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Iran says coastal attack will lead to full Gulf closure and mine-laying

An attack on Iran's southern coast and islands will lead to Gulf routes being cut with the laying of sea mines, the country's Defence Council said on Monday, according to state media. The US is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub, to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, according to Axios. "Any attempt to attack Iran's coasts or islands will cause all access routes in the Gulf (...) to be mined with various types of sea mines, including floating mines that can be released from the coast," the statement read. "In this case, the entire Gulf will practically be in a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz for a long time (...) One should not forget the failure of more than 100 minesweepers in the 1980s in removing a few sea mines." The Defence Council recalled that non-belligerent states can only pass through the Strait of Hormuz by coordinating passage with Iran...
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Pink moon also known as 'micromoon' to appear tomorrow

Skywatchers across the globe are in for a celestial spectacle this weekend, as April’s full moon — known as the Pink Moon — rises in near-perfect alignment with sunset. But while the name suggests a colourful display, the moon won’t appear pink. Instead, this year’s April full moon will be a micromoon, the smallest full moon of 2025. According to NASA, the full moon will reach peak illumination at 8:22 pm EDT on Saturday, 12 April, and it will be at its farthest point from Earth — about 251,000 miles (404,500 kilometres) away. Because of this distance, the moon will appear about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than a typical supermoon, although the size difference is subtle to the naked eye. Despite the name, the Pink Moon won’t take on a rosy hue. The moniker originates from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which associates April’s full moon with the bloom of creeping phlox, a vibrant pink wildflower native to eastern North America. These blooms often appear around the time of the April full moon. This full moon also plays an important role in the Christian calendar. Known as the Paschal Moon, it determines the date of Easter Sunday, which falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. In 2025, Easter will be celebrated on 20 April. In addition to its religious and seasonal significance, the Pink Moon also comes with some astronomical treats. For viewers in parts of Central and South America, as well as southern Africa, the moon will briefly pass in front of the bright star Spica, in an event known as an occultation. Locations like Buenos Aires, Caracas, and Montevideo will have the best views of this rare alignment. Later in the month, the night sky continues to deliver. On 25 April, just before sunrise, the waning crescent moon, Venus, and Saturn will form a celestial triangle — a formation often nicknamed a “moon smile.” Then, on 27 April, skywatchers can expect a super new moon — the closest new moon of the year. While new moons are not visible from Earth, the event adds to a month full of lunar activity. Whether you’re a stargazer, a spiritual observer, or simply a fan of natural beauty, Saturday’s micromoon offers a gentle yet striking moment of connection to the sky above — and the traditions below. Quick Facts: April 2025 Pink Moon Peak Illumination: 8:22 p.m. ET, Saturday, 12 April Name Origin: Bloom of creeping phlox wildflower Astronomical Status: Micromoon (smallest full moon of 2025) Religious Role: Paschal Moon — determines Easter date Special Events: Occultation of Spica in parts of South America and Africa

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