Iran war: Trump threatens NATO allies if they do not help him
Donald Trump has warned NATO that it faces a ‘very bad future’ unless its member states help to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to global oil shipments. The waterway is a critical route for around 20% of the world’s oil, and disruption there has already heightened fears of economic instability. European nations now face a difficult choice between maintaining alliances and avoiding deeper involvement in the widening conflict, which Trump started without consulting his allies. Closing the strait was always seen as one of Iran’s main weapons, and Trump’s expectations that destroying the Iranian navy would prevent that from happening have proved unjustified: just by threatening drone strikes on tankers, Iran has effectively closed the strait and driven up oil prices. Trump wants NATO to send warships to escort convoys through the strait, which they are reluctant to do; he has now appealed to China, South Korea, Japan, and Australia to help. Other military options could further escalate the conflict, particularly if key infrastructure becomes a target.
Iran: loss of Ali Larijani will be a body blow to the country
Israel’s assassination of Ali Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, will be a devastating body blow to the country, probably even more than the loss of the supreme leader Ali Khamenei at the outset of the war. Known for his ability to bridge factions within Iran’s complex system, he played a key role linking military and civilian authorities while maintaining influence with international partners. His loss removes a figure seen as capable of navigating both internal divisions and external pressures. He had supported diplomatic engagement alongside firm internal control, positioning himself as a pragmatic voice amid hardline elements. His absence could strengthen more hardline forces, complicating any path towards stability or ceasefire. News update: on 18 March Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, was killed in an air strike. See
Cuba: nationwide blackout for 29 hours, pressures of US embargo
After a nationwide blackout which left the entire population without electricity for 29 hours, Cuba has managed to restore power. The outage, one of several in recent months, reflects a deepening energy crisis caused by fuel shortages and an ageing power grid. Although the national system is now back online, officials warn that electricity supply remains unstable and unable to meet demand. The crisis has been intensified by Donald Trump’s decision to cut off the island’s oil supply from Venezuela and threats to slap tariffs on countries which ship fuel to the nation. He has also upped his rhetoric against Cuba, saying that he could do ‘anything he wanted’ to the country. Many households were already experiencing long daily outages before the collapse, disrupting food, water and essential services. Tensions between Cuba and the USA continue to escalate, although they are engaged in talks aimed at easing the situation. For ordinary citizens, the hardship continues despite partial recovery, as they face ongoing uncertainty and limited resources in daily life.
South Africa: water shortages, criminal activity, protests
In parts of Johannesburg and surrounding areas, residents are protesting ongoing water shortages that have left some communities without reliable supply for weeks. Even in well-developed suburbs, taps have run dry, disrupting daily life and raising health concerns. In poorer areas, inconsistent access to clean water has persisted for years, forcing reliance on water tankers. Frustration has grown as people report having to pay for water that should be free, with allegations of corruption and exploitation worsening the crisis. Experts point to ageing infrastructure and a lack of investment as the root causes, while criminal activity may be compounding the problem. Government leaders, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, have announced plans for coordinated action. However, for many residents, daily hardship continues as they struggle to access one of life’s most basic necessities, highlighting deep inequalities and urgent need for lasting solutions.
Nigeria: coordinated attacks in Maiduguri kill and injure many
On 16 March, coordinated bomb attacks by suspected suicide bombers struck the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, killing at least 23 people and injuring over a hundred. The explosions hit a crowded market, a hospital entrance and a nearby area just after people broke their Ramadan fast, and caused panic as survivors fled. The military have blamed the jehadist Boko Haram group, which originated in the town in 2009, and warned of increased threats during the final days of the holy month. The attacks shattered a period of relative calm in the city, long associated with insurgency but recently more stable than surrounding rural areas. Violence across northeastern Nigeria has persisted, with extremist groups continuing assaults which have killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Officials have increased security presence and pledged stronger action, though concerns remain about ongoing vulnerability. The resurgence of attacks highlights the fragile security situation and the continued challenges facing efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
Haiti: record number of political parties register for election
There has been a surge of political activity ahead of Haiti’s first general election in a decade, with a record 280 parties registering by the deadline. New groups expressed hope that fresh leadership could help address the country’s deep crises, driven by gang violence and corruption. One party arrived for registration with a marching band and vuvuzelas; another, led by former prime minister Claude Joseph, was more sober, but equally committed to the need to break cycles of political instability. Despite this momentum, uncertainty remains over whether elections will proceed as planned. Ongoing insecurity continues to disrupt daily life, with widespread violence, thousands of deaths, and mass displacement. Armed groups control much of the capital, raising concerns about whether safe campaigning and voting are possible. Even so, some leaders insist that moving forward with elections is essential for the nation’s future and a step toward restoring order and public trust. The electoral council says it will post a list of parties authorised to participate in the election by 26 March.
USA: judge orders Trump to restore Voice of America
A federal judge has ruled that the shutdown of Voice of America (VOA) was unlawful, ordering that the broadcaster be restored within a week and that hundreds of journalists be reinstated. The decision follows mass layoffs in January, after Donald Trump appointed Kari Lake to carry out an executive order to close VOA and associated outlets, which his officials accused of left-wing bias. The court found the actions lacked proper legal authority and failed to consider the broadcaster’s mandated role. Before it was wound down, VOA, originally established to counter Nazi propaganda, was broadcasting TV, radio and digital content in almost fifty languages. Its closure raised concerns about the future of independent international broadcasting and access to reliable information. The ruling offers hope for the restoration of its services, though uncertainty remains over potential appeals and future leadership decisions. The case highlights ongoing debates about media independence, government authority, and the role of public broadcasting in a complex global information landscape.
Maltese Christian cleared in landmark ‘conversion practices’ case
A Maltese Christian has been cleared in a landmark court case widely viewed as a significant moment for freedom of expression and religious testimony. Matthew Grech was acquitted by the magistrates’ court in Valletta after being prosecuted for allegedly 'advertising conversion practices' during a 2022 podcast interview in which he shared his personal journey of becoming a Christian and leaving a homosexual lifestyle. Malta became the first EU country to ban conversion therapy in 2016, and prosecutors argued that because he was introduced in the podcast as working for the International Foundation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice, it meant he had promoted such practices in his workplace. However, his legal supporters argued the interview was simply personal testimony about faith and life transformation. Two journalists charged in connection with the case were also cleared. After more than three years of legal pressure, Grech thanked God for the verdict and said justice had prevailed.
After reading this book, seven congregations started at a prison
A review of the influential Christian book Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby highlights the enduring impact of its central message: believers should 'watch to see where God is working and join Him’. First published in 2007, it has guided countless Christians, churches, and ministries in discerning God’s will and participating in His work. One remarkable example described in the book comes from Angola Prison in Louisiana. After inmates began studying it, many committed their lives to Christ, leading to the formation of seven inmate-led church congregations within the prison. Reports indicate that violence and drug use significantly declined as lives were transformed. Some prisoners even sensed a call into Christian ministry, and the prison later became a satellite campus for a theological seminary! The book continues to challenge believers to examine their priorities and recognise where God is already at work, encouraging them to join Him in faith and obedience.
A thousand children reached through church cinema project
More than a thousand schoolchildren in Staffordshire have heard the Gospel through a creative church-led cinema project organised by local congregations in Uttoxeter. Churches worked together to 'sponsor a seat’, enabling children from local schools to attend free screenings of the animated film The King of Kings. The 2025 production, featuring the voice of Kenneth Branagh, presents the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as a story told by Charles Dickens to his son, inspired by Dickens’ book The Life of Our Lord. For many of the children it was their first experience of visiting a cinema. Jordan Lambert, a Christian schools worker serving through Churches Together, organised the event after pupils had repeatedly asked him why Jesus had to die. He said Christians often focus outreach around Christmas but can overlook Easter, even though the resurrection is central to the Christian faith. Teachers and volunteers reported that children were deeply moved by the story. Churches also distributed Easter booklets and chocolate eggs, hoping the message of Christ would stay with every child who attended.