months

The Venezuelan leader, who is accused of plotting to traffic cocaine, denies all charges as part of an imperialist plot.

Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to return to a New York courtroom as he seeks to have his drug trafficking indictment dismissed.

Thursday marks the first time that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will be in court since a January arraignment at which he protested his abduction by United States military forces and pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, remain jailed at a detention centre in Brooklyn. Neither has requested bail.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein has yet to set a trial date, though that could potentially be announced at the hearing.

Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, was abducted in Caracas by US special forces on January 3.

His lawyer contends that Washington is violating the deposed leader’s constitutional rights by blocking Venezuelan government funds from being used to pay his legal costs.

The former president and Flores continue to enjoy some support in Venezuela, with murals and billboards across the capital, Caracas, demanding their return.

However, while Maduro’s ruling party remains in control, he himself has been gradually sidelined within the government led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has removed key figures loyal to Maduro, including his longtime defence minister and attorney general. She has also reshaped state institutions, named new ambassadors, and dismantled core elements of the self-declared socialist project that has governed Venezuela for more than 20 years.

Accusations of helping Colombian rebels

US prosecutors have accused Maduro and several alleged associates of “narco-terrorism” and plotting to traffic cocaine into the United States. If convicted, the charges could carry maximum penalties of life in prison under US law.

Congress created the narcoterrorism statute 20 years ago to target drug traffickers who finance activities the US considers “terrorism”.

Since then, 83 people, including Maduro, have been charged with violating it.

According to the Reuters news agency, the 2006 statute at issue has produced four trial convictions. Two were later overturned over issues stemming from witness credibility.

Maduro is also accused of leading a conspiracy in which officials in his government helped move cocaine through Venezuela in collaboration with traffickers, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which Washington labelled a terrorist organisation from 1997 to 2021.

Maduro and his fellow indicted officials have always denied wrongdoing, saying the US charges are part of an imperialist plot to harm Venezuela.

KELLY Osbourne has “split” from her Slipknot star fiance – just seven months after his romantic proposal as she continues to battle her grief.

The daughter of Sharon and late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne got engaged at her dad’s father’s final ever Black Sabbath gig back in July.

Slipknot rocker Sid Wilson, 48, got down on one knee and popped the question backstage in an intimate moment watched by her famous parents.

But it has now been reported that Kelly, who shares three-year-old son Sidney with the musician, has ended her romance.

“Kelly and Sid have decided to call off their engagement,” a source told the Mail.

“Kelly has been struggling following the loss of her father.

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“The grieving process has been incredibly difficult, and she’s been doing everything she can to cope.

“In truth, she and Sid have been facing challenges in their relationship for some time, and things were not as they appeared.

“They tried to make it work, particularly for the sake of their child, but ultimately decided that separating is the best path forward.”

They added that Kelly is remained focused on herself and being the best parent she can be to her young son.

The Sun has reached out to Kelly’s reps for comment.

Just seven months ago, Kelly was left emotional as she agreed to marry Sid following a sweet proposal.

Stood in front of Sharon and Ozzy, they appeared to have an idea of what was to come as the former X Factor judge could be heard saying to everyone in the room: “You’ve got to be quiet!”

Sid then took the hand of Kelly, who was dressed down in some comfy leopard print trousers and a simple black hoodie.

He said to the TV personality: “Kelly, you know I love you more than anything in the world!”

Ozzy then appeared to give the game away as he jokingly quipped with his signature potty mouth: “F*** off, you are not marrying my daughter!”

The group laughed before Sid continued as he said: “I want to spend the rest of my life with you – and ask in front of all of our family and friends, Kelly, will you marry me?”

Kelly turned her head as she looked on open-mouthed before Sid began to stand up and place the ring onto her finger.

Sharon and Ozzy could be seen beaming as the onlookers clapped and cheered for the happy moment.

Uploading the video to her Instagram page, Kelly added the caption: “Oh and this happened yesterday!”

Sid proposed to Kelly with a bespoke custom-designed ring from Los Angeles based jewellers, Mouawad.

He designed the ring with the team through various one-on-one meetings in order to ensure it was right for Kelly.

Sid chose to curate a dazzling 18K yellow gold ring adorned with both white and yellow diamonds, as well as citrine accents.

The centerpiece is a stunning 2.5 carat round brilliant-cut diamond with the ring being nicknamed the Honeybee – Kelly’s personal nickname.

The engagement came backstage as Ozzy played his final ever show with Black Sabbath at Villa Park.

Kelly and Sid first met in 1999 at Ozzfest, a music festival founded by her parents.

They were friends for over two decades before their relationship turned romantic at the end of 2021.

Earlier this month, Kelly was forced to her to hit back at those who criticised her body during the “hardest time of her life”.

BRADLEY Dack has finally removed his wedding ring three months after splitting up from wife Olivia Attwood.

The couple married in 2023 but split in January this year, with the footballer continuing to wear his ring until this weekend – as Olivia’s romance with Pete Wicks was confirmed.

Gillingham footballer Bradley was seen on Sunday without his wedding band.

Dressed in black, the sportsman appeared downcast as he headed from his car to catch a train.

It came just hours after Olivia’s new romance with Pete Wicks was confirmed, as The Sun shared a snap of them kissing during a night out on Friday.

A source confirmed to us that friendship had turned to romance for the longtime pals, but assured there was no crossover with Olivia and Bradley’s marriage.

Read more on Olivia Attwood

Dack’s it

‘Furious’ Bradley Dack unfollows ex Olivia Attwood hours after Wicks kiss pic

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Olivia Attwood and Pete Wicks seen for first time since public snog

Nonetheless, Bradley has made his feeling’s on his estranged wife’s new romance clear.

The footballer unfollowed Olivia on Instagram following the news, alongside taking off his ring.

In January, it was revealed that Olivia split from Bradley following a “breach of trust” on his side.

Now, a source has told The Sun on Sunday that this romance has also dashed Bradley’s hopes of a reconciliation with Olivia.

“Bradley is livid, he’s not surprised at all but is completely embarrassed and upset,” they said.

The source continued: “He can’t believe Olivia has moved on so publicly and they’ve not even signed the divorce papers.

“Bradley was hopeful for a reunion with Olivia but after this, he’s just livid and will take her to the cleaners.

“He’s suspected things for the past year but she’s always denied it.”

Before their kiss, and her split from Bradley, Pete and Olivia’s close friendship has raised eyebrows since they were pictured cosying up on a yacht in Ibiza last summer.

But confirming the timelines, a source told us over the weekend that the romance has come around naturally over recent weeks.

“They have been spending a lot of time together and an unexpected romance has blossomed from friendship,” they said.

It’s been an eventful 12 months for Gogglebox’s Siddiqui family – from celebrating a big birthday to suffering a heartbreaking loss

The Siddiqui family are one of Gogglebox’s original stars – but the clan have had an up-and-down past 12 months away from the programme.

The beloved family joined the very first series of the Channel 4 show back in 2013, and consists of Baasit and his two brothers, Umar and Raza, as well as their father Sid. The mum, Nasreen, however, has not appeared on the show.

And it’s fair to say it didn’t take the Siddiqui family – who live in Derby – long to become firm favourites with fans.

However, the past 12 months have no doubt been a tough time for the family: from a sad death to member of the family being hospitalised.

The Siddiqui family suffers tragic death

In September 2025, the Siddiquis shared an emotional post on Instagram, revealing that their beloved cat Poppy had passed away. Alongside an image of a grey cat the caption read: “Sleep Tight Little One. Our little Diva Poppy – nearly 14 years and still didn’t feel long enough.

“A lifetime of memories we will all never forget. We hope you are reunited with your big brother Rufus and are both chasing rainbows together. Pets leave paw prints on our hearts, and memories in our souls. Sleep tight, little one.” The family received messages of sympathy from supporters following the tragic announcement.

Baasit and Mel’s anniversary

The Siddiquis had something to celebrate in October 2025 though, as Baasit and wife Mel hit a major wedding milestone. Posting on the Siddiqui family’s official Instagram account, Baasit wrote: “13 years married today, 16.5 years together – forever to go.

“Happy Anniversary to the absolute best, couldn’t do life without you. Love you xxx #weddinganniversary #anniversary #love.”

Baasit and Mel have been together for several years and are parents to a daughter named Amelia and a son named Theodore.

Raz’s horror fall

More recently, in February 2026, the family revealed that Raza had ended up in hospital and would be absent from the episode at the time. They upload a series of pictures of the TV star in hospital. In some images, he was hooked up to breathing machines.

And to explain his absence from the show, the post read: “For you eagle-eyed Goggleboxers, you may have noticed that Raza (@razathefaint) hasn’t joined us on the sofa so far this season. Sadly he had a bit of a fall, a few weeks back and cracked some ribs.”

The post said they fully expect him to return in a few weeks as he is recovering well. It went on: “He’s absolutely smashing his recovery, staying positive and keeping himself entertained with walks, telly, reading and nephew cuddles with Theodore.

“I know you guys reaching out and sending your well wishes will put a bigger smile on his face than morphine ever could. Can’t wait for all four Siddiquis to be back on team @c4gogglebox with the rest of the fab families.”

Sid’s 81st birthday

The Siddiquis celebrated a special day last month to mark dad Sid’s 81st birthday. They uploaded several family photos from over the years to Instagram, and captioned the post: “Happy Birthday Day aka Sid. Wishing you the most wonderful day! We love you xxx.”

Sid’s daughter-in-law Mel, who is married to Baasit, shared her well-wishes in the comments section, writing: “Happy birthday Sid AKA grandad. Have the best day!”

Supporters were also quick to express their affection, with one follower commenting: “Have a Wonderful Happy Birthday, may your day and year be filled with those you love, things that matter and above all joy.”

Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4

March 18 (UPI) — Postmaster General David Steiner told Congress that the U.S. Postal Service would be out of money in less than a year if changes aren’t made to boost revenue.

During a hearing Tuesday, Steiner and members of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations appeared divided on how best to avoid a full stoppage in mail service in 12 months’ time.

Steiner asked lawmakers to allow him to borrow more money to cover costs as well as to increase the price of a U.S. first class stamp from 78 cents to 95 cents. He said the cost to mail a single letter in the United States is the lowest in the industrialized world.

“Compare it to France at almost $3 and England at $2.50, and the longest distance those letters have to travel is about 600 miles smaller than the state of Texas,” he told lawmakers.

“We deliver from the tip of Puerto Rico to the tip of Alaska for 78 cents. That’s a distance of 5,000 miles.”

He said if the USPS increased first class stamp costs to 95 cents, it “would largely solve our controllable loss” while still remaining the lowest-priced stamp in the industrialized world.

Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, told Steiner he’s against increasing the cost of postage to nearly $1.

“It’s going to come down to the three or four of us who are going to have to make some tough decisions that we can look at other people and say, ‘That was a problem. The postmaster general laid it on our doorstep, and we’re not going to kick the can down the road.”

Steiner also asked for greater freedom to borrow more money.

“One easy action, increasing our borrowing authority, buys us time,” he said. “Time that we can use to best determine what the Postal Service should do to best serve the American public.”

Steiner said the USPS has faced a dramatic reduction in the use of mail, from a maximum of about 213 billion pieces of mail per year to about 109 billion pieces of mail.

“For perspective, if all of that lost volume was paid at the current price of a stamp, which is 78 cents, that’s about $81 billion of lost revenue,” he said. “No company could weather that much revenue loss, so it’s not hard to see how we got here.”

In fiscal year 2025, the USPS had a net loss of about $9 billion.

Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., appeared reluctant to allow Steiner to borrow more money.

“I am very concerned with the caliber of service that we are getting and with the fact that the post office continues to come to us for more money,” she said.

Rep. Kweisi Fume, D-Md., reluctantly sided with the suggestion of raising the USPS’ debit limit.

“It may be hard to sell, but I think most people feel like I do — that rather than do nothing and watch the Titanic sink, that we need to do something.”

ROB Reiner’s friends held back tears at the Oscars as the ceremony honored the late director and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, after their tragic deaths.

The couple died in December 2025 after being brutally attacked in their Los Angeles home, and their son, Nick Reiner, is the primary suspect in their murders.

Hollywood was shocked by the loss of Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, and it was expected that there would be a special tribute to them at the 98th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday.

Rob and Michele were honored Sunday in a speech by Billy Crystal, one of the stars of When Harry Met Sally.

Rob famously rewrote the ending of When Harry Met Sally after meeting his wife, Michele, while shooting the film.

“I first met Rob Reiner in 1975. When I was cast as his best friend in an episode of All in the Family,” Billy’s began in his tribute.

“Rob said, it was fun playing your best friend, why don’t we keep it going. And it was a thrill to see him evolve from a great comic actor to a master storyteller.

“His first film was This Is Spinal Tap. You could stop right there … The comedy was turned up to an 11.”

Billy went on to discuss Rob’s other iconic films, including Stand By Me.

“Audiences then lined up to see his funny, charming films, so he gave them misery!” Billy continued.

“My friend Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes. Because they were about what makes us laugh and cry and what we aspire to be, far better in his eyes, far kinder, far funnier, far more human.”

“And when Michele Singer entered his life, they were unstoppable. A gifted photographer, she not only produced films with Rob, but it was her energy that had them working tirelessly to fight social injustice in the country that they both loved.

“Rob and Michele Reiner became the driving force in the landmark decision for marriage equality across the United States. And their loss is immeasurable.”

He said Rob told him several times that “it meant everything to him that his work meant something to you.”

“And for us, who had the privilege of working with and knowing him and loving him, all we can say is, ‘Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.”

Billy’s speech concluded with several actors joining him on stage, including Kathy Bates, Demi Moore and Mandy Patinkin.

More late stars honored at the Oscars

Diane Keaton was also honored at the Oscars’ In Memoriam tribute.

Rachel McAdams, who starred alongside the late actress in The Family Stone, took the stage to honor Diane.

“For over 50 years, luminous on screen and indelible in life, believe me when I say there isn’t an actress of my generation who is not inspired by and enthralled with her absolute singularity,” she said.

“She wore so many hats, literally and figuratively, actress, artist, author, activist, but no hat more important to her than being a mother to her two children.

“She meant so much to so many of us. I remember she used to sing this old Girl Scout song on set, which is just so her: ‘Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other is gold. A circle is round, it has no end. That’s how long I’ll be your friend.’

“And so to our friend, Diane Keaton, celebrating a life in silver and gold, a legend with no end.”

Diane, a four-time Academy Award nominee, died in October 2025 of bacterial pneumonia.

Other stars were honored during the In memoriam segment, including Robert Duvall, known for his roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, Robert Redford, known for All the President’s Men and The Sting and Catherine O’Hara, known for her role in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek.

“She made us laugh until we cried,” Rachel said of Catherine at the Oscars.

The death of Rob Reiner

Corey Feldman, who portrayed Teddy Duchamp in Stand by Me, was reportedly not asked to participate in the tribute to Rob, despite being one of the main characters alongside Jerry and Wil.

A source recently told the Daily Mail that Corey was “devastated” by the apparent snub and “wanted nothing more than to honor Rob.”

In January, Rob was subtly recognized at the Golden Globes by host Nikki Glaser, who ended the show wearing a Spinal Tap cap, a reference to the filmmaker’s 1984 film, This Is Spinal Tap.

The comedian also closed the ceremony, saying, “This one went to 11. Thank you, guys, for an amazing night,” a reference to the movie’s famous moments between Rob and co-star Christopher Guest.

Rob and Michele allegedly had their throats slit while lying in bed, and Nick, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was battling a drug addiction, has been charged with their murders.

The incident occurred hours after the trio attended Conan O’Brien’s holiday party, where Rob and Nick had an explosive fight about Nick’s behavior.

Last month, Conan O’Brien, host of the 98th Academy Awards, broke his silence about the tragedy during a sit-down with The New Yorker.

“I knew Rob and Michele, and then increasingly got closer and closer to them, and I was seeing them a lot,” the talk show host said.

“My wife and I were seeing them a lot, and they were so — they were just such lovely people.

Most Awarded Oscar Winners of All Time

Best Director:

John Ford — 4 wins

• The Informer (1935)
• The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
• How Green Was My Valley (1941)
• The Quiet Man (1952)

Frank Capra — 3 wins

• It Happened One Night (1934)
• Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
• You Can’t Take It with You (1938)

William Wyler — 3 wins

• Mrs. Miniver (1942)
• The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
• Ben-Hur (1959)

Best Actor in a Leading Role:

Daniel Day‑Lewis — 3 wins (most in history)

• My Left Foot (1989)
• There Will Be Blood (2007)
• Lincoln (2012)

A slew of actors are tied in second place having won 2 Oscars, including: Marlon Brando, Tom Hanks, Dustin Hoffman, Sean Penn, Anthony Hopkins, and more.

Best Actress in a Leading Role:

Katharine Hepburn — 4 wins

• Morning Glory (1933)
• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)
• The Lion in Winter (1968)
• On Golden Pond (1981)

Frances McDormand — 3 wins

• Fargo (1996)
• Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
• Nomadland (2020)

Meryl Streep — 3 wins (two lead, one supporting)

• Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) — Supporting Actress
• Sophie’s Choice (1982) — Lead Actress
• The Iron Lady (2011) — Lead Actress

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:

Walter Brennan — 3 wins

• Come and Get It (1936)
• Kentucky (1938)
• The Westerner (1940)

Many actors are tied for the second place honor with 2 nominations, including: Michael Caine, Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Jack Nicholson, Christoph Waltz, and Mahershala Ali.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Dianne Wiest — 2 wins

• Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
• Bullets Over Broadway (1994)

Shelley Winters — 2 wins

• The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
• A Patch of Blue (1965)

Maggie Smith — 2 wins

• The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) — Lead Actress
• California Suite (1978) — Supporting Actress

“And to have that experience of saying goodnight to somebody and having them leave and then find out the next day that they’re gone. … I think I was in shock for quite a while afterward. I mean, there’s no other word for it. It’s just very — it’s so awful. It’s just so awful.”

Conan also admitted that it was still “hard for me to comprehend” what happened to his friends.

The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that Nick could inherit his family’s $196million fortune even if he’s found guilty of his parents’ deaths.

This would be the case if Nick is found legally insane, which, by California law, would still entitle him to the inheritance.

Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

I’M pretty much an Instagram influencer now, don’t you know.

I’ve spent the day snapping more than 330 photos — I won’t tell you what ­proportion of those were selfies — among the tulips.

And my grid is now filled with brightly-coloured buds below a stunning blue sky.

It’s thanks to Amsterdam’s tulip season that I’ve found this new calling.

The flowers are impossible not to take photos of, and each colour is more beautiful than the last.

I’m here at Tulip Farm De Tulperij, a family attraction that has been around for almost 100 years and sits about an hour’s drive out of central Amsterdam.

SWISS GRAND TOUR

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It’s a busy day tour that I’m on: a stop at the farm, a canal trip and a visit to Keukenhof, the tulip gardens in Lisse — a veritable floral feast.

Arriving first at the farm, we are given a tour around the fields by owner Daan Jansze — and he certainly knows his tulips.

In his welcome, he tells us that the soil at this farm is extremely moist, with the water table just 60cm below the surface.

The tulips love this moist soil, and rows upon rows bloom each spring after being planted just before winter.

Daan is the third generation farmer of the land, and he points out his youngest son — hauling soil nearby — who will become the fourth generation to run the farm.

But before letting us loose in his field, Daan gives us some ground rules.

No walking through the beds, you’ve got to walk up and down.

And no picking the flowers. “Ok,” he says in his thick Dutch accent. “Now you can go take pictures for your Instagram.”

And we’re off.

My fellow tourists and I fling ourselves into the fields, fanning out between line after line of reds, pinks and yellows.

I won’t lie to you, it wasn’t quite fields as far as the eye could see.

But the long lines were definitely enough to keep us busy, and I got shot after shot of the bright flowers.

There were people of all ages in the field around me — mothers and daughters, couples, families and friends, all keen to make the most of the colourful setting.

And when we got tired of taking pictures of ourselves, we headed to the farm’s little cafe that sold everything from apple pie to tiny clog keychains.

It also led to a second shock of tulips, all lined up in a manicured garden.

Two hours later and we were back on the bus, heading off to board a canal boat.

Surrounded by about 50 other tourists, we lapped up the sunshine for an hour as we floated past the windmills, geese and their goslings, and Dutch locals who had also hit the water to make the most of the stunning May weather.

We then piled on to the bus again to head to our final stop — the Keukenhof Gardens.

Like a botanic gardens on steroids, this tourist attraction is only open from March to May, completely dependent on the budding whims of the tulips.

This year, the season kicks off on March 19 and continues until May 10.

With the droves of tourists, it almost felt like an adventure park.

And while it was certainly busy, I would heartily recommend going there.
Jaw-dropping displays

Even though we couldn’t quite get into the tulips like we did at the farm, the sheer effort it took to plant SEVEN MILLION bulbs to create this flower haven is impressive, to say the least.

The rows of tulips across the park are complemented by the stunning flower shows, with everything from orchids to ­lilies creating jaw-dropping displays.

By the end of the day, my photo reel is an explosion of colour and I’m almost (only almost) sick of flowers.

But I manage to summon up some energy and upload my pictures — and the “likes” come flooding in.

It might be too late for your own Insta career to take off, but now is the time to plan and book a trip like this.

The tulip season is short, so tours sell out pretty quick. Happy snapping!

NEW YORK — U.S. and Israeli officials are privately casting doubt on projections from the Trump administration that the war with Iran could end within a matter of weeks — instead warning that a months-long campaign may be required to destroy the country’s ballistic missile capabilities and install a pliant government, multiple sources told The Times.

The prospect of extended combat creates new political risks and uncertainties for President Trump, whose penchant for dramatic, short-term military operations has suddenly given way to a full-scale assault on the Islamic Republic, shocking a MAGA base that for years supported his calls to end forever wars in the Middle East.

One Israeli official told The Times — despite internal guidance among Israeli officials to adhere to the U.S. president’s stated time frame — that the war “definitely could be longer” than the four-week window that Trump repeatedly offered to reporters.

A U.S. official said that in private conversations, top administration officials presume the campaign will require a longer runway now that remnants of Iran’s government have chosen to resist rather than acquiesce to Washington.

Protracted war was always a possibility. Trump was presented with U.S. intelligence assessments gaming out the potential conflict that emphasized how highly unpredictable the results of an attack would be — an analysis the intelligence community believes has borne out on the ground in the chaotic early days of the conflict.

A longer conflict could create diplomatic space between Trump and Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has advocated for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic for over 30 years.

The Israeli leader has succeeded in convincing Trump to take military actions in Iran that American presidents have rejected for decades, from bombing its nuclear facilities to assassinating its leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an opening strike over the weekend.

Goal of regime change fades

Yet, mere days into the war, White House officials have all but ceased references to a democratic spring that could sweep Iran’s government aside.

A set of four U.S. goals for the mission no longer calls for changing the regime itself. Still, Netanyahu’s government remains keen on replacing the government, and the nation’s longest-serving premier sees the current war as his best opportunity to do so, one official said.

Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Trump rejected reports that the Israelis had convinced him to launch the attack.

“No, I might have forced their hand,” Trump said. “Based on the way the negotiations were going, I think they were going to attack first, and I didn’t want that to happen. So if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand, but Israel was ready, and we were ready, and we’ve had a very, very powerful impact because virtually everything they have had been knocked out.”

In a series of interviews this week, Trump said he had been given projections of a four- or five-week war, while noting he is prepared to go longer if necessary.

Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official who is Iran expert at the American Enterprise Institute, said that projecting a deadline to the conflict at its start would be a strategic mistake for the Trump administration, as it would in effect give Iran’s remaining leadership an end date to wait out the fighting.

“Successive presidents have shown that America has strategic attention deficit disorder,” Rubin said. “If that was the case in Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s especially true under Trump. He imposed a ceasefire on Gaza that let Hamas survive to fight another day; they still haven’t disarmed.”

The duration of the war will depend, in part, on Iran’s ability to resist and defend its remaining capabilities — but also on the president’s willingness to accept an outcome that leaves the Islamic Republic in place.

That decision has not yet been made by Trump, who has vacillated between calls for a democratic uprising across Iran — and U.S. military options to support resistance groups inside the country — as opposed to a shorter campaign that cripples Iran’s political leadership and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days and tell the Iranians, ‘See you again in a few years if you start rebuilding,” Trump told Axios.

One of Israel’s primary goals is to effectively eliminate the country’s ballistic missile program, and progress on that score is ahead of schedule, another source familiar with the operation said. “Things are going very well at the moment,” the source added. “Great pace.”

An Israeli military source noted to The Times that the stated goal of the mission is to significantly degrade, but not necessarily destroy, Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, a goal the source said could be accomplished within Trump’s preferred time frame.

“Israel was quite unhappy Trump ordered the [June 2025] 12-day war ended when it did,” said Patrick Clawson, director of the Iran program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He said he expected the current war would “take time” to comprehensively set back Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, after a series of Israeli missions in 2024 against the missile program failed to set them back by more than a matter of months.

“Some Israelis think before the recent strikes, Iranian production was fully restored,” Clawson said. “So a really comprehensive attack on Iranian missiles is an important Israeli objective.”

The Maduro model

But no one inside the Islamic Republic system has emerged so far to serve in a supplicant role to Trump in the way that Delcy Rodríguez has stepped in as acting president of Venezuela, after U.S. forces captured that country’s strongman president, Nicolás Maduro, in an audacious overnight raid in January.

Since then, the Stars and Stripes have flown alongside the Venezuelan tricolor at government buildings in Caracas, where senior Trump administration officials have been welcomed to discuss lucrative opportunities in Venezuela’s oil industry.

Trump is now looking for an Iranian counterpart to Rodríguez, he said Tuesday, suggesting he is willing to keep the Islamic Republic in place despite encouraging its citizens to rise up against their government.

“Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “We had some in mind from that group that is dead. And now we have another group. They may be dead also. Pretty soon we’re not gonna know anybody.”

“I mean, Venezuela was so incredible because we did the attack and we kept the government totally intact,” he added.

Dennis Ross, a veteran diplomat on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict who served in the George H.W. Bush, Clinton and Obama administrations, expressed doubt that Trump would be willing to proceed with a months-long campaign, regardless of Israel’s aspirational objectives.

“I believe President Trump doesn’t define clear objectives so he can decide to end the war at a time of his choosing, and declare the objective at that point, announcing we have achieved what we sought to do,” said Ross, noting that finding a figurehead in Iran as he did in Venezuela was always “a long shot.”

“Unilaterally, he could declare we made the regime pay a price for killing its citizens, and we have weakened Iran to the point that it is not any longer a threat to its neighbors,” Ross added. “He could then say, if Iran continues the war, we will hit them even harder.”

The packing technique called the “brick method” allows you to pack four weeks’ worth of clothing in a small carry-on suitcase.

For those plotting a brief spring or summer escape this year, splashing out on a hefty suitcase for the aircraft hold often feels like overkill. This is where honing your packing prowess becomes essential, whether you’re taking a small carry-on, a rucksack, or a holdall into the cabin.

Packing cubes have become a hit amongst globe-trotters on social media for their ability to organise belongings and optimise space. Yet, you must deploy them correctly to reap their full benefits.

TikTok user @kelsifymecapn has demonstrated that a straightforward packing technique can prove equally efficient, enabling you to squeeze four weeks’ worth of garments into a diminutive suitcase.

Kelsey captioned the video: “How to pack one month’s worth of clothes in only a carry-on suitcase.”

In this packing hack, dubbed the “brick method”, fold the trousers to a consistent size, then roll them up until they take on the appearance of a brick, thus explaining the name, reports the Express.

When it comes to bottoms with tie strings, fold them in half to conceal the ties first before rolling them up. Then, align the bottoms in a packing cube so the straps will compress the clothes.

Kelsey recommends wearing your bulkiest layers, like denim, on travel days to preserve space. Alternatively, lay them flat over the top before zipping your packing cube shut.

For tops and shirts, follow the same method as trousers – fold everything into a uniform size. Fold button-down shirts with buttons facing you to reduce bulk.

Tuck any hoods and vest straps inwards to minimise bulk. Kelsey explains: “Your items should become similarly sized ‘bricks’, so they’ll fit uniformly in the cubes.”

For those seeking alternative packing strategies to try out this summer and who’d rather skip the packing cubes, influencer Chantel Mila offers an excellent tip.

She suggests standing your suitcase upright instead of laying it flat on the floor, and arranging your belongings vertically in columns.

This approach not only maximises space but also provides a clearer view of all your items, making the unpacking process far simpler once you reach your destination.

Sam Kerr scored her first international goal in 28 months as Australia opened their Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over the Philippines in Perth.

The Chelsea striker, who returned to action in September after nearly two years on the sidelines following an anterior cruciate ligament injury, scored the winner in the 14th minute as she nodded in from close range.

Kerr’s goal – her 70th for her country – proved to be the sole highlight of the match at the Perth Stadium, with Australia wasting a number of chances.

“I think I’m just finding my confidence again,” said 32-year-old Kerr.

“I feel like I’m still my normal self, I’ve just got to get more touches in and around the box.

“Today was a good start and there’s a lot of belief in the team but as you see today, there’s a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup so you have to take it one day at a time.”

Australia’s next game is against Iran at the Gold Coast Stadium on Thursday, with Iran opening their campaign against South Korea on Monday.

The games are set to go ahead, although the Asian Football Confederation has postponed a number of domestic matches on the continent following the conflict in the Middle East.

On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, which has responded with retaliatory strikes across the Middle East.

“In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for 2-3 March 2026, will now be rescheduled,” the AFC said in a statement.

“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans.

“In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the IR Iran women’s national team and officials in Gold Coast, and are offering our full support and assistance.”

A SAVVY passenger dodged an airline’s luggage charge by posting her belongings instead.

Laura Poole flew from Bristol to Glasgow on Sunday and would’ve had to pay £30 to take her clothes.

But she swerved the baggage charge, which was more than the cost of her £25 flight.

The 33-year-old cleverly packed a sports bag with most of the clothes she was taking on her trip.

Laura then shoved it in a Lidl carrier bag and dropped it off at an InPost locker.

She sent the parcel three days in advance 380 miles from Bristol to Dundee, where she was travelling to after landing in Glasgow.

The postage cost Laura just £2.29, roughly the price of a cup of coffee.

And the parcel was delivered to a Tesco Express locker a short walk from her hotel in Dundee.

She joked that she was “quietly protesting baggage fees”.

In a post on social media, she wrote: “I’m flying Bristol to Glasgow on Sunday. My flight cost £25… cabin baggage fees £30. That’s more than my flight.

“Can I afford baggage fees? Absolutely.

“Will I pay them? F*** no! (On principle)

“Packed up my gym bag with 60% of the clothes I’m taking, shoved it in a Lidl bag, then dropped it off at an Inpost locker to be posted up to Dundee and will arrive at the Tesco Express near my hotel the day I arrive, £2.29!

“And I have one less bag to carry. I did this at the end of last year too.

“It’s so good! I’m quietly protesting baggage fees.”

Laura was hailed for her smart travelling and attracted thousands of comments on social media.

One person said: “This is genius! I’m flying to Edinburgh and I hate sleeping without my own pillow. I’ll be posting myself some clothes that I can miss for a few days.”

Another wrote: “Omg Laura. This is brilliant.”

A third said: “You are so smart well done.”