Ben Duckett stars as Trent Rockets men hand Welsh Fire men their first defeat of the season in a thrilling encounter in The Hundred 2026, producing a match-winning innings that ended Welsh Fire’s unbeaten run.
Duckett’s composed yet aggressive batting guided Trent Rockets to a memorable victory, helping his side chase down a competitive target and strengthen their position in the tournament standings. The result marked Welsh Fire’s first loss of the campaign after an impressive start to the season.
Ben Duckett plays a match-winning innings for Trent Rockets.Ben Duckett plays a match-winning innings for Trent Rockets.
Duckett Leads the Chase
Opening the innings, Ben Duckett played with confidence from the start, finding the boundary regularly while rotating the strike effectively.
His innings featured:
Elegant cover drives.
Quick running between the wickets.
Intelligent shot selection.
Calm decision-making under pressure.
Duckett built valuable partnerships with his teammates, ensuring Trent Rockets remained in control of the chase despite occasional wickets falling at the other end.
His performance demonstrated why he is regarded as one of England’s most reliable white-ball batters.
Welsh Fire Set a Competitive Total
Batting first, Welsh Fire posted a challenging score thanks to several important contributions from their top and middle order.
The innings included the following:
Positive starts from the opening batters.
Aggressive stroke play during the middle overs.
Late acceleration in the closing stages.
Valuable lower-order runs.
Although the total looked competitive, Trent Rockets believed it was well within reach on a good batting surface.
Welsh Fire posted a competitive total before Trent Rockets began their successful chase.
Trent Rockets Keep Their Composure
Rather than chasing the target recklessly, Trent Rockets paced their innings intelligently.
Key factors behind their success included:
Strong opening partnership.
Sensible shot selection.
Effective strike rotation.
Timely boundaries.
Calm finishing under pressure.
Duckett anchored the innings while allowing his teammates to play naturally around him.
Bowlers Make Important Contributions
Before Duckett’s heroics with the bat, Trent Rockets’ bowlers ensured Welsh Fire could not post an even bigger total.
The bowling attack successfully
Took wickets at crucial moments.
Restricted boundary scoring.
Applied pressure during the middle phase.
Delivered disciplined death bowling.
Their efforts ensured the target remained achievable.
Welsh Fire’s Winning Run Comes to an End
Welsh Fire had entered the match with an unbeaten record and plenty of confidence.
However, Trent Rockets exposed several weaknesses by applying pressure early and limiting partnerships.
Applying pressure early.
Limiting partnerships.
Maintaining disciplined bowling.
Holding important catches.
Although Welsh Fire remain among the tournament’s strongest teams, this defeat serves as a reminder that every match in The Hundred presents a new challenge.
Trent Rockets celebrate an important victory over Welsh Fire.
What the Result Means
The victory gives Trent Rockets valuable momentum as the competition progresses.
Key takeaways include:
Trent Rockets strengthen their position in the standings.
Welsh Fire suffer their first defeat but remain strong contenders.
Duckett has enjoyed an impressive run across all formats in recent seasons.
His strengths include:
Fast scoring without unnecessary risks.
Excellent placement of shots.
Ability to adapt to different match situations.
Consistency under pressure.
Performances like these continue to enhance his reputation as one of England’s leading limited-overs batters.
Conclusion
Ben Duckett starred as the Trent Rockets handed the Welsh Fire their first defeat of the season in one of the standout matches of The Hundred 2026. His composed innings, supported by disciplined bowling and strong teamwork, helped Trent Rockets secure a decisive victory against previously unbeaten opponents.
For Welsh Fire, the defeat is unlikely to derail their campaign, but it highlights the competitive nature of this year’s tournament. As The Hundred continues, both teams will be aiming to build momentum and secure places in the knockout rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the star performer for Trent Rockets?
Ben Duckett produced a match-winning innings that guided Trent Rockets to victory.
Why was this result significant?
The win handed Welsh Fire their first defeat of the 2026 season after an unbeaten start.
What competition was the match part of?
The match was played in The Hundred 2026, England and Wales’ 100-ball cricket competition.
What does the result mean for both teams?
Trent Rockets gain valuable momentum, while Welsh Fire remain strong contenders despite losing their unbeaten record.
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When news broke on the morning of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, that Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard had died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan on the outskirts of Dublin, tributes poured in from every corner of the music world. Presidents, peers, and fans mourned the loss of a beloved Oscar winner. Yet the most piercing detail in the coverage was not about awards or albums. Hansard leaves behind his wife, Maire Saaritsa, and their 3-year-old son, Christy.
Behind the man who won an Academy Award for “Falling Slowly” from the 2007 film Once was a private world he had built slowly and, by his admission, late in life. This book is the story of that world: the woman he married, the little boy who reshaped him, and the family life that had come to define his final years.
Glen Hansard performing live on stage with his acoustic guitar, remembered for his devotion to family and his young son Christy
A Late-Blooming Family Man
For most of his adult life, relentless motion defined Glen Hansard. He toured with The Frames, formed the folk duo The Swell Season with Markéta Irglová, released solo records, appeared in benefit concerts, and led Dublin’s annual Christmas Eve charity busk on Grafton Street. Domesticity was not a word people associated with him.
That changed in his early fifties. Musician Glen Hansard was married to Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and the couple welcomed their son in 2022. Hansard was 52 when he became a father for the first time, and he spoke about the experience with a candour that surprised even his long-time followers.
In a widely quoted 2023 interview, Hansard shared his thoughts on fatherhood: “For 52 years, I was the most important person in my life, and then suddenly, I got a complete perspective shift, and I’m absolutely loving it.” He added a line that has resurfaced in almost every tribute since his death: he could not believe he had waited so long to do it.
Hansard’s wife is a Finnish poet who kept a low public profile even as her husband’s fame grew. Saaritsa is a Finnish poet who resides in Ireland. According to her bio on the website of the literary event Lahti International Writers’ Reunion (LIWRE), Maire was born in 1992. She is well known for translating the Runoja, the poetry collection by Irish poet Michael O’Loughlin, into Finnish.
Their courtship was unconventional and deeply romantic. According to accounts published in the wake of Hansard’s death, the couple began their relationship around 2018. In the immediate aftermath of her death, Glen placed his mother’s ring on Máire’s finger at the graveside and said quietly, “Now we’re married.” He later told the story on the Irish chat programme The Late Late Show, describing it as the moment their union became real to him, long before any formal ceremony. The official wedding took place in late December 2022, in a private ceremony a few months after the birth of their son Christy in October of that year.
That graveside proposal in July 2020, honouring his late mother, set the tone for a partnership shaped by grief, poetry, and quiet devotion.
Meet Christy: The Little Boy Who Grounded a Restless Troubadour
Glen Hansard’s only child, a son named Christy, was born in October 2022. By the time of his father’s death in July 2026, he was three years old.
The name Christy carries profound meaning. According to a tribute published by The Irish Times, he married the Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa and they had a son, Christy, named for Christy Dignam, Christy Moore and – most especially – his great friend, the late singer-songwriter Mic Christopher.
Glen Hansard with his son and family
Mic Christopher was a close friend of Hansard’s who died tragically young in 2001, and honouring his memory through his son’s name was a gesture that spoke volumes about the loyalty Hansard carried with him through life.
The Irish Times interview from October 2023, conducted while Christy was just one year old, captured a rare glimpse of the singer’s domestic life. Glen Hansard’s one-year-old son, Christy, is burbling away in the singer’s arms, listening to us talk. “His mouth is right next to the receiver, but he’s just very quietly listening.”
A Life Split Between Dublin and Helsinki
One of the most distinctive features of the family Hansard built was its dual nationality and dual base. The Hansard-Saaritsa household maintained homes in both Ireland and Finland, giving young Christy an unusually cross-cultural upbringing.
It is, the 53-year-old admits, all change for him and his wife, the Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa. The family is in Ireland – “where the heart belongs” – when we speak, but they also live in Helsinki.
This arrangement was practical as much as it was sentimental. When Hansard was on tour, his wife and son could travel to Finland to be near his extended family. Hansard described the balancing act with characteristic self-awareness. “Now that we have the place in Helsinki, Maire and Christy can go there, which means they’re closer to family.”
Timeline: Glen Hansard’s Personal Milestones
Year
Milestone
1970
Born Glen James Hansard on 21 April in Ballymun, Dublin
2006–2009
Relationship with Czech musician Markéta Irglová during One era
2018 (approx.)
Begins relationship with Finnish poet Máire Saaritsa
July 2020
Symbolic proposal to Máire at his mother’s graveside
October 2022
Son Christy is born
December 2022
Formal wedding ceremony with Máire Saaritsa
2023
Speaks publicly about fatherhood in The Irish Times interview
2025
The Swell Season releases Forward, featuring a song about Christy
29 July 2026
Dies in a motorcycle crash in Lucan, Dublin, aged 56
How Fatherhood Reshaped His Music
Christy’s arrival did not just change Hansard’s daily life. It seeped directly into his songwriting. His late-career work carried a softer, more reflective quality that fans and critics quickly connected to his new role at home.
The most direct example is a song written specifically for his son. On The Swell Season’s 2025 album Forward, Hansard wrote a song for three-year-old Christy called Factory Street Bells.
The lyrics quoted in that Irish Times tribute reveal a father who understood the weight of his absences on the road. The song reads in part, according to the publication:
For a songwriter who had spent decades writing about heartbreak, longing, and street-level struggle, this moment was a strikingly tender lyrical turn. It represented what many close observers described as the softening of a restless artistic soul.
The Contrast With His Earlier Public Romance
Hansard’s marriage and family life stand in interesting contrast to the highly publicised relationship of his younger years. In the mid-2000s, he was romantically linked with his Once co-star. Markéta Irglová is a Czech-Icelandic singer-songwriter, musician, and actress who starred in the 2007 film Once, which earned her a number of major awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly”, with co-writer and co-star Glen Hansard.
Their romance played out under an international spotlight during the film’s Oscar campaign and dissolved amicably a few years later. Irglová went on to marry and start a family in Iceland, while Hansard remained single until his late forties. When he did finally settle down with Máire Saaritsa, the couple made a deliberate choice to keep their world small, private, and largely offline.
The Financial Realities of a Working Musician-Father
One striking element of Hansard’s public reflections on family life was his honesty about money. Despite the Oscar, the Grammy nominations, and the Broadway success of the Once musical, Hansard never presented himself as wealthy. Fatherhood sharpened this awareness.
Fatherhood deeply affected him. As he moved between living in Finland and Ireland, financial security was on his mind for him and his family. “Funny as it sounds, with all the success, the money is something you have to go out and earn constantly. It’s not something that you just have all put away and it’s all sorted,” he said.
That candour was unusual for a public figure of his stature and endeared him further to fans who saw him as an authentic working musician rather than a celebrity.
Why This Family Story Matters
In journalistic terms, Glen Hansard’s family life matters because it reframes how people will understand his legacy. The public narrative for nearly two decades was built around a single defining image: the busker who won an Oscar. The private narrative he cultivated in his final years was quieter but no less significant.
He became a husband at 52. He became a father at 52. He was 56 when he died. His son will grow up with only three years of direct memory of his father but with a body of recorded music, a documented interview archive, and at least one song written explicitly in his honour.
For a generation of fans who first met Hansard through Once in 2007, the news that he leaves behind a three-year-old boy has been particularly difficult to absorb. It reframes the tragedy of his sudden death, transforming it from the loss of an artist into the loss of a young family’s father.
Interesting Facts About Glen Hansard’s Family Life
Hansard was 52 years old when his only child was born, an age that made his fatherhood a subject of frequent interview questions.
His son Christy is named after three men from Irish music: Christy Dignam of Aslan, folk legend Christy Moore, and Hansard’s late friend Mic Christopher.
The couple’s relationship began around 2018 but was not made formal until a private ceremony in December 2022.
Máire Saaritsa is roughly 22 years younger than her husband and is a published poet in her own right.
The family split time between Dublin and Helsinki, giving Christy a bilingual upbringing.
Hansard reportedly stopped drinking and slowed his touring pace after becoming a father.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children did Glen Hansard have?
Glen Hansard had one child, a son named Christy. Christy was born in October 2022 and was three years old at the time of his father’s death in July 2026.
Who was Glen Hansard’s wife?
Glen Hansard was married to Máire Saaritsa, a Finnish poet born in 1992. She is best known in Finland for translating Irish poet Michael O’Loughlin’s collection Runoja into Finnish. The couple married in a private ceremony in December 2022.
When did Glen Hansard get married?
Glen and Máire held a formal wedding ceremony in late December 2022, a few months after the birth of their son. Hansard also considered a symbolic private moment at his mother’s graveside in July 2020, when he placed his mother’s ring on Máire’s finger, as the true beginning of their union.
Why did Glen Hansard name his son Christy?
The name honours three important figures in Irish music: Aslan frontman Christy Dignam; folk legend Christy Moore; and above all, Hansard’s close friend, the late singer-songwriter Mic Christopher, who died in 2001.
Did Glen Hansard have children with Markéta Irglová?
No. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová had a romantic relationship from 2006 to 2009, following the release of Once, but they did not have children together. Irglová later married and started a family in Iceland.
Where did Glen Hansard live with his family?
The family split their time between Ireland, where Hansard’s roots and career were based, and Helsinki, Finland, where his wife’s family lived. Reports variously placed their Irish home in Dublin and County Kildare.
How did fatherhood change Glen Hansard?
Hansard spoke openly about a “complete perspective shift” after becoming a father at 52. He reportedly cut back on drinking, adjusted his touring schedule, and wrote directly about his son in his later music, including the 2025 song “Factory Street Bells” on The Swell Season’s album Forward.
How old was Glen Hansard when he died?
Glen Hansard was 56 years old at the time of his death on 29 July 2026. He died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, on the outskirts of Dublin.
A solar eclipse does not happen often, so it is important to have a prime vantage point. London might not be able to offer the total eclipse experience that people in Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain will be able to marvel at on Wednesday 12 August. But it will be the largest partial solar eclipse – when the moon moves to cover the sun – that will be witnessed in the UK in over a quarter of a century.
It is estimated that around 90% of the sun will be obscured by the moon, triggering a rare and stunning natural phenomenon.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, which includes the Royal Observatory, a solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon and sun align. The moon passes in front of the sun and blocks its light, casting a small shadow on Earth.”
The observatory said it will be a 64-year wait until 2090 for the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK, so it is worth taking the chance to see a natural phenomenon in 2026.
Local school kids wear protective glasses to watch a partial solar eclipse from Greenwich Park.
Getty Images
Where to watch the solar eclipse in London?
Just as was the case in 1999, Cornwall, which experienced a total eclipse 27 years ago, is forecast to be the best place in the UK to watch the eclipse. Spectators gathering in popular spots such as Land’s End and The Lizard Peninsula will enjoy 95% coverage.
But London’s hills and open spaces will still offer decent vantage points to see the performance in the sky.
This year’s solar eclipse will begin at 6:17pm on August 12 for those based in London. The height of the eclipse is expected at 7:13pm for Londoners and it will last around 1 hour and 49 minutes until 8:06pm.
Greenwich Park is likely to be popular with people wanting to witness the solar eclipse
Why not watch it where the experts are based? With the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian line on one side and the view of the London skyline on the other, this London beauty spot is sure to have not only a stunning view of the partial eclipse but also a vibrant atmosphere to match. Situated in the south-east of the city, it should offer a wide vista as the sun comes down in the west.
For those finding a spot to see it for themselves, there are strict safety guidelines to follow when it comes to eyesight protection. The Royal Observatory states that a person should never look directly at the Sun without the appropriate filters, providing information on how to watch it safely.
For those in south-east London less fond of crowds, Telegraph Hill, situated near Nunhead, could prove the ideal place to set up camp on August 12. It still offers that east-to-west angle while being slightly further from the tourist hub of Greenwich.
Offering views over London Zoo and well beyond, Primrose Hill, part of Regent’s Park in north London, is sure to be popular among those looking to catch a glimpse of the powerful solar display.
Rising to 98 metres, Parliament Hill is one of London’s highest natural points, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
Visitors to this part of Hampstead Heath on August 12 will be able to contrast man-made brilliance with natural beauty as they take in the effect of the eclipse while also spotting St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin and other major London landmarks on the horizon. Alexandra Palace Summit to open 'UK's highest roof walk'
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Alexandra Palace is renowned for its views over London
Slightly further out of London, the hill between Muswell Hill and Wood Green that Alexandra Palace sits on was chosen for its high vantage point by the BBC when first transmitting television signals in 1936.
For that same reason, it should be a fine place to watch the partial solar eclipse, with the palace’s perch situated well above the tree canopy line, giving clear views of the sky over London.
The high elevation of Crystal Palace on the Norwood Ridge will provide an open, elevated view toward the west where the eclipse will peak.
The upper Italian terraces of the south London landmark and the open grass areas of its park should provide plenty of space to locate a spot to watch the sun and moon fusion without tall buildings blocking the view.
Stepping inside the Poo Palace was just one part of my investigation as the host of The Standard’s podcast, Thames Unfiltered. Over six episodes, we look at the condition of the River Thames, from the pristine Cotswold country streams where it begins to the high-stakes financial and environmental crisis unfolding in the heart of the capital.
I feel like I’m in a London-maxxing wedding venue, under a great dome surrounded by ornate painted ironwork and soaring, decorated Dalek-like columns. Or a cathedral to industrial chic. But this is no place of worship (unless you worship at the altar of the digestive system) – I’m at Abbey Mills Pumping Station, aka “Poo Palace”.
It’s a working – and beautiful – part of the capital’s sewage system where millions of tonnes of waste are raised up 12 metres on a journey from Londoners’ loos to sewage treatment plants. Behind a barbed wire security fence, it’s off-limits for visitors.
The Standard’s podcast, Thames Unfiltered
Huge sewage treatment works such as Abbey Mills Pumping Station are vital for Londoners’ clean water supply
From the multi-billion-pound engineering marvels that fill up our water bottles to the issues at the heart of Thames Water that have arguably drained funds – and attention – from the water itself. The podcast examines a system that is fiercely alive but under massive pressure, dealing with climate change, population growth, data centres and things we shouldn’t flush down the loo.
You will never look at a glass of tap water, or London’s waterfront, in the same way.
Challenges facing the Thames and Londoners’ clean water supply
70 per cent of London’s drinking water is drawn directly from the river, with 30 per cent being supplied by aquifers across London and the Thames Valley
The story of London’s modern plumbing stretches back to the 1860s and the aftermath of the Great Stink.
the Victorian environmental crisis in which sewage made the capital reek so severely that it disrupted Parliament. In response, engineer Joseph Bazalgette was commissioned to build the brick-lined sewage network that still serves London today.
But Thames Unfiltered reveals how, more than a century and a half later, the river faces an entirely different set of demands. The Victorians built a system designed for a capital they dreamt might one day hold four million people. Today, that infrastructure is struggling to cope in a city of 9.1 million.
On the podcast, I speak to customers impacted by floods and quiz Thames Water on soaring bills and a £20 billion debt mountain.
Thames Unfiltered also uncovers some remarkable signs of ecological resilience. Chris Livett, a seventh-generation waterman who helps film James Bond boat chases, lives on a river that hosts seahorses off Greenwich and harbour seals in central London.
While porpoises are found in surprising numbers out in the Thames’ estuary. The Thames has been brought back to life after being declared biologically dead in 1957. But that doesn’t mean it’s now clean: a healthy river is a river that allows wildlife to thrive.
The underlying mechanics of the Thames in the city are staggering. The capital’s sewage currently generates enough electricity via anaerobic digesters to run the entire City of London for five days.
Under normal conditions, a flush from west London takes 24 hours to travel through underground drains to Abbey Mills.
But during heavy rain, that journey goes express, taking just two hours – the main reason an overwhelmed system diverted storm overflow into the river more than 9,000 times last year.
But it’s not that which turns the river brown. Even if no industry ever touched the river, the Thames would always be the colour of builder’s tea because the tide constantly stirs up sediment from the riverbed.
Thames Unfiltered reveals that the pressures on the river extend beyond headlines of perilous corporate finances. Bazalgette’s original work may have saved more lives than almost anyone else in British history by effectively ending London’s cholera epidemics, but modern engineers are facing huge new problems.
While the underground infrastructure of the new 16-mile Tideway Tunnel super-sewer can hold the volume of hundreds of Olympic swimming pools of diluted wastewater, scientists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) warn that invisible threats, like agricultural runoff and a massive influx of toxic rubber tyre particles from road surfaces, are altering the river’s chemistry.
Simultaneously, 70 per cent of London’s drinking water is drawn directly from the river, with 30 per cent being supplied by aquifers across London and the Thames Valley to satisfy us showering, glugging Londoners.
Demand is growing: across the UK, we now use an average of 143 litres per person every day. But the capital actually receives about 25 per cent less rainfall than the national average, a geographical fact obscured by London’s rainy reputation.
Experts on the podcast explain how a hotter, drier future climate will put this vital water source under increasing pressure.
What you shouldn’t put down your sink or flush down your toilet
Thousands of toilet-flushed wet wipes, now removed by Thames Water, had created a massive unpleasant cultural landmark near Hammersmith Bridge
Getty Images/iStockphoto
After verbally wading through the Thames’ sewage, environmental and financial problems, I didn’t exactly put down my mic and head for a dip in one of the Thames’ new designated swimming spots. When we Londoners put fats, oils, grease, and milk – I didn’t know that one – down the sink, the system seizes up.
Thousands of wet wipes created a cultural landmark near Hammersmith Bridge, forming a ball so big (it weighed the same as 15 double-decker buses) that it showed up on Google Maps and was labelled Wet Wipe Island, before being removed by Thames Water in 2025. In fact, the company removes around 75,000 pipe blockages a year.
Millions of us see, drink, and cross the Thames every day, but unlike the Victorians, we barely talk about how it keeps us safe and healthy — or otherwise. Thames Unfiltered proves there’s a lot more going on beneath that brown water than most Londoners would ever guess.
A dead end to Trump’s perfect war is how many analysts are now describing the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran. Early in the campaign, President Donald Trump repeatedly described the operation as a swift and decisive success, declaring that Iran’s military capabilities had been effectively destroyed. However, months later, the conflict continues, regional tensions remain high, and there is no clear path to a lasting resolution.
The situation has evolved into a far more complex geopolitical challenge than initial statements suggested. Shipping routes remain under pressure, energy markets continue to experience volatility, and diplomatic efforts have struggled to produce a durable settlement. These developments have led many observers to question whether the campaign has reached a strategic impasse.
The continuing U.S.–Iran conflict has affected regional security and global trade.The continuing U.S.–Iran conflict has affected regional security and global trade.
Why the War Was Initially Called a Success
When the military campaign began, the Trump administration presented it as a limited operation designed to weaken Iran’s military infrastructure and reduce future security threats.
Officials argued that the strikes had the following effects:
Damaged key military facilities.
Reduced Iran’s operational capabilities.
Demonstrated U.S. military strength.
Protected American interests and allies in the region.
President Trump described the campaign in highly optimistic terms, repeatedly saying it had achieved its objectives quickly.
The Reality Months Later
Despite those early claims, the conflict has continued well beyond initial expectations.
Several issues remain unresolved:
Military exchanges continue.
Regional instability persists.
Diplomatic negotiations have stalled.
International shipping routes remain vulnerable.
Global energy markets continue to react to developments.
Rather than producing a quick conclusion, the conflict has become increasingly difficult to end.
Economic Consequences
One of the most significant impacts has been on global trade and energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil exports, has faced repeated disruptions during the conflict. Even partial interruptions have affected energy prices and increased uncertainty for businesses and consumers worldwide.
Higher transport costs and concerns about supply chains have also contributed to market volatility.
Energy markets have reacted to continued instability in the Gulf region.
Diplomatic Challenges
Military operations alone rarely resolve long-standing geopolitical disputes.
Analysts note that any lasting settlement would likely require:
Direct negotiations.
Regional cooperation.
International mediation.
Security guarantees.
Economic incentives.
Without sustained diplomatic engagement, military gains can prove difficult to translate into long-term political stability.
Political Debate in the United States
The conflict has also generated significant political discussion within the United States.
Supporters argue that strong military action was necessary to counter security threats and demonstrate American resolve.
Critics question:
Whether the objectives were clearly defined.
How success should be measured.
The financial costs of an extended conflict.
The long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy are also significant are also significant.
Public opinion surveys have shown growing concern as the conflict has continued, with many Americans expressing a preference for bringing the fighting to an end.
Lessons From Modern Conflicts
History shows that even overwhelming military superiority does not always guarantee a quick or lasting victory.
Recent conflicts have demonstrated that success often depends on:
Clear political objectives.
Effective diplomacy.
Regional partnerships.
Public support.
Long-term reconstruction planning.
Without these elements, military operations can become prolonged and increasingly difficult to conclude.
Diplomacy is widely seen as essential to achieving a lasting resolution.
What Happens Next?
Several possible outcomes remain under discussion:
Renewed diplomatic negotiations.
A negotiated ceasefire.
Continued low-level military exchanges.
Increased international mediation.
Additional sanctions or economic measures.
The direction of the conflict will depend on political decisions in Washington, Tehran, and other regional capitals, as well as broader international efforts to reduce tensions.
Conclusion
A dead end to Trump’s perfect war reflects the growing view among many commentators that the conflict has become far more complicated than originally anticipated. While the administration initially portrayed the campaign as a rapid success, continuing military activity, economic disruption, and diplomatic difficulties suggest that achieving a lasting resolution remains a significant challenge.
Whether future negotiations can break the current stalemate will shape not only U.S.–Iran relations but also the wider security and economic outlook for the Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the conflict being described as a “dead end”?
Some analysts argue that despite early claims of success, the conflict has continued without a clear politmost significant military resolution.
What are the biggest consequences of the conflict?
The main effects include regional instability, pressure on global energy markets, shipping disruptions, and ongoing diplomatic tensions.
How has the conflict affected oil markets?
Concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to higher market uncertainty and fluctuations in global oil prices.
What could help end the conflict?
Many foreign policy experts believe a combination of diplomacy, regional cooperation, and negotiated agreements offers the best chance of achieving a lasting settlement.
Andy Burnham has challenged his opponents to join him in putting aside political point-scoring to find a solution to England’s social care crisis.
The new Labour prime minister is set to hold a summit in Downing Street on Wednesday with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey to begin the process of thrashing out a way to deliver social care before it collapses the NHS.
Ahead of a speech he is set to deliver at a care home in north London on Wednesday morning, Mr Burnham said: “Last week I said we needed a different kind of politics: problem-solving, not point-scoring. Nowhere is that more urgent than social care.
“For decades, governments have avoided this issue because they’ve seen it as too risky, too difficult, and too complicated.
“Politicians might have different views but I’m serious about fixing this issue and to do that, we have to find common ground and listen to others to find a way forward.
Andy Burnham has appealed to opposition leaders to help him find a solution (Reuters)
“It’s time to draw a line under people playing politics when the human cost means carers are struggling, families are paying the price and our NHS is buckling under the strain.”
However, the initiative comes amid growing concerns about the state of the economy and the government’s ability to fund Mr Burnham’s initiatives.
Already there are major questions about how he will fund £2bn of commitments on removing VAT from energy bills, capping bus fares at £2 and reducing business rates of pubs and clubs by 20 per cent.
Added to that, a major think tank is set to warn that inflation will hit almost 4 per cent next year and the government’s capacity to borrow has maxed out, meaning everything will need to be funded through tax rises and spending cuts.
The impact will hit defence in particular, where Mr Burnham will need to find between £5bn and £18bn to meet the UK’s commitments and it has been suggested he wants to issue war bonds, another form of borrowing to fund the gap.
Ahead of the summit on Wednesday Sir Ed, who has ensured that the Lib Dems have prioritised demanding solutions to the care crisis, has said his party is willing to work with Mr Burnham. Ms Badenoch has also offered to work with Mr Burnham but warned she will not support new tax rises to fund it.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch will not support tax rises (PA Wire)
In 2009, when Mr Burnham was health secretary, he tried to find a common solution on care with a levy on assets when people died. But the Tories turned against him and accused him of trying to create a “death tax.”
Mr Burnham has not invited Reform UK to the talks.
even though they led the polls for 15 months until Labour overtook them this week.
However, Reform launched a preemptive attack, accusing Mr Burnham of wanting to revive his “death tax” plan, a claim that was immediately denied by Downing Street.
In a bid, though, to reach across the political divide, Mr Burnham said: “The issue comes down to a choice. We can keep passing the problem to the next generation, or we can face it directly and work together to build a care system that gives people dignity, security and the support they deserve.
“This is about bringing back hope that we can finally resolve the difficult issues that have been ignored for too long and making Britain believe again.
“That’s why I’m making this choice and I’m prepared to put everything I’ve got behind it.”
Visiting a care home on Wednesday, the prime minister will say he is making the choice to fix the broken social care system by working together across party lines to tackle the big issues.
Nigel Farage and Reform have not been invited to the summit (Reuters)
He will seek to end decades of decline and a refusal to tackle these problems directly, calling on all political parties to work together to solve them.
He will reiterate the need for a new kind of politics that puts differences aside to come together and face up to the challenges that Westminster has left unaddressed for too long.
He will be joined by the new health secretary Yvette Cooper and Baroness Louise Casey, who is leading the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, which will draw up recommendations to deliver a National Care Service.
Baroness Casey will also launch the Big Conversation on Care, giving the public a chance to share their views and help shape the future of adult social care in England for the people it serves.
It will be open to everyone through a new online platform, starting off the conversation by asking people about the values and principles we should all expect from a care system.
Baroness Casey said, “For too long, we have been stuck in the same cycle: crisis, promises of reform, another review, and then retreat, while the people who need care and their families bear the brunt.
“Fixing adult social care is about far more than money. People are already paying for failure through council tax, pressure on the NHS, their savings, giving up work, and the forced sale of their homes. The choice is whether we keep putting money into a system that is unfair, unpredictable and broken or have an honest conversation about how to build something better.
“That is why we need a public conversation on care that tackles the tough questions. Only by facing this problem together can we fix social care for good.
Responding, Tory shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew said: “Andy Burnham and Labour cannot rely on vague promises of reform without a clear plan for implementation and detail on what will happen when.
“The Conservatives are ready to work with Labour on measures that improve social care provided they are not reliant on yet more tax rises and borrowing.”
Sir Ed said, “There have been 22 failed attempts at reforming social care since 1997. To see the 23rd effort work, we need to do things differently.
“My party has been pushing for cross-party talks on care for years, because it is the only way to build a solution that actually works. For carers and for our country, nothing matters more, so I look forward to meeting the prime minister to begin these talks.”
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G Dual SIM (128GB, 2025) 6.7″ 90Hz AMOLED, Splash Resistant, 8Core, 50MP Camera (Factory Unlocked International Model for GSM, Global) A165M/DS (25W Fast Charger Bundle, Black)
Price: $136.34 (as of Jul 28,2026 00:40:11 UTC – Details)
The Samsung Galaxy A16 4G strikes the perfect balance of performance, design, and value — made for users who want more without paying flagship prices.
This factory-unlocked smartphone is compatible with T-Mobile, MetroPCS, and most GSM networks globally, making it ideal for travellers or users looking for flexibility when buying phones online.
Enjoy crisp visuals and smoother scrolling on a vibrant 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering immersive clarity for video, apps, and games
. The Samsung A16 is powered by a responsive octa-core processor, ensuring efficient performance for multitasking, streaming, and social media.
Capture stunning shots with the 50MP triple rear camera, perfect for every moment, while the 13MP front camera delivers excellent selfies and video calls.
From daylight photography to macro shots, the Galaxy A16 is built to keep up with your life.
Stay connected all day with a 5,000mAh battery and get back to full power quickly thanks to Super Fast Charging. Built with IP54-rated dust and water resistance, this phone is durable enough for real-life situations.
Enjoy the benefits of Android 14 and One UI 6.1, with up to 6 years of OS upgrades and security updates — keeping your phone current and safe for the long run.
Plus, support for dual SIM and expandable storage offers ultimate flexibility for work, travel, or play. Whether you’re searching for refurbished smartphones, a cheap unlocked Android phone, or a new phone under budget, the Samsung Galaxy A16 4G delivers high-end essentials at an unbeatable price — from a brand you trust.
Please note, this device does not support eSIM.
This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, it is ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNOs (Metro and Standup), but it is necessary to record the IMEI.
It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, or other CDMA carriers; it is also NOT compatible with their MVNOs (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc.).
Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility. Compatibility with some third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary based on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For more information on hearing aid compatibility, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
TRALT Office Chair – Ergonomic Desk Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Support, Mesh Computer Chair, Executive Chair for Home Office Comfortable Lumbar Support (1, White)
Price: $119.99 - $107.99 (as of Jul 28,2026 09:55:55 UTC – Details)
This chair has a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs. Ensure the chair is assembled correctly for optimal stability. When using adjustable mechanisms, follow the instructions carefully to avoid injury.
High-Resilience Moulded Foam Seat
Won’t Flatten After 1 Year – Unlike budget foam that hardens and sags within months, the seat is made from high-density, high-resilience moulded foam that bounces back day after day. It maintains its shape and cushioning far longer, preventing the “bottoming out” discomfort common at this price point
Adjustable Lumbar
This chair features a durable lumbar mechanism that adjusts depth to match your spine’s natural curve, unlike flimsy plastic supports that crack or lose tension. Genuinely relieves lower back pressure during long sitting sessions
Breathable Mesh Backrest
No Peeling, No Heat Buildup – Say goodbye to flaking faux-leather. The high-tension mesh back promotes continuous airflow, keeping you cool in warm environments and eliminating the mess of peeling upholstery. Mesh holds up significantly better over time and looks professional years later
Anti-Sink BIFMA-Certified Gas Cylinder
A common failure in budget chairs: the pneumatic cylinder loses pressure and slowly sinks during use. Our Class 3 BIFMA-certified gas lift is built to hold its height reliably, so your chair stays exactly where you set it—year after year. No more sudden drops or mid-work adjustments
Heavy-Duty Metal Core Base (330 lbs Capacity)
Thin plastic bases can crack under stress, especially around the cylinder hub. We use a reinforced nylon base with a metal core, providing the durability and peace of mind you need. Smooth-rolling, 360° silent casters glide across hardwood, tile, or carpet without scratching or catching
Perfectly Sized Seat for All-Day Comfort & Ideal Fit – The generously wide 19.7″ seat provides ample room without feeling restrictive, while the 17.3″ seat depth is carefully calibrated to support your thighs while leaving the recommended 2–4 finger gap behind your knees – protecting circulation and reducing pressure. The 17.7″–21.7″ seat height range comfortably fits users from approximately 5’4″ to 6’2″, allowing your feet to rest flat on the floor for proper posture
Smarter Budget:
We invested where it counts – at around $150, we deliberately skipped a cheap, flimsy headrest that adds little value and focused on what matters most: an adjustable lumbar system, a metal-reinforced base, a certified gas cylinder, and a high-density seat. BIFMA basic durability and safety certification is included. It comes with clear instructions for 15-minute assembly and a 2-year warranty.
Professional after-sales guarantee:
If you encounter any of the following problems with the product you receive, please contact our after-sales customer service, and we will solve them for you as soon as possible:
Well over two million people will head to polling stations on Thursday to vote for a new Greater Manchester mayor in what is set to be the biggest by-election in British history.
The mayoral role was created in 2017, with Mr Burnham elected as the inaugural holder and winning every election since – never with less than 60% of the vote.
Attention will now turn to who Manchester chooses as his replacement.
Focus will be on whether Labour can recover sufficiently from its devastating set of results in May and lean on Burnham’s legacy to claim victory.
Or will Nigel Farage’s Reform UK or Zack Polanski’s Green Party make history? Both are hoping to expand their mayoral footprints.
Reform UK had a disappointing result in the Makerfield by-election, and Mr Farage’s party will undoubtedly face pressure to win after he resigned as MP for Clacton-upon-Sea earlier this month amid the furore over his finances.
Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain will also be challenging for some of Reform UK’s votes, while Mr Polanski’s party will look to add to its Manchester victories after winning the seat of Gorton and Denton.
Reform UK has put forward Wythenshawe Councillor Sian Astley
Sian Astley
Sian Astley is Reform UK’s candidate and has lived in the area for 35 years.
The Wythenshawe councillor has claimed to have “always fought” for the area, having prevented Withington Baths from closing and running a campaign to stop domestic abuse survivors from being made homeless.
Ms Astley has vowed to cut waste, cut tax, “fight against illegal migrants being dumped here”, and deliver safer streets. Another one of her priorities includes opening the grooming gang’s files and the luxury developer contracts.
Ms Astley raised eyebrows on Monday as she withdrew from a hustings in Manchester. She claimed on social media that she pulled out after independent candidate Marcus Farmer was prevented from taking part.
Marlon West – Restore Britain
Marlon West has the backing of Rupert Lowe
Restore Britain
Rupert Lowe’s top pick is Marlon West, a born and bred Mancunian with more than 30 years of service in the NHS.
Enquiries into the rape gangs have been a priority for Mr West, whose own daughter is a rape gang survivor.
He has also pledged to “put visible policing back on our streets” and “put infrastructure first.”
Mr West will also “stop obsessing” over central Manchester and start to focus on places like Wigan, Bolton, Rochdale, Stockport, and Sale, according to his manifesto.
Geraldine Coggins – Green Party
Geraldine Coggins (L) with Hannah Spencer MP (R)
Green Party
Geraldine Coggins moved to Manchester from Dublin but has family roots in Balton, Salford, Bury, and Whalley Range.
As one of Manchester’s first Green Councillors, Ms Coggins claims she knows “how to get things done”.
Her manifesto includes building 20,000 publicly owned, energy-efficient homes “by restoring empty properties and a public developer to build rental homes”.
She has also pledged to “revive high streets” and put climate and nature “at the heart of every decision”.
Richard Kilpatrick is the Lib Dem councillor in Didsbury West and considers Manchester his home.
Mr Kilpatrick claims to have opened emergency shelters for flood relief during his time as local councillor, as well as hammering down on public spending.
He intends on campaigning for closer ties with Europe to boost the region’s economy and for more investment in social care.
Bev Craig launches her manifesto at University Academy
PA
Interim Manchester Mayor Paul Dennett announced that he would not be running for the position, with the party putting Bev Craig forward as a replacement.
Ms Craig has Andy Burnham’s backing and has pledged to improve local town centres, freeze fares on the Bee Network, and tackle the housing crisis.
One of her pledges includes expanding neighbourhood policing and giving “every young person the chance to get into work”.
Phil Eckersley currently represents Bowdon Ward on Trafford Council, where he is the party’s deputy leader and a shadow executive member for health and care.
This echoes his profession as the founder of Bridgewater Home Care in Wigan.
He has vowed to “get the area back on track” by prioritising areas outside of Manchester city centre.
His priorities include building more homes “in the right places”; backing public transport and motorists by ensuring services are “reliable” and road charging schemes are blocked; and freezing the mayor’s share of council tax.
Marcus Farmer – Independent
Marcus Farmer is a local businessman that will be standing in his third Greater Manchester mayoral election.
He received just under 1% of the vote last time around.
His five-point plan puts young people first, prioritises investment in small and medium-sized businesses, encourages investment in “forgotten towns”, improves access to choice, and pushes for equality of opportunity.
Odds according to bet365 as of July 28
Liberal Democrats: 1000/1
When will results be announced?
You can vote from 7am to 10pm in person at the polling station on July 30.
Parts of southern England are set to bask in a fourth heatwave this week, with temperatures set to reach highs of 35C.
An amber heat alert has been issued from 9am on Tuesday to 9am on Friday for the East and West Midlands, the south-east, the south-west and the east of England, as well as Yorkshire and the Humber.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning of possible “significant impacts” on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths among the elderly or people with health conditions and an increase in drownings.
Since May, three heatwaves have already been recorded across the country, with temperatures breaking records in June, as the UK faces more extreme weather fuelled by human-caused climate change.
Temperatures reaching 33 degrees are set to hit southern England on Wednesday (Met Office)
On Wednesday, temperatures are set to reach 33C in London and surrounding counties, with highs of 25 degrees recorded in Manchester and 26 degrees in Cardiff.
The hot weather will continue into Thursday but will remain cooler in the north, with highs of 19 degrees recorded in Belfast and 18 degrees in Glasgow.
Forecasters expect this week’s heat to be a “North-South split”, with clouds and outbreaks of rain continuing in Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England.
But the peak will be “almost a blink and you miss it”, with temperatures widely cooling to close to average by the weekend, according to senior Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud.
July was 3C above average across the UK, according to provisional Met Office data.
This could put it among the hottest three or four months of July on record, said senior Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud. Some parts of the UK had rain over the weekend, mainly in the north and northwest, with 33mm (1.3in) falling on Sunday at Charterhall, in the Scottish Borders, and Altnahinch Filters, in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, receiving 17mm (0.7in).
But mainly places missed out and stayed largely dry, the Met Office said, with little, if any, relief in some southern regions.
Thursday will also see highs of 28 degrees in the South while the north of England remains cooler (Met Office)
Some spots have gone for weeks without rain – such as Wisley in Surrey, which has had 40 consecutive dry days.
The heat and ongoing dry conditions have led to hosepipe bans for 23 million customers, while even water companies without bans in place are telling households to conserve water, and drought has been declared across a swathe of Wales.
Southern England has had just 1 per cent of its average July rainfall. England has received 5 per cent of its average July rainfall, while the UK as a whole has received 20 per cent, according to the Met Office.
However, the forecaster warned that heatwave thresholds will need to be adjusted to take into account the warming climate, with fire chiefs also warning of the additional risk of wildfires.
At the height of the third heatwave, in mid-July, firefighters were battling 19 significant wildfires simultaneously in England and Wales.
A National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson said: “With the Met Office warning that a fourth heatwave could develop this week, bringing another period of very hot weather to parts of the UK, fire and rescue services remain on alert and are continuing to prepare for renewed wildfire risk.”
Temperatures are set to cool slightly on Friday and drop to the mid-twenties (Met Office)
Southern England has had just 1 per cent of its average July rainfall. England has received 5 per cent of its average July rainfall, while the UK as a whole has received 20 per cent, according to the Met Office.
The dry spell has contributed to low water levels, and North Wales and the Upper Severn became the first part of the UK to declare drought status on Thursday.
In addition, fires, if they start, are likely to become exceptionally severe on Wednesday in pockets of the east, south, and south-east England, according to Met Office data used by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales.
The “exceptionally severe” warnings focus on eastern England on Thursday.
Met Office chief meteorologist Dan Suri said: “After a prolonged spell of hot, dry and settled weather, some will see a temporary change this weekend as weather fronts move south-east across the UK.
“While some areas, particularly in the North and West, will see rain and showers, many places are likely to receive relatively little rainfall.
“For much of southern England, dry conditions are expected to remain the dominant feature, with temperatures recovering quickly next week and the potential for hot or locally hot weather to return.”
Southern England has had just 1% of its average July rainfall. (PA)
Met Office five-day weather forecast
Tuesday
Outbreaks of rain continue across northern areas, with some heavy bursts possible in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. Elsewhere, it stays dry with sunny spells. The sunniest conditions are expected in the South, where it will feel hot and humid.
Tuesday night
Cloudy across the North West, with a chance of rain. Dry across much of England and Wales with clear spells and a few isolated mist and fog patches. Another warm night.
Wednesday
Rather cloudy across the north, with outbreaks of rain sinking southwards into northern England during the afternoon. Dry and sunny across the South, where it will feel hot and humid.
Thursday to Saturday
Thursday will be fresher with sunshine and perhaps the odd shower. Mostly dry on Friday and Saturday with further sunshine developing at times. It will still be warm in the sunshine.
