A number of the papers have splashed on the ongoing demonstrations across Iran, which began two weeks ago in response to the nation’s economic woes. “Regime teeters in Tehran” reads the headline of the Times, leading on remarks from US President Donald Trump, after he told Fox News that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was “looking to flee the country”.
The Guardian says that Iran is preparing for “violent clashes” as tensions continue to escalate, pairing its leading story with a photo of a protester gesticulating in front of a burning building in Tehran. Khamenei has warned that authorities will “not back down”, which the paper says could set the stage for an “intensified violent crackdown” on the second day of a national internet shutdown.
“Tehran hardens crackdown on protesters ‘working for Trump'” reads the weekend edition of the Financial Times. Iranian officials have said that protesters will receive the maximum punishment, with diplomats concerned that the “cover of the internet blackout” could be used to suppress the demonstrations. The paper says that the protests “present the biggest domestic threat to the regime in several years”.
The Duke of Sussex will ask King Charles III to open the Invictus Games in Birmingham next year, according to the Sun. Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the games sees injured military personnel and veterans from around the world compete in a range of sports every two years. A source told the paper that the 2027 iteration of the event would be a brilliant chance for the pair to “come together”.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is pictured in the English countryside on the front page of the Mirror, after she released a new video to mark her 44th birthday. In the footage, the princess said she was “deeply grateful” for the healing power of Mother Nature, as she reflected on “what it means to be alive”.
“Kate’s ‘deeply grateful’ for nature’s healing power” reads the Express, pointing towards Catherine’s ongoing “cancer recovery”.
The shadow secretary of state for justice, Robert Jenrick, has penned a piece for the Saturday edition of the Telegraph, declaring that police are “giving in to Islamists because it is too challenging to confront them”. His remarks come as the Labour government prepares a new official definition of Islamophobia, which free speech campaigners claim could prevent legitimate criticism of the religion.
The i Weekend says that the Home Office is set to start evicting asylum seekers from hotels, ahead of new legislation planned for the spring.
The Mail suggests that thousands of Britons have been prescribed “super-strength cannabis” as a treatment for anxiety and depression. The paper found that specialist pharmacies had referred patients to “almost 10,000 different products” via a “shocking loophole”.
“Loot Littler” announces the Star, after darts champion Luke Littler, 18, signed a historic sponsorship deal worth a reported £20m.
