Death toll at start of Covid-19 pandemic likely higher than US count, study says 18. March 2026 (19:54) Finding suggests as many as 155,000 deaths, likely occurring outside of hospitals, not recognized as Covid relatedThe Covid-19 pandemic’s early death toll was much higher than the official US count, according to a new study that spotlights dramatic disparities in the uncounted deaths.About 840,000 Covid-19 deaths were reported on death certificates in 2020 and 2021. But a group of researchers – using a form of artificial intelligence – estimate that as many as 155,000 unrecognized additional deaths likely occurred in that time outside of hospitals. That would mean about 16% of Covid-19 deaths went uncounted in those years. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK says it remains in talks over escorting ships through strait of Hormuz 18. March 2026 (19:52) Officials say military planners liaising with US Central Command but situation remains too dangerous for anything to happen soonMiddle East crisis – live updatesBritain has said it remains involved in discussions with the US and European allies over escorting merchant shipping through the strait of Hormuz but the situation remains too dangerous for it to happen soon.Iran is still considered to pose a threat and to have a wide range of weapons available – from cruise missiles to sea drones – despite 19 days of US-led bombing of its navy and coastal sites. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Damaged Russian tanker carrying natural gas floats into Libyan waters 18. March 2026 (19:51) Fears of ecological disaster as vessel continues to drift after being struck by suspected drone attackA severely damaged Russian tanker carrying liquified natural gas that has been adrift in the Mediterranean for two weeks, raising concerns of an ecological disaster, has floated into Libyan waters, Italy’s civil protection agency said on Wednesday.The Arctic Metagaz was part of a Russian “shadow fleet” used to circumvent sanctions imposed on the country’s oil and gas after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It was struck in a suspected drone attack close to Maltese waters earlier this month, causing a huge hole. The crew is believed to have been rescued between Malta and Libya. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Canada in push for joint G7 and Middle East effort to de-escalate Iran war 18. March 2026 (19:38) Foreign minister Anita Anand says she has drafted principles to reduce risk of regional spillover and wider shocksMiddle East crisis – live updatesCanada is pushing for a collective G7 and Middle East approach to de-escalating the Iran war, including off ramps that could bring an end to the conflict, the Canadian foreign minister, Anita Anand, has said.In London to meet the UK foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, after talks with the her Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, Anand told the Guardian she hoped a G7 meeting chaired by France, this year’s president of the group, might start to build a broader collective approach to the crisis. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US and Israel’s strategy to kill Iran’s top figures may prove counterproductive 18. March 2026 (19:27) Attempt to ‘decapitate’ state may harden resistance instead of destabilising regime Middle East crisis – live updatesFighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah in southern LebanonIsrael’s decision to authorise its military to kill any senior Iranian official on its assassination list has raised significant new questions about its so-called decapitation strategy and what it is intended to achieve.Privately, Israeli officials have briefed their US counterparts that in the event of an uprising, Iran’s opposition would be “slaughtered”. That appears to be at odds with Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy to pursue regime change by targeting senior figures in Iran’s political and security apparatus. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
As Trump shows lack of direction on Iran, even Badenoch distances herself 18. March 2026 (19:19) Steady UK opposition to the war and the US president’s insults mean MPs are finding it easier to point out the obviousWhen is a U-turn definitely a U-turn? To the consternation of politicians through the ages, this is rarely something within their control, but decided instead by the herd. And thus it is with Kemi Badnoch over Iran and Donald Trump.The Conservative leader would very much like it to be known that she had not changed her stance on the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, or on the US president. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
BBC expected to name Matt Brittin as director general within days 18. March 2026 (18:12) Board meets this week to discuss appointment, with former Google executive the strong favourite to replace Tim DavieFormer Google executive Matt Brittin is expected to be named the BBC’s next director general within days, with the corporation’s board meeting this week for a final discussion about the appointment.The decision will be discussed at a regular BBC board meeting on Thursday. Though the meeting will not formally approve Brittin for the role, an announcement could be made as soon as next week. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Middle East crisis live: Israel strike on Iranian gas field reportedly coordinated with US; Tehran confirms intelligence minister killed 18. March 2026 (17:54) UAE and Qatar condemn targeting of South Pars gas field; Esmail Khatib confirmed killedIran threatens Gulf energy facilities after Israeli attack on its largest gasfieldFighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah in southern LebanonIran is still exporting millions of barrels of oil, with about 90 ships, including oil tankers, having crossed the strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the war with Iran, according to maritime and trade data platforms reports.This is despite Iran saying it had closed the vital waterway to vessels from the US and its allies. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Iran threatens Gulf energy facilities after Israeli attack on its largest gasfield 18. March 2026 (17:22) Revolutionary Guards say they will strike infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar after South Pars field hitMiddle East crisis – live updatesBusiness live – latest updatesIran has threatened to attack energy infrastructure across the Gulf region in retaliation for Israeli strikes on its largest gasfield, the first targeted attacks on its fossil fuel production since the war began.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened counterstrikes on several energy facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar “in the coming hours” after state media reports that missiles had targeted its gas facilities at the giant South Pars field, the largest gas reserves in the world. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Val Kilmer set to be be resurrected with AI for new film 18. March 2026 (17:15) As Deep As the Grave, the true story of 1920s archeologists, will bring late actor back with support from his estateVal Kilmer is set to be the latest Hollywood star to be resurrected by AI. The acting legend, who died last year at age 65, will star in the drama As Deep As the Grave.Kilmer was attached to the project prior to his death from throat cancer. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
