Iran-US war latest: Trump ‘considers risky ground invasion of key Iranian island’ to reopen Strait of Hormuz

As Iran marks Nowruz, the Persian new year, the country remains in its longest internet blackout.

The country has been under an internet shutdown for 21 days, according to NetBlocks.

“With international connectivity cut and domestic service limited, many families are unable to contact loved ones when it’s most needed.”

Hours after Israel killed the top commander of Iran’s Basij this week, it struck again – this time at the rank and file of the feared force that helped crush widespread protests this year.

A drone blasted one of the Basij’s many temporary roadblocks erected around the capital, Tehran.Israel and the US say they aim to break the Islamic Republic’s tools of domestic control in their campaign of bombardment, now nearly three weeks old.

Since the war began, monitors estimate that up to a third of strikes have targeted the top echelons and major bases of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and its Basij volunteers tasked with enforcing loyalty to Iran’s theocratic rulers.

Last week, Israel began striking Basij checkpoints, extending the threat to low-ranking members. But the Basij, police and Revolutionary Guard have maintained their grip, and there has been no sign yet of Iranians heeding US and Israeli calls to rise up, as many seek refuge from the airstrikes and uncertainty.

A 34-year-old man, understood to be Iranian, has been arrested after trying to get into Faslane naval base where Britain’s nuclear submarines are based, Police Scotland said.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 5pm on Thursday, 19 March, 2026, we were made aware of two people attempting to enter HM Naval Base Clyde.

“A 34-year-old man and 31-year-old woman have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.”

Spain will reduce VAT on fuel to 10 per cent in order to mitigate the impact of the Iran war, according to Spanish radio. It is currently 21 per cent.