The US and Israel launched a coordinated military operation, with explosions reported across Tehran, Ilam province, and other Iranian cities. According to US officials and Israeli military statements, the strikes targeted military and defence sites, though Iranian officials reported civilian infrastructure was also hit. An elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, was struck, killing at least 40 people according to Iranian state media. President Trump stated the objective was to "eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was moved to a secure location. Simultaneously, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting US military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE, as well as northern Israel. One person was killed in Abu Dhabi from intercepted Iranian missiles. Iranian officials declared that "all American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become a legitimate target" and promised a "crushing" response.

What’s Been Said:

Western Framing - NPR, Reuters, AP, Trump Administration, Israeli Government
The Trump administration and Israeli leadership frame the strikes as a necessary defensive measure against an imminent Iranian threat, with Trump stating the objective was to "defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats" and Netanyahu describing it as removing an "existential threat." Western media emphasises that the strikes were carefully planned over months and targeted Iran's military capabilities, particularly its missile programme and nuclear infrastructure. The narrative highlights Iran's refusal to dismantle its nuclear programme, its support for regional proxy groups, and its crackdown on internal protesters, presenting the operation as a response to failed diplomatic negotiations and Iran's unwillingness to negotiate seriously.

Iranian/Critical Framing - Iran Foreign Ministry, Al Jazeera, Russia
Iran's Foreign Ministry called the strikes a "gross violation" of national sovereignty, stating "the time has come to defend the homeland." At the same time, critics, such as Russia, argue the operation violates international law and the War Powers Act. The Arms Control Association emphasised that "Iran's nuclear knowledge cannot be bombed away" and that military action would "drive the Iranian regime away from negotiations," while Oman's Foreign Minister stated "active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined." Critics point out that the strikes killed at least 40-57 people, including students at a girls' school, and argue Trump's call for regime change reveals broader geopolitical motives beyond nuclear concerns, and contend the operation deliberately sabotaged viable diplomatic pathways in violation of international norms.

This escalation represents a critical turning point in US-Iran relations and Middle Eastern stability. The strikes risk triggering a broader regional conflict that could disrupt global energy markets, destabilise US allies in the Gulf, and undermine any remaining diplomatic pathways. The operation signals that military solutions are being pursued over negotiation, potentially emboldening hardliners on both sides and making future diplomacy more difficult. The involvement of civilian casualties raises questions about proportionality and international law. How this conflict develops will shape geopolitical alignments, oil prices, and security arrangements across the region for years to come.

The Green Party won the Gorton and Denton by-election in Greater Manchester, with candidate Hannah Spencer, a local plumber and councillor, securing 41% of the vote. This marks the first time the Green Party has won a Westminster by-election. Labour, which held the seat with over 50% of the vote in 2024, came third with 25%, a swing of 26.4 points to the Greens. Reform UK came second with 29%. The Conservatives received just 2%, their worst-ever by-election result. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour health minister Andrew Gwynne, who was suspended for offensive WhatsApp messages. Spencer becomes the Green Party's fifth MP and the victory represents the sixth-largest Labour majority overturned at a by-election since World War Two in a seat held by Labour for nearly 100 years.

Labour & Centre-left Framing - BBC, The Guardian, Labour Officials
Labour figures acknowledge the result as disappointing but argue it should not be read as a general election indicator. Ministers state "different dynamics" apply during general elections. Labour sources contend the Greens "cannot win a general election" and lack "a serious programme for government." However, some Labour figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Unite union leader Sharon Graham, called it a "wake-up call," urging the government to listen to voters and be "braver" on popular policies. Some Labour MPs, including Karl Turner, called the result "catastrophic" and blamed "unpopular" policies, with some suggesting that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham (blocked from standing by party leadership) would have won the seat. Pressure piles on Starmer.

Progressive Framing - The Guardian, New Statesman, Green Party
Green Party leader Zack Polanski framed the victory as proof that "there's no no-go areas for the Green Party" and that the party has a "very, very high ceiling" for growth. Spencer's victory speech emphasised economic hardship, stating that "working hard used to get you something" but now workers "can't put food on the table" or afford heating. Progressives argue the result reflects voter frustration with Labour's centrist positioning and neglect of its core base on cost-of-living issues. The victory is seen as validation of Green policies on economic justice and environmental protection.

Right-Wing Framing - Sky News, Reform UK, Conservative Commentary
Reform UK's Matt Goodwin, who came second, claimed he had "embarrassed Labour in one of their strongest seats" and suggested Reform could replicate this performance "pretty much anywhere." Goodwin blamed the Green victory on a "coalition of Islamists and woke progressives" and warned of "dangerous sectarianism in British politics." Some conservative commentators expressed concern about the Greens' rise as a political force. However, concerns were also raised by election observers about "family voting" (illegal coordinated voting) in 68% of polling stations observed, with Reform and some conservatives suggesting this raised questions about "the integrity of the democratic process in predominantly Muslim areas."

Why This Matters:

This result signals a significant realignment in British politics. It demonstrates that progressive voters are willing to abandon Labour over policy disagreements, particularly on cost-of-living and economic justice issues. The Green victory breaks Labour's near-monopoly on left-wing representation and suggests the party's strategy of focusing on winning over Reform defectors while neglecting its core base is backfiring. The result increases pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of crucial May elections in Scotland, Wales, and English councils. It also raises questions about the viability of the two-party system and whether smaller parties can now compete effectively in Westminster elections. The concerns about voting irregularities, if substantiated, could have implications for electoral integrity.

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee investigating their relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Hillary Clinton testified for over six hours, calling the questioning "repetitive" and accusing Republicans of "political theatre." Bill Clinton testified on 28 February, also for over six hours, stating in an opening statement: "I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong." Both denied any wrongdoing. Bill Clinton said he had long stopped associating with Epstein by the time of his 2008 guilty plea and expressed difficulty recalling specifics from over 20 years ago. Republican Rep. James Comer noted the committee has evidence that Epstein visited the White House 17 times and that Bill Clinton flew on Epstein's plane 27 times. Photos released by the Department of Justice showed Clinton with Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. Neither Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing. This marks the first time a former president has been compelled to testify before Congress.

Republican Framing - House Oversight Committee, Fox News, Conservative Media
Republicans frame the depositions as necessary accountability, with Committee Chair James Comer stating, "We have questions about anyone who spent time with Epstein post-conviction. Once you knew Jeffrey Epstein was a sex offender, why did you continue a relationship?" Rep. John McGuire accused Bill Clinton of having "selective memory." However, some Republican members acknowledged Clinton's candour during questioning, with Comer calling him "charming" and Rep. Nick Langworthy noting Clinton was "quite candid, perhaps more candid than his attorneys were comfortable." Republicans have resisted Democratic calls for President Trump to also testify, arguing they have found no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump in his relationship with Epstein.

Democratic Framing - NPR, Democratic Committee Members
Democrats supported the investigation but used it to call for equal accountability from President Trump. Rep. Robert Garcia stated, "I think that President Trump needs to man up, get in front of this committee and answer the questions." Democrats also called for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify, citing evidence that he attended Epstein events in 2011 and 2012 after claiming to have severed ties following a 2005 visit. Rep. Ro Khanna stated, "I believe we will have the votes to subpoena him." Democrats framed the investigation as about accountability for all powerful figures connected to Epstein, not partisan targeting.

These depositions represent an unprecedented moment in US history, the first compelled testimony of a former president before Congress. They reflect a broader reckoning with powerful figures' connections to Epstein following his 2019 death and the 2021 conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell. The proceedings raise questions about accountability, the statute of limitations on investigating past associations, and whether political figures should face consequences for relationships maintained after a conviction. The partisan framing, with Republicans focusing on the Clintons and Democrats demanding Trump's testimony, highlights how the investigation has become politicised. The outcome may set a precedent for future congressional investigations of former presidents and powerful figures. The case also underscores ongoing debates about elite accountability and the #MeToo movement's reach into the highest levels of government.