kissing a female macaque believed to be named Momo-chan at Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo. Videos posted on X and other social media platforms show Punch playing around with Momo-chan. The duo can be seen chasing each other, jumping around and having a good time in different clips posted on the internet. His orange plushie orangutan can also be seen lying right next to them as they hug and cuddle each other. Punch attracted online attention after he was seen carrying the long-legged toy with him after being shunned by his mother and bullied by other monkeys. Seeing him all alone, zoo workers gave him a towel and another soft toy to ease his loneliness. Punch chose the orangutan plushie and always kept it with him.</p><h2><strong>Videos of Punch with his lover and friends</strong></h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">&quot;Punch&quot;:<br>Porque se hizo una novia que lo manosea a cada rato para jugar con él.<a href="https://t.co/1VSVyE8Q21">pic.twitter.com/1VSVyE8Q21</a></p>&mdash; Tendencias (@TTendenciaX) <a href="https://twitter.com/TTendenciaX/status/2033650694465478952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Punch was happily cuddling with his Oran Mama plush when Momiage came over and invited him to play. They started their cute wrestling game—until a bigger monkey got jealous and scared them off! 😠 Momiage ran one way, and Punch dashed back to grab his plushie before bolting to… <a href="https://t.co/bAn7JLY0MC">pic.twitter.com/bAn7JLY0MC</a></p>&mdash; Therapeutic Videos (@therapeuticvids) <a href="https://twitter.com/therapeuticvids/status/2033447587488190901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-punch-stroked-our-emotional-side-we-ignored-dark-lives-of-macaque-monkeys-1772022551764"><strong>As Punch stroked our emotional side, we ignored dark lives of macaque monkeys</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Punch seen engaging with other monkeys&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He made people weep on the internet who sympathised with the animal, which was relying on a toy for company after being left all alone. Visitors started to reach the zoo located near Tokyo to see the viral monkey in the flesh with his plushie. However, things have taken a turn for Punch, who not only has found love but also gained friends. The latest pictures show him mingling with other monkeys, as they groom him and even carry him on their backs. He is now exhibiting and has entered social relations common with monkeys. When the Ichikawa City Zoo workers gave Punch the orange orangutan plushie, they were hoping that he would outgrow it soon. Zoo director Shigekazu Mizushina said at the time, "When he grows out of the plush toy that encourages his independence, and that's what we are hoping for."</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hang-in-there-punch-rejected-baby-monkey-carries-plushie-everywhere-internet-rallies-behind-him-this-is-his-story-1771568748975"><strong>Meet internet's new sweetheart: Punch, baby monkey who carries a plushie everywhere. THIS is his story</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="ja" dir="ltr">子ザルのパンチくんの大冒険🐒<br>パンチ&amp;モエ デート中にキス💋💕<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%81%8C%E3%82%93%E3%81%B0%E3%82%8C%E3%83%91%E3%83%B3%E3%83%81?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#がんばれパンチ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%83%91%E3%83%B3%E3%83%81?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#パンチ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panchi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panchi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%83%91%E3%83%B3%E3%83%81%E3%81%8F%E3%82%93%E3%81%AE%E5%A4%A7%E5%86%92%E9%99%BA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#パンチくんの大冒険</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunchTheMonkey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunchTheMonkey</a> <a href="https://t.co/kGyiwxX9D0">pic.twitter.com/kGyiwxX9D0</a></p>&mdash; ミハミハ (@mihamiha_trend) <a href="https://twitter.com/mihamiha_trend/status/2033781501759000657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Ichikawa City Zoo insisted that Punch was never bullied by his mates. "Although Punch has been scolded many times by other monkeys, no single monkey has shown serious aggression toward him," the zoo posted on social media. Videos showed the other monkeys pushing him, but the zoo said they do not want people to feel sorry for him, and instead they should "support Punch's effort" when he "tries to communicate with them."&nbsp;</p>

Punch baby monkey has found a lover and also friends at the Japanese zoo. He was seen hitching a ride on the back of one of the monkeys and cuddling and kissing his partner. The macaque went viral after he was seen dragging a plushie everywhere because he had no one else to talk to. 

Punch, the monkey who went viral for carrying an orange comfort plushie after being pushed away by his mother, seems to have found love. The macaque has been seen cuddling and kissing a female macaque believed to be named Momo-chan at Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo. Videos posted on X and other social media platforms show Punch playing around with Momo-chan. The duo can be seen chasing each other, jumping around and having a good time in different clips posted on the internet. His orange plushie orangutan can also be seen lying right next to them as they hug and cuddle each other. Punch attracted online attention after he was seen carrying the long-legged toy with him after being shunned by his mother and bullied by other monkeys. Seeing him all alone, zoo workers gave him a towel and another soft toy to ease his loneliness. Punch chose the orangutan plushie and always kept it with him. Videos of Punch with his lover and friends

<p>Punch baby monkey has found a lover and also friends at the Japanese zoo. He was seen hitching a ride on the back of one of the monkeys and cuddling and kissing his partner. The macaque went viral after he was seen dragging a plushie everywhere because he had no one else to talk to.&nbsp;</p>

Viral baby monkey Punch lucks out; finds love, kisses and friends - VIDEO

<p>US President Donald Trump on Monday said he could “take” Cuba, as the island nation plunged into a nationwide blackout triggered by a deepening fuel crisis linked to Washington’s oil pressure campaign. He said he believes he'll have the "honour of taking Cuba". Trump's latest statement on the US "taking" a neighbouring nation comes after America captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and as the nation, for the 18th day, remains engaged in a war with Iran.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-friendly-takeover-of-another-us-neighbour-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-cuba-us-cuba-nicolas-maduro-1772259439086"><strong>Trump threatens 'friendly takeover' of another US neighbour. Here's all you need to know</strong></a></p><h2><strong>When will the US 'take' Iran?</strong></h2><p>“You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I do believe I’ll be… having the honour of taking Cuba,” he added, before going further.</p><p>Referring to Cuba, which is currently facing a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil embargo imposed by Washington as a "weakened nation" he forebodingly added, "Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it." This marked one of Trump's most explicit threats against the communist ruled nation.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-a-question-of-time-trump-vows-to-turn-us-focus-to-cuba-once-iran-conflict-is-finished-israel-tehran-carribean-island-1772759431337"><strong>'It's a question of time': Trump vows to turn US focus to THIS neighbour once Iran war is 'finished'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>US wants a regime change in Cuba?</strong></h2><p>As the US and Cuba hold talks on the island nation's future, Trump has told administration officials that he wants President Miguel Diaz-Canel removed from power. According to a New York Times report, Trump is looking to topple the leftist Diaz-Canal but is open to letting the communist government hold onto power.</p><h2><strong>Blackout in Cuba</strong></h2><p>This comes as Cuba’s national power grid collapsed, leaving much of the country without electricity.</p><p>Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE) in a statement described it as a “complete shutdown of the national grid,” with efforts underway to restore supply. Power cuts have become routine across the island in recent months, with some regions facing outages lasting up to 20 hours a day.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Declaring that he can do "anything I want" with a "weakened nation," President Donald Trump has signalled that Cuba is the next target in his global campaign of reasserting American power. Here's what he said.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he could “take” Cuba, as the island nation plunged into a nationwide blackout triggered by a deepening fuel crisis linked to Washington’s oil pressure campaign. He said he believes he'll have the "honour of taking Cuba". Trump's latest statement on the US "taking" a neighbouring nation comes after America captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and as the nation, for the 18th day, remains engaged in a war with Iran. Also read | Trump threatens 'friendly takeover' of another US neighbour. Here's all you need to know When will the US 'take' Iran? “You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I do believe I’ll be… having the honour of taking Cuba,” he added, before going further. Referring to Cuba, which is currently facing a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil embargo imposed by Washington as a "weakened nation" he forebodingly added, "Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it." This marked one of Trump's most explicit threats against the communist ruled nation. Also read | 'It's a question of time': Trump vows to turn US focus to THIS neighbour once Iran war is 'finished' US wants a regime change in Cuba? As the US and Cuba hold talks on the island nation's future, Trump has told administration officials that he wants President Miguel Diaz-Canel removed from power. According to a New York Times report, Trump is looking to topple the leftist Diaz-Canal but is open to letting the communist government hold onto power. Blackout in Cuba This comes as Cuba’s national power grid collapsed, leaving much of the country without electricity. Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE) in a statement described it as a “complete shutdown of the national grid,” with efforts underway to restore supply. Power cuts have become routine across the island in recent months, with some regions facing outages lasting up to 20 hours a day.

<p>Declaring that he can do "anything I want" with a "weakened nation," President Donald Trump has signalled that Cuba is the next target in his global campaign of reasserting American power. Here's what he said.</p>

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Viral baby monkey Punch lucks out; finds love, kisses and friends - VIDEO

I can do anything I want: Trump eyes next conquest as Cuba plunges into blackout