US and Iran Escalate Conflict Amid Civilian Casualties

The United States has escalated its military campaign against Iran, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming that the Iranian regime is "toast" and that its capabilities are "evaporating by the hour." The joint US-Israeli operation, which began on Saturday, has delivered "twice the air power of shock and awe of Iraq in 2003" and "seven times the intensity of Israel's previous operations against Iran during the 12-day war," according to Hegseth.

The Pentagon chief's comments come as the US is investigating a deadly strike on a girls' school in Iran, which Iranian officials say killed at least 165 students. Hegseth was evasive when asked about the airstrike, saying only that the US was "investigating" the incident.

The US military campaign against Iran has raised concerns over civilian casualties, with reports of widespread destruction and loss of life. The UK has also announced a study visa ban for four countries - Sudan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Cameroon - which campaigners warn will drive more people to use small boats to cross the Channel.

The ban, which will come into force on March 26, has been criticized by human rights groups, who argue that it will disproportionately affect people fleeing war and human rights abuses. Shabana Mahmood, the UK's home secretary, has defended the ban, saying it is an "abuse" for people from these countries to claim asylum "in country" after finishing their studies.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been handed a 15-month suspended prison sentence by a Greek court over a 2020 incident in Mykonos. Maguire was found guilty of "non-serious assault" and was given a suspended prison sentence of 21 months and 10 days, but was granted a full retrial after appealing against the conviction.

In another development related to the US-Iran conflict, Hegseth has claimed that a US strike killed an Iranian who plotted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The Pentagon has provided few details about the incident, but the Trump administration has said that Iran's efforts to kill US officials is one reason the United States launched its bombing campaign.

As the conflict between the US and Iran continues to escalate, concerns over civilian casualties and the humanitarian impact of the conflict are growing. The international community is calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but the situation remains volatile and uncertain.

In a statement, the US Department of Defense said that it is "committed to protecting its personnel and interests" and will "continue to take all necessary measures to defend itself against Iranian aggression." The Iranian government has vowed to respond to the US military campaign, and the situation remains tense.

The UK's study visa ban for four countries has also sparked concerns over the impact on refugees and asylum seekers. Campaigners argue that the ban will drive more people to use small boats to cross the Channel, putting their lives at risk. The UK government has defended the ban, saying it is necessary to prevent abuse of the asylum system.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching with concern. The conflict between the US and Iran has significant implications for global security and stability, and the humanitarian impact of the conflict is already being felt.