In the world of high-stakes cinema, few actors possess a signature image as enduring as Julia Roberts. For decades, she has been defined by a radiant smile and a magnetic presence that seemingly effortlessly commanded the screen. However, her involvement in the film adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize–winning play, August: Osage County, signaled a profound departure from the polished glamour of her early career. Filming on location in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the actress underwent a transformation that stunned audiences and critics alike—not because of an elaborate prosthetic or a dramatic physical shift, but because of her total and fearless abandonment of the Hollywood sheen that had become her trademark. This was a masterclass in raw, emotional realism, a performance that stripped away the artifice to reveal the jagged edges of a woman pushed to her absolute limit.

Roberts portrays Barbara Weston, the eldest daughter in a family defined by its dysfunction and the oppressive heat of the Oklahoma plains. The narrative is a searing exploration of the themes that haunt the American domestic landscape: grief, betrayal, addiction, and the corrosive nature of generational wounds. This was a universe far removed from the sun-drenched romances that once characterized Roberts’ filmography. To become Barbara, the actress shed her signature style, opting instead for the utilitarian wardrobe of a woman who no longer has the energy for vanity. Clad in loose jeans, simple cream layers, and unstyled brunette hair, she became a mirror for the film’s desolate emotional geography. There was no trace of the “Pretty Woman” archetype here; in its place was a woman visibly unraveling under the suffocating weight of family chaos and the ghost of a father whose final act of desperation set the story in motion.

One of the most haunting and wrenching sequences in the film takes place at a quiet lakeside dock. It is a moment of profound silence and heavy atmosphere, where Barbara is tasked with the grim duty of identifying a body alongside local authorities. Acting opposite Ewan McGregor, who portrays her estranged husband, Bill Fordham, Roberts delivers a performance of remarkable restraint. In this scene, she does not rely on grand theatrical gestures or loud outbursts. Instead, her breakdown is subtle, tearful, and painfully authentic—a quiet shattering that left the cast and crew in a state of collective awe. McGregor’s steady, grounding presence provided the necessary emotional ballast, creating a vacuum where silence spoke far louder than any scripted dialogue. The scene serves as the film’s emotional anchor, a moment where the physical reality of loss finally penetrates Barbara’s defensive shell.

Despite the heavy subject matter and the darkness of the narrative, the atmosphere behind the scenes was reportedly one of camaraderie and light. The contrast between the grueling emotional demands of the script and the levity on set was a testament to the professionalism and bond shared by the ensemble cast. Between takes, Roberts was frequently observed in high spirits, sharing laughter and quiet moments with her co-stars. She developed a particularly close friendship with Julianne Nicholson, who portrays her sister, Ivy. Nicholson’s own commitment to the film’s stripped-down realism—characterized by her blue flared pants and a no-nonsense ponytail—complemented Roberts’ transformation perfectly. Their off-camera connection provided a necessary warmth and a sense of balance that helped the actors navigate the harrowing emotional terrain they were required to inhabit for the camera.

The significance of Roberts’ performance in August: Osage County cannot be overstated in the context of her broader career trajectory. It represented a deliberate choice to engage with the “ugly” side of human experience, to lean into the discomfort of aging, resentment, and the complexities of maternal conflict. By stripping away the layers of celebrity, she allowed the audience to see the vulnerability that lies beneath the surface of a strong woman. The film challenges the viewer to look past the surface of family dynamics to see the underlying rot, but also the strange, resilient humor that often accompanies tragedy. Roberts’ portrayal of Barbara Weston is a reminder that the most compelling stories are often the ones that refuse to look away from the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

As the film moves toward its conclusion, the sense of a woman at a crossroads becomes palpable. Barbara is a character defined by her struggle to avoid becoming her mother, yet she finds herself increasingly trapped in the same patterns of behavior. Roberts captures this internal conflict with a precision that feels lived-in and deeply personal. The Oklahoma setting, with its vast horizons and relentless sun, acts as a secondary character, highlighting the isolation of the Weston family. The stripped-down aesthetic of the production—from the costumes to the cinematography—ensures that nothing distracts from the raw power of the acting. This was a production that favored substance over style, and in doing so, it created a lasting impact on the landscape of modern American drama.

The transformation of Julia Roberts for this role serves as a poignant reminder of the power of cinematic realism. In an industry often preoccupied with maintaining a specific image, the courage to be seen in a state of emotional and physical disarray is a rare and valuable thing. It allowed the audience to connect with Barbara on a human level, transcending the boundaries of the screen. The laughter shared between Roberts and Nicholson behind the scenes was not just a relief from the drama, but a reflection of the shared humanity that the film seeks to explore. Even in the midst of a story about a father’s tragic end and a family’s collapse, there is a thread of connection that refuses to be severed.

Ultimately, Roberts’ work in August: Osage County is a testament to the enduring power of her talent. It proved that she remains one of the most versatile and capable actors of her generation, willing to take risks and reinvent herself in the service of a powerful story. The dock scene, the dinner table confrontations, and the quiet moments of reflection all coalesce into a portrait of a woman who is as flawed as she is fascinating. By choosing to abandon glamour, Julia Roberts found something far more enduring: a performance that resonates with the truth of the human condition. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a raw beauty in the act of standing still and facing the storm.

There’s nothing that warms the heart quite like babies with big smiles. Call me a softy all you want, but there really is nothing that can compare to young children radiating happiness.

Which is perhaps why a video posted by the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network a few years ago quickly achieved viral fame, proving immensely popular all over the internet.

The clip, featuring an adopted baby born with Down syndrome grinning happily at her adoptive mother, has already been seen by more than 14 million people.

It’s not too difficult to see why: the baby is absolutely adorable. She knows she’s in a loving  family, and the joy she’s spreading is simply an extension of her own contentment. 

The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network(NDSAN) was established in a bid to ensure every child born with Down syndrome has the chance to grow up in a loving family.

What’s more, I defy you to watch the video below and not be moved in some way. Small babies and their undeniable charm might not be everyone, but there’s something special about this baby that will almost certainly make you feel better for having watched the clip.

Savannah Guthrie has built her reputation on calm, measured reporting during some of the most intense moments in modern news coverage. As a longtime anchor of Today, she has guided viewers through elections, global crises, and major breaking stories with professionalism and composure.

But a dramatic story circulating online claims that on February 26, 2026, that professional boundary was suddenly broken when deeply personal news about her own mother reportedly appeared on the teleprompter during a live broadcast.

The Claim Circulating Online

According to the narrative, Savannah Guthrie was presenting live when a breaking update appeared regarding her mother, Nancy Guthrie. The story describes the moment as one in which the veteran journalist was forced to process personal news while still broadcasting to millions of viewers.

The reports further claim that Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old resident of Tucson, had been reported missing weeks earlier from the Catalina Foothills area. According to the circulating version of events, investigators were treating the case as suspicious after evidence was allegedly discovered near her home.

What Can Be Confirmed

At present, there is no credible reporting from major news organizations confirming that Savannah Guthrie’s mother has been abducted or that such a teleprompter incident occurred during a live broadcast.

Stories describing the event appear to originate from viral posts and secondary websites rather than verified journalism. In the modern media environment, emotionally powerful narratives can spread quickly online even before facts are confirmed.

Because of this, responsible reporting requires distinguishing between verified information and unconfirmed claims.

The Human Dimension of Journalism

Even though this specific story remains unverified, the underlying theme it touches on is real. Journalists are often tasked with delivering difficult news to the public while managing their own personal lives behind the scenes.

For anchors like Guthrie, the job involves maintaining composure under intense pressure — sometimes during events that affect them emotionally as well.

Newsrooms frequently emphasize professionalism in such moments, but they also recognize that journalists are human beings whose lives can intersect with the stories they cover.

Why Verification Matters

Stories involving missing persons, family tragedies, or crimes attract intense public attention. That attention can sometimes lead to misinformation spreading before authorities or credible news outlets confirm the facts.

Responsible reporting relies on verified sources such as law enforcement statements, official records, and established media organizations before presenting claims as confirmed events.

Until such confirmation exists, narratives like this should be treated cautiously.

A Reminder in the Age of Viral News

The story circulating about Savannah Guthrie illustrates how quickly emotionally compelling narratives can spread in the digital era. A dramatic scenario — a respected journalist suddenly confronted with personal tragedy on live television — naturally captures public imagination.

Yet journalism’s core principle remains the same: verification before amplification.

For now, there is no confirmed evidence that the reported incident involving Guthrie and her mother occurred. What the situation does highlight is the importance of careful fact-checking in an age where viral stories can travel faster than the truth.

Kai Trump, the 17-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has recently begun attracting public attention not only because of her well-known family background but also due to her growing interest in golf. As the eldest grandchild in the Trump family, Kai has gradually stepped into the spotlight while pursuing her own goals and interests. Many people who follow her journey describe her as focused, competitive, and determined to build her own path. While her family name is widely recognized, Kai appears committed to developing her identity through sports, education, and personal achievements.

Kai was born on May 12, 2007, in New York City to Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump. She was named after her maternal grandfather, Danish jazz musician Kai Ewans, giving her name a meaningful family connection. According to family stories, her birth happened a little earlier than expected during a charity event, which made the moment memorable for relatives. Growing up, Kai spent much of her childhood surrounded by close family members, including her siblings and cousins. These family bonds have often been highlighted in photographs and stories shared over the years.

Despite being part of a family that has often been in the public eye, Kai experienced a relatively private upbringing during her early years. She occasionally appeared in family photos during the 2016 presidential campaign but mostly stayed out of the spotlight while focusing on school and sports. Over time, golf became one of her strongest interests. She began dedicating significant time to practicing the sport, participating in youth tournaments and continuing to improve her skills. Her dedication to golf has gradually drawn attention from sports fans and observers who see potential in her development as a young athlete.

Kai gained wider recognition in 2024 when she delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention. During her remarks, she shared personal memories about her grandfather, describing him as someone who takes interest in her life, schoolwork, and achievements. The speech offered a glimpse into her personality and introduced her to a broader audience beyond those familiar with her family. Since then, interest in Kai Trump has continued to grow, with many people watching her progress both on the golf course and in her emerging public presence.

It was already late when I arrived home that evening. The apartment was quiet except for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the distant sound of traffic outside. As I stepped through the door, I noticed my roommate quickly walking down the hallway toward her room. She was wrapped in a towel, her hair damp as if she had just taken a shower. She didn’t greet me or even glance in my direction, which felt strange because we usually talked whenever one of us came home. Instead, she hurried into her room and closed the door without a word, leaving me standing there slightly confused.

I shrugged it off at first and headed to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. But only a few minutes later, I heard the front door open behind me. When I turned around, I saw my roommate stepping inside from outside the apartment, holding her keys and looking surprised to see me. For a moment, neither of us spoke. My mind struggled to process what I was seeing. I had just watched her walk into her bedroom moments earlier. Trying to make sense of it, I asked carefully, “Weren’t you just in your room?”

Her expression changed instantly. The color drained from her face, and she stared down the hallway toward her closed bedroom door. In a calm but urgent voice, she told me to grab my phone, go to the car, lock the doors, and call for help. Her reaction told me that something was very wrong. My heart began pounding as we quietly stepped outside together. From the safety of the car, we contacted emergency services and explained that someone might be inside our apartment.

Later that night, after the situation was resolved, we learned what had actually happened. Earlier in the evening, while my roommate had briefly stepped out to take a phone call in the courtyard, someone had entered the apartment through a door that had not fully closed. By the time I arrived home, that person was still inside. The figure I saw rushing down the hallway had not been my roommate at all. Thankfully, because we acted quickly and stayed calm, the situation was handled safely. That experience reminded both of us how important it is to trust our instincts and prioritize safety whenever something feels out of place.

The message from my mother came just as I was finishing the final details for my bachelorette trip. My suitcase sat open on the bed, half-filled with beach clothes and excitement for the days ahead. Then my phone rang. Her voice sounded tired, almost trembling. She told me my stepfather was in the hospital and that his condition was serious. For a moment I was silent, unsure what to say. Our relationship had always been distant. He had been part of my life for years, but I had never truly felt like I belonged in his world. After a long pause, I told my mother that she should stay with him and that I would continue with my plans. The words felt firm at the time, almost protective of the emotional distance I had built over the years.

Later that evening, I boarded the plane with my friends, trying to focus on the celebration ahead. Laughter filled the cabin as we talked about the beach, the music, and the quiet escape we had been waiting for. Yet somewhere beneath the excitement, my thoughts kept drifting back to the phone call. I wondered how things had reached a point where family could feel so complicated. I reminded myself that I had spent years feeling like an outsider in my own home, and that perhaps distance had simply become the easiest way to cope.

When we arrived, the ocean air and bright morning sun made everything feel lighter. The next morning, I woke early in the seaside suite, the sound of waves gently tapping against the shore outside. Curious about the view, I walked over and slowly pulled back the curtains. Standing outside on the balcony below was a familiar figure speaking quietly with the hotel staff. I blinked in surprise as I recognized him—my stepfather’s longtime friend, someone who had known our family for years. He looked up, noticed me at the window, and gave a small nod before gesturing for me to come downstairs.

Confused but curious, I went to meet him. He explained that my stepfather had insisted on sending something before his health worsened. From his coat pocket, he handed me a small envelope with my name written carefully on the front. Inside was a short letter. In simple words, my stepfather admitted that he had often struggled to show affection and had worried for years that he had never made me feel welcome. He wrote that he hoped my upcoming marriage would be filled with warmth, understanding, and patience—things he wished he had expressed more clearly himself. Standing there with the ocean breeze around me, I realized that sometimes the most meaningful connections appear quietly, in moments when we least expect them.

Noticing fine vertical lines that stretch from the base of your fingernails toward the tips can feel unexpected, especially when they become more visible with time. Many people first become aware of these changes in midlife, often after the age of 40. In most situations, these lines are a natural part of aging and not a sign of disease. Nails, like skin and hair, evolve as the body matures. Texture shifts, growth patterns adjust, and subtle changes appear gradually. Understanding why vertical nail ridges develop can offer reassurance and help you take better care of your nails while staying aware of your overall well-being.

Vertical nail ridges, also referred to as longitudinal ridges, run in straight lines from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Fingernails are primarily formed from keratin, a strong protein produced in the nail matrix beneath the cuticle. Over time, the speed and consistency of cell production in this area can change.

When keratin layers form at slightly uneven rates, the surface of the nail may appear ridged rather than smooth. Aging can also reduce the body’s ability to maintain moisture in the skin and nails, making these lines easier to see. As nails become drier, their texture reflects even minor irregularities more clearly.

Daily habits can further influence how pronounced these ridges appear. Frequent exposure to water, cleaning agents, and hand sanitizers can remove natural oils that protect the nail surface. Repeated handwashing, while important for hygiene, may contribute to dryness when not balanced with proper care. Environmental factors such as cold weather or low humidity can also affect nail hydration. Over time, these influences combine with natural aging processes, gradually changing the appearance of nails without causing discomfort or pain.

Internal factors may also play a role in how nails grow and look. Nutrients that support nail strength, including those involved in protein production and circulation, contribute to smooth nail development. When the body experiences subtle imbalances or reduced absorption efficiency with age, nail texture can reflect those shifts. Circulation is another important factor. Healthy blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the nail matrix, supporting even growth. As circulation patterns evolve with age, nail growth may become less uniform, leading to visible ridges.

Hormonal changes can influence nail health as well. Throughout adulthood, hormonal levels adjust naturally, affecting skin elasticity, hair growth, and nail formation. These changes occur gradually and often go unnoticed until physical signs appear. Nails, being slow-growing structures, may quietly reflect these internal adjustments over time. While vertical ridges are usually harmless, awareness becomes important if changes appear suddenly, worsen rapidly, or are accompanied by changes in nail color, thickness, or comfort. Nails can sometimes serve as subtle indicators of broader health shifts.

Supporting nail health does not require complex routines. Consistent care can improve appearance and comfort over time. Regularly moisturizing nails and cuticles helps maintain flexibility and reduces dryness that highlights ridges. Using gentle, nourishing hand creams after washing hands can restore lost moisture. Wearing protective gloves during household cleaning or gardening shields nails from harsh substances and prolonged water exposure. Gentle filing in one direction helps prevent splitting and preserves nail integrity.

Nutrition and hydration also contribute to healthier nails. Drinking enough water supports overall moisture balance, while a varied, balanced diet provides building blocks for nail growth. Foods that supply protein, vitamins, and minerals support the nail matrix from within. Paying attention to nail changes can be a simple way to stay connected to your body’s signals. While vertical nail ridges are commonly part of the aging process, mindful care and observation can help you maintain healthy nails and feel more confident about the changes that come with time.

Jeanne Louise Calment is remembered worldwide as the longest-lived human being ever verified through complete and carefully examined documentation. Born on February 21, 1875, in the warm and historic town of Arles in southern France, she lived an exceptional 122 years and 164 days, finally passing away on August 4, 1997.

Her life continues to fascinate scientists, historians, medical researchers, and the general public because her longevity was accompanied by a personality and lifestyle unlike any other. Jeanne’s story is supported by a vast collection of reliable records, including birth certificates, marriage documents, census entries, legal files, and extensive photographic evidence. Experts in demography and longevity have studied these materials for decades and agree without hesitation that Jeanne Calment holds the undisputed record for the longest confirmed human lifespan.

The Guinness World Records recognizes her as the oldest verified person in history, and she remains the only individual whose age has been confirmed beyond 119 years. Her extraordinary lifespan stands in a category of its own, representing a rare phenomenon that modern science continues to explore. Jeanne’s life stretched across three separate centuries, allowing her to witness technological, cultural, and political transformations that reshaped the world in ways few people could ever imagine.

She was born during a period marked by a largely pre-industrial France, when electricity was still a novelty and the nation was recovering from the Franco-Prussian War. By the time she reached the end of her life in 1997, the globe had endured two world wars, entered the space age, connected through telephones and computers, and taken its first steps into the digital era. She saw the invention of the light bulb, observed the building of the Eiffel Tower, and lived long enough to hear discussions about the internet. Her perspective on history spanned eras that most individuals only read about.

What makes Jeanne’s story even more intriguing is the unexpected nature of her lifestyle. Many people attribute long life to strict diet rules, intense physical training, or the complete avoidance of indulgence. Jeanne’s habits seemed to follow a different path. She loved chocolate—often consuming more than two pounds weekly—and enjoyed desserts with enthusiasm. She drank wine, especially port wine, and remained loyal to cigarettes from the age of 21 until she reached 117. Despite these choices, she maintained remarkable health and avoided many of the conditions commonly associated with aging.

Her resilience suggests that longevity arises from a combination of genetic strengths, environmental factors, emotional wellbeing, and lifestyle balance. Even with her indulgences, she stayed active. Jeanne rode her bicycle well into her nineties and continued walking around Arles long after many peers had become fully dependent on assistance. At 100 years old, she personally visited homes across her town to thank people for birthday wishes. This habit of staying socially connected, physically active, and mentally engaged may have played an important role in her extraordinary vitality.

Jeanne’s humor was another defining feature of her life. She had a relaxed, lighthearted way of moving through challenges and often used jokes to keep stress from affecting her. On her 120th birthday, she told reporters, “I see badly, I hear badly, I can’t feel anything, but everything is fine.” Her outlook reflected an emotional resilience that researchers now associate with a slower aging process. Gerontologists believe that people who manage stress effectively may protect themselves from chronic inflammation, cellular aging, and other physical consequences linked to long-term worry.

Her physician and biographers have emphasized that her calm approach to life appeared nearly instinctive. She focused on what could be controlled and released what could not, avoiding unnecessary tension. Modern studies increasingly support the idea that emotional wellbeing, social connection, and purpose play a central role in health and longevity.

Genetic factors likely contributed as well. Research on supercentenarians shows that many possess rare genetic markers related to lower inflammation, stronger cardiovascular function, and enhanced DNA repair. Jeanne’s exceptional resistance to age-related diseases suggests she may have carried biological traits that protected her in ways scientists are still trying to understand.

She remained mentally sharp far longer than most people her age. Jeanne recalled details from as early as the late 1800s and continued sharing stories with visitors, journalists, and researchers. Cognitive engagement—reading, talking with others, and staying curious—is strongly linked to long-term brain health. Jeanne’s active mind reflected a lifetime of learning, conversation, and community involvement.

Her presence fascinated the media, who documented her humor, charm, and unique perspective. These interviews and photographs contributed to her status as a cultural symbol of endurance and human possibility. She became a figure who inspired discussions about aging gracefully and living fully.

By the time she reached her final years, Jeanne had already surpassed every known record of human lifespan. She lived independently until 110 before moving into a care facility, where she continued to socialize, enjoy small pleasures, and maintain her sense of humor. When she passed away at 122, she left behind more than a record—she left a legacy of insight into the human spirit.

Jeanne Calment’s life demonstrates that longevity is shaped by more than food choices or exercise routines. It is influenced by genetics, emotional resilience, community, curiosity, moderate enjoyment, and a peaceful approach to life’s challenges. Her story continues to inspire people who seek healthy aging, reminding the world that a long life can be filled with joy, connection, humor, and meaning.

An expert has offered their opinion as to why men seem to be disproportionately affected by HPV-related oral cancers.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection that sometimes causes no symptoms but can result in genital warts or long-term cancers.

As per reports, there are over 200 strains of the virus, and while as many as 90% of infections clear on their own within two years, 14 strains are known to cause precancerous changes or cancer itself.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) claim that around 10 per cent of men and 3.6 per cent of women are known to carry the virus, making it the most common in the US.

Perhaps the most well-known case of HPV was that of iconic actor Michael Douglas, who was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer in 2010. Douglas acknowledged publicly that the disease could be linked to oral sex, while also mentioning smoking and drinking as other potential causes.

Experts have warned that it can be decades before HPV develops into cancer in the back of the throat, also known as oropharyngeal cancer.

Karis Betts, a cancer epidemiologist from Cancer Research UK, revealed to LADbible that HPV infections can go unnoticed for years before developing into cancer.

“There are studies that look at risk for different people. Straight women who have sex with men have a higher risk than women who have sex exclusively with women. And men who have sex with men have higher risk than straight men.

“The HPV vaccine is also available up to age 40 for men who have sex with men because the risk is slightly higher,” Betts said.

“Men have higher rates of head and neck cancers than women. This kind of historically links to other risk factors as well.

“If you look a few decades ago, there were really high rates of smoking in men, high rates of alcohol, and they’ve consistently been higher than women.

“Men have higher rates of head and neck cancers, particularly in the mouth and throat, and these cancers are also caused by other things that are more prevalent in men.”

Though there is no cure for HPV, there is a vaccination available.

“The big kind of preventable measures against HPV in the population are vaccination and cervical screening,” Betts told LADbible.

“Vaccines kind of work best, and that’s why they work best at that school age, because it’s before people have had any exposure to the virus.

“If people are worried about their cancer risk, the best things that they can do, especially for head and neck cancer, is to not smoke, or stop smoking, and reduce their alcohol intake.

“Things like that will have a much bigger benefit on your cancer risk than kind of worrying about an HPV infection.”

The Cleveland Clinic lists the following as warning signs for throat cancer:

• Persistent sore throat
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Trouble opening your mouth or moving your tongue fully
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant or unexplained ear pain
• A lump in the back of the throat or inside the mouth
• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Coughing up blood
• A white patch on the tongue or inside the mouth that doesn’t disappear

Iran have issued another grave message following their threat to President Donald Trump in the aftermath of the death of their Supreme Leader.

The military conflict in Iran has now entered its 12th day. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed by joint US and Israeli strikes last week, with the Middle Eastern country quickly responding with strikes of its own.

Trump has repeatedly put pressure on Iran to end the conflict, while refusing to rule out sending in U.S ground troops. Meanwhile, the world economy, not least the oil market, has been hugely shaken up.

Speaking with CBS News, Trump confidently claimed earlier this week: “I think the war is very complete, pretty much.

“They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force. Their missiles are down to a scatter. Their drones are being blown up all over the place, including their manufacturing of drones. If you look, they have nothing left. There’s nothing left in a military sense.”

When Trump threatened serious consequences if Iran doesn’t fully re-open the Strait of Hormuz – the Islamic Republic previously declared the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea lane for oil exports from countries including Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, “closed”, warning that they would attack any ships attempting to pass through – the nation hit back with a threat of its own.

As reported by The Mirror, Ali Ardashir Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said, “The Ashura nation of Iran is not afraid of your empty threats. Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. Be careful not to be eliminated!”

The post was then signed: “Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Tehran, March 19, 1404 – 10 days after the martyrdom of His Holiness Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.”

Iran also appeared to send a message to the world that revealed its thoughts on surrendering to US and Israeli demands that it abandon its nuclear project.

Reaffirming its unwavering allegiance to new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei, Iran fired a fresh wave of drones and missiles yesterday, March 9.

Credit / IRIB

One such missile was shown on Iranian state TV, having been inscribed with the text: “At your service, Sayyid Mojtaba.”

Trump has previously gone on record to state that any supreme leader elected in Iran would not ‘last long’ if they were not approved of by the US.

The POTUS told Republican allies before a press conference on Monday: “We have won in many ways. But we haven’t won enough.”

The Independent, citing sources, say an estimated 1,245 Iranian civilians and as many as 3,000 Iranian military personnel have been killed in the conflict so far.

Seven U.S. service personnel are also reported to have lost their lives.