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Tories want UK to back US action against Iran

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Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel

Tories want UK to back US action against Iran

Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel has called on the UK government to back the US if it attacks Iran.

US President Donald Trump has not publicly said whether the US will join the Israeli strikes.

But the BBC’s US partner CBS reported he had approved attack plans for Iran although he has not made a final decision on whether to strike the country.

Britain’s top legal adviser Lord Hermer has reportedly raised concerns privately that international law may only support UK involvement if UK personnel are targeted.

Dame Priti has argued the UK cannot “hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis”.

But Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for any legal advice to be published, adding: “The last thing we need is for the UK to be dragged into another illegal war in the Middle East by the US.”

Asked about the reports on Lord Hermer’s legal advice, Commons leader Lucy Powell said governments had always had a policy of not commenting on whether the attorney general has given advice so ministers can “make decisions without fear or favour”.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has travelled to Washington to meet his US counterpart Marco Rubio, after Donald Trump said he was considering whether to join Israeli strikes against Iran.

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Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that he will hold talks about the escalation of their nuclear programme with his counterparts from the UK, France and Germany and insisted his country was committed to diplomacy.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Dame Priti said said “we should be working with our allies, working alongside the US and Israel” and her party would support assisting the US in Iran.

She said: “If the US came to the UK and said ‘we need your assistance’, through use of our bases or even re-fuelling aircraft, obviously we would support that, my party would support that, working with the government and basing that on private discussions obviously based on intelligence, legal advice, security information.”

She stressed that strikes have taken place “to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities and their ballistic missile capabilities, which are a threat to us in the UK”.

However, there are reports the Attorney General Lord Hermer has privately raised questions over whether Israel’s actions in Iran are lawful, which would restrict the government’s ability to support any US action.

The Attorney General’s office said: “By long-standing convention, reflected in the ministerial code, whether the law officers have been asked to provide legal advice and the content of any advice is not routinely disclosed.

“The convention provides the fullest guarantee that government business will be conducted at all times in light of thorough and candid legal advice.”

Israel has justified its war by claiming that Iran’s nuclear weapons programme poses an “imminent” and “existential” threat – although Iran claims the programme is peaceful.

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The two countries have been exchanging fire for days after air strikes, which Tel Aviv said were aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.

The UK helped defend Israel from Iranian missile and drone strikes during a confrontation last year.

Asked if Lord Hermer was right to sound a warning, Dame Priti told Times Radio she believed the UK should support its “biggest ally”.

She said: “I don’t think we can hide behind legal advice at a time of crisis and national security when we have to work alongside our biggest ally in the world, the United States, when they look to us for potentially… setting out operational activities through our own military bases.”

Earlier, on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dame Priti pointed out that embassy staff have been evacuated from Israel.

“There are thousands upon thousands of British nationals in Israel and currently the government response is not sufficient,” she said.

“There are [phone] numbers being put up for families to call and that is simply not good enough.

“We do know embassy personnel are being evacuated. And if they can do that for embassy staff then clearly additional facilities must be extended to British nationals in Israel.”

Dame Priti added other countries were offering air, sea and land options.

US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Washington was working to get military, commercial, charter flights and cruise ships for evacuation.

Dame Priti’s call for repatriation flights comes after the Foreign Office issued advice on Sunday against all travel to Israel.

British nationals currently in those areas have been told to register their presence via an online form and to follow the advice of local authorities.

The Foreign Office said international land border crossings with Jordan and Egypt remains open – with consular teams in place to provide assistance – while the embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem remains “fully staffed”.

On Wednesday, a “rapid deployment team” arrived in Jordan which the Foreign Office said would “boost our consular presence”.

Tories want UK to back US action against Iran

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International

 Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme

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 Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme

In a landmark ruling, ten Nigerians have been convicted in the United States for their roles in a sprawling international fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of approximately $215 million from unsuspecting victims across the country and abroad. The convictions, handed down by federal courts in several jurisdictions, shed light on the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters in the digital age.

The scheme, which spanned several years, involved a multifaceted approach to deception, utilizing romance scams, business email compromise, and identity theft to exploit vulnerable individuals and businesses. Prosecutors revealed that the defendants, often working in coordinated teams, crafted elaborate stories and false identities to gain the trust of their victims, some of whom believed they were engaging in legitimate business dealings or developing romantic relationships.

According to court documents, the fraudsters utilized a range of technologies, including fake websites, cloned email addresses, and social media profiles, to perpetrate their crimes. Victims were lulled into a false sense of security before being induced to transfer large sums of money under various pretenses, including investment opportunities and fictitious emergencies.

The investigation, led by the FBI and other agencies, unveiled a complex web of financial transactions that traversed multiple countries. Authorities discovered that the stolen funds were often laundered through a network of shell companies, making it challenging to trace the money back to the criminals. In addition to the Nigerian nationals, several accomplices in other countries were implicated, leading to ongoing investigations and arrests.

During the trial, the prosecution presented a wealth of evidence, including testimonies from victims who described the devastating emotional and financial impact of the fraud. Some victims reported losing their life savings, while others faced severe emotional distress due to the betrayal and manipulation involved.

In their defense, some of the convicted individuals claimed ignorance of the broader scheme, arguing that they were merely following orders from a higher authority. However, the jury found them guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

U.S. Attorney [Name] stated, “This ruling sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud in any form. These individuals took advantage of the trust of their victims for personal gain, and they will face the consequences of their actions.”

Sentencing for the ten defendants is expected to take place in the coming months, with potential penalties including substantial prison time and restitution payments to the victims. The case underscores the growing threat posed by international fraud rings, particularly in an increasingly digital world.

Experts in cybersecurity and fraud prevention warn that individuals should remain vigilant against unsolicited communications and always verify the authenticity of requests for funds or personal information. As law enforcement continues to crack down on such schemes, victims are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the authorities.

This case serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in the fight against cybercrime and the importance of educating the public about potential scams.

 

 Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme

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International

Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over ‘Terminated’ Iran War Claim

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U.S. President Donald Trump
US President, Donald Trump

Trump Administration Says Iran War ‘Terminated’ Ahead of Congressional Deadline

Washington, D.C. — The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the ongoing military conflict with Iran was effectively “terminated” before the expiration of a 60-day deadline requiring congressional authorization, setting up a contentious legal and political battle in Washington.

Senior administration officials argue that a ceasefire reached in early April brought an end to active hostilities, thereby rendering the requirements of the War Powers Resolution inapplicable. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the absence of recent exchanges of fire signifies that the United States is no longer engaged in active combat operations against Iran.

“The conflict, as defined under the War Powers framework, has ceased,” an official familiar with the administration’s position said. “There are no ongoing hostilities that would trigger the need for congressional authorization.”

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates that the president must seek approval from Congress within 60 days of committing U.S. forces to armed conflict, or otherwise withdraw those forces. That deadline, tied to the recent escalation with Iran, was expected to fall on May 1, 2026.

However, the administration maintains that the ceasefire effectively halted the legal clock, arguing that the absence of sustained combat operations means the United States is no longer in a state of war requiring legislative oversight.

The position has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including members of both major political parties. Critics contend that a ceasefire does not equate to a formal end of hostilities, particularly if U.S. forces remain deployed in the region or continue enforcement measures such as naval blockades.

“Calling it ‘terminated’ doesn’t make it so,” one congressional aide said. “If U.S. forces are still engaged in activities that could lead to conflict, then Congress has a constitutional role to play.”

Legal scholars have also weighed in, noting that the interpretation of what constitutes “hostilities” under the War Powers Resolution has long been a gray area. Some argue that even limited military actions or strategic posturing could fall within the scope of the law, thereby requiring congressional approval.

The debate underscores a broader and longstanding tension between the executive and legislative branches over war-making powers. While presidents have often sought to expand their authority in matters of national security, Congress has periodically pushed back to assert its constitutional prerogative to declare war.

For now, the administration’s stance appears aimed at avoiding an immediate vote in Congress that could either authorize continued operations or compel a withdrawal of U.S. forces. Whether lawmakers will challenge this interpretation through legislation or legal action remains to be seen.

The situation continues to evolve, with implications not only for U.S.-Iran relations but also for the balance of power within the American government.

 

Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over ‘Terminated’ Iran War Claim

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Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School

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Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School 

A violent stabbing incident at Henry Foss High School in Tacoma has left six people injured, including the suspected attacker, authorities have confirmed.

The attack, which occurred during school hours on Thursday, April 30, 2026, sent shockwaves through the school community and prompted an immediate lockdown of the campus as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

According to local law enforcement officials, the victims include four students and one adult security staff member. The sixth injured individual is the suspect, believed to be a student of the school. All victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. While some were initially reported to be in critical condition, authorities later indicated that all injured persons are now in stable condition.

Police say the suspect has been taken into custody and is expected to face multiple charges related to assault. Officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect due to legal considerations.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may have stemmed from an altercation between students, which escalated into violence. However, investigators have emphasized that the exact motive remains unclear, and a full inquiry is ongoing.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, school authorities activated emergency safety protocols, placing the campus on lockdown to secure students and staff. Parents were notified, and a controlled dismissal process was later implemented to ensure student safety.

Local education officials have announced that classes and extracurricular activities at the school will be temporarily suspended. Counseling services and psychological support are also being made available to students, staff, and families affected by the incident.

Community leaders and law enforcement agencies have condemned the attack, reiterating the importance of school safety and conflict resolution among students. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues.

The incident adds to growing concerns over safety in schools and highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent violence among young people.

Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School

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