News

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House this afternoon, as conflict continues in Iran.

Key Meetings Planned

Mr. Martin will engage in a bilateral meeting with President Trump, alongside a series of other engagements. Today’s schedule includes a breakfast at the residence of US Vice President JD Vance, followed by the bilateral meeting. The Taoiseach will then attend the Friends of Ireland Luncheon hosted by US House Speaker Mike Johnston on Capitol Hill.

Navigating a Sensitive Diplomatic Landscape

The meeting takes place against a backdrop of international concern over the war in Iran. Asked about pressure stemming from comments made by President Catherine Connolly – who stated that “the normalisation of war can never be accepted” – the Taoiseach indicated he did not feel pressured. Despite calls from the Opposition, Mr. Martin has not labeled US and Israeli attacks on Iran as illegal under international law, though he has affirmed Ireland’s desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Taoiseach intends to convey a message of Irish investment in the US and highlight the enduring relationship between the two countries as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.

Following today’s events, including a Shamrock ceremony with several hundred guests at the White House, Mr. Martin is scheduled to depart for Brussels early tomorrow morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Taoiseach’s visit?

The Taoiseach is meeting with President Trump to discuss Irish investment in the US and the relationship between the two nations.

What is the context surrounding this meeting?

The meeting is taking place against a backdrop of war in Iran and follows comments from President Catherine Connolly regarding the normalization of war.

What other engagements are planned for the Taoiseach?

Mr. Martin’s schedule includes a breakfast with Vice President JD Vance, a luncheon hosted by US House Speaker Mike Johnston, and the annual Shamrock ceremony at the White House.

As the Taoiseach prepares for these critical discussions, what role do you believe international diplomacy can play in de-escalating global conflicts?

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV volleyball team announced the hiring of Matt Kuelpman as Assistant Coach on Monday afternoon.

New Assistant Coach Brings Proven Track Record

Head coach Malia Shoji expressed enthusiasm about Kuelpman’s character, professionalism, and passion for the sport. Shoji stated that Kuelpman’s experience aligns with the program’s existing approach and future goals. She also noted his respect for the team’s recent accomplishments and his commitment to its vision.

Kuelpman previously served as assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the University of New Mexico Lobos in 2023. During his tenure, the Lobos averaged 12.26 kills per set, with Uxue Guereca and Kaitlynn Biassou both exceeding 380 kills and earning All-Mountain West honors. The Lobos finished tied for fourth in the conference and defeated UNLV in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament.

Prior Experience at Weber State

Prior to his time at New Mexico, Kuelpman spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Weber State University, also serving as the recruiting coordinator for the 2023 and 2025 classes. He was responsible for coaching the back row defense, coordinating offensive strategies, and overseeing blocking, serving, and defensive tactics. Weber State won the Big Sky Championship twice during his time with the program.

From 2019 through 2021, Weber State won 25-straight home matches, establishing the longest home winning streak in the nation at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Matt Kuelpman’s role at the University of New Mexico?

Matt Kuelpman was the assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the University of New Mexico Lobos in 2023.

How long was Kuelpman an assistant coach at Weber State University?

Kuelpman was an assistant coach at Weber State University for four seasons.

What did Head Coach Malia Shoji say about Matt Kuelpman?

Malia Shoji highlighted Kuelpman’s character, professionalism, and passion for volleyball, stating his experience aligns with the program’s vision.

It remains to be seen how Kuelpman’s expertise will translate to the UNLV program, but his prior success suggests a positive trajectory for the team.

The Cuban government on Monday announced a nationwide blackout, reporting a “total disconnection” from the electricity grid. The Cuban Ministry for Energy and Mines stated that the causes are under investigation and restoration protocols are being activated.

Blackouts and US Policy

Cuba has experienced prolonged blackouts due to the Trump administration blocking oil shipments from Venezuela, previously Cuba’s top oil supplier. A US operation to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January was described as a significant setback for Cuba, leading to a halt in oil deliveries.

President Trump has also vowed to impose tariffs on countries continuing to sell oil to Cuba, with Mexico and Russia identified as other suppliers. These developments occurred alongside a violent demonstration on Friday, where protesters ransacked a building belonging to the ruling Communist Party amid the power cuts and rising food prices.

Economic Shifts and Potential Negotiations

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated on Friday that the country relies on solar power, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants. He also confirmed that Cuba has initiated talks with the US regarding its energy and economic crisis.

Following the start of talks with the US, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga announced on Monday that Cuba plans to allow Cubans living abroad to invest in and own businesses within the country.

President Trump has previously suggested the possibility of regime change in Cuba, particularly in the context of the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran. On Sunday, he told journalists that Cuba “wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Cuba experiencing a blackout?

The Cuban government reports a “total disconnection” from the electricity grid, and the situation is linked to blocked oil shipments from Venezuela following US actions.

What is the US role in Cuba’s energy crisis?

The Trump administration has blocked oil shipments from Venezuela, Cuba’s primary supplier, and has threatened tariffs on other oil-selling nations.

What steps is Cuba taking to address the crisis?

Cuba is relying on alternative energy sources like solar power and natural gas, and has begun talks with the US. The country also plans to allow investment from Cubans living abroad.

As Cuba navigates this energy crisis and potential economic shifts, what impact might these changes have on the daily lives of Cuban citizens?

The San Jose Sharks face a critical stretch as they pursue a playoff berth in the tightly contested Western Conference, potentially without key center Alex Wennberg.

Wennberg’s Injury Threatens Sharks’ Playoff Push

Wennberg missed Sunday’s game against the Ottawa Senators due to an upper-body injury, and his availability for Tuesday’s matchup against the Edmonton Oilers remains uncertain. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky stated he has no timeline for the veteran forward’s return, adding the injury occurred during Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

The 31-year-old Wennberg is fourth in team scoring with 43 points in 64 games. He also plays a significant role on the penalty kill, leads the team in faceoffs, and typically matches up against opposing teams’ top lines. Against the Oilers, he would likely be tasked with defending Connor McDavid, the NHL’s leading scorer with 114 points in 68 games.

If Wennberg is unable to play, Philipp Kurashev or Macklin Celebrini are likely to take on that responsibility. Kurashev filled the third-line center role against the Senators, winning five of seven faceoffs, though his line struggled to generate scoring chances.

The Sharks signed Wennberg to a three-year, $18 million contract extension in January, underscoring his importance to the team. He had not missed a game this season prior to Sunday’s contest. He leads the team’s forwards in shorthanded time on ice (140:10) and takes the most faceoffs while the Sharks are shorthanded or in the defensive zone.

Sunday’s game against the Senators highlighted Wennberg’s absence, with the Sharks struggling on faceoffs (6-for-17 on defensive-zone draws) and the penalty kill going 1-for-3. Winger Collin Graf acknowledged the team didn’t adequately compensate for his absence, stating, “He does it all for us…and we didn’t step up enough in his absence.”

Currently 5-3-2 since the Olympic break, the Sharks are one point behind the Seattle Kraken for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, with one game in hand. They are also five points behind the Oilers for third place in the Pacific Division, with three games in hand. However, their playoff chances dipped from 55% to 39.1% following Sunday’s loss, according to MoneyPuck.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alex Wennberg’s role on the Sharks?

Alex Wennberg is a key forward for the Sharks, ranking fourth in team scoring with 43 points in 64 games. He also plays a significant role on the penalty kill, leads the team in faceoffs, and regularly matches up against opposing teams’ top lines.

What was the outcome of the Sharks’ game against the Senators?

The Sharks lost to the Ottawa Senators 7-4 on Sunday. The team struggled on faceoffs and the penalty kill during the game.

What is the Sharks’ current playoff outlook?

The Sharks are still in contention for a playoff spot, but their chances dipped to 39.1% after a loss to the Senators. They are one point behind the Seattle Kraken for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

As the Sharks navigate this challenging period, will they be able to maintain their playoff hopes without a key contributor in Alex Wennberg?

While many experts and commentators focus on the military and political dimensions of the war against Iran, the narrative dimension may prove even more consequential. Wars are not fought only with missiles, intelligence and air power. They are also fought through language, imagery and political framing. The way a war is narrated shapes how it is justified, how it is normalized and, most importantly, how far it is allowed to travel.

Here’s precisely what is being seen in the U.S.-Israeli framing of the war against Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s remark, “Any time I seek it to end, it will end,” together with his demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” captures the tone from Washington.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s language does the same from the Israeli side. He has spoken of “two existential threats,” described the conflict as a struggle between “the children of light and the children of darkness,” and cast Israel’s war in the language of civilization versus barbarism.

The White House presented the campaign under the slogan “Peace Through Strength” to “Crush Iranian Regime, End Nuclear Threat.” At the same time, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Tehran as a “death cult” driven by “prophetic Islamist delusions.”

These remarks reflect a broader institutional discourse repeated across the White House, the Pentagon, the Israeli political and diplomatic establishment, and the media in both countries.

That discourse does not present Iran as a strategic rival, but as something beyond normal politics: a uniquely dangerous, irrational and morally illegitimate actor. Once that framing takes hold, domination begins to sound like order, escalation begins to sound like necessity, and war begins to look like the only reasonable response.

Creating decent vs. Evil

The first step in this narrative strategy is to remove Iran from the realm of ordinary statecraft. Official U.S. Language portrays Iran as the main source of disorder itself.

White House rhetoric speaks of an “imminent nuclear threat” after “47 years of Iranian aggression.” Israeli official statements describe the moment as the “11th hour” and Iran as an “existential and imminent threat.”

This changes the terms of debate. Iran is no longer treated as a state that can be deterred, negotiated with or contained, but as an exceptional threat that justifies exceptional measures. The repetition of this language gives it power.

A second element of this discourse is the distinction U.S. And Israeli officials constantly make between the Iranian regime and the Iranian people. The White House says the regime spends its resources on missiles and nuclear programs while “its infrastructure and people struggle” and that it “brutally represses its own people.” Israeli rhetoric follows the same line, insisting that the war is against the regime, not the nation.

But this distinction is not as innocent as it seems. It serves a political purpose: demonizing the regime to justify war, while humanizing the people to moralize it. The regime is portrayed as fanatical, repressive and irredeemable, while the people are portrayed as suffering and waiting for deliverance. This does not restore Iranian agency, but manages it.

Religionizing war

This becomes clearer when considering regime change. As Netanyahu frames it, Israel is trying to create favorable conditions for the collapse of the Iranian government, even while insisting that any actual overthrow would have to approach “from the inside.” Washington and Tel Aviv speak as if Iran’s future belongs to the Iranian people, while admitting that military violence is being used to shape that future.

The war is also being framed in a way that gives it a religious and apocalyptic charge. Netanyahu’s language has gone beyond conventional security rhetoric, referencing light and darkness, good and evil, and civilization against barbarism.

Reuters reported that the operation’s name, “Rising Lion,” was drawn from a biblical verse and reinforced by the note Netanyahu placed at the Western Wall before the strikes. In a March 12 press conference, Netanyahu is quoted as saying Israel will “reach the kingdom” and “make it to the Messiah’s return.” The war is being narrated in a redemptive and providential register.

That matters because sacralized wars are harder to limit.

Depicting Iran as targetable

A third major element of the narrative is spatial. Iran is portrayed as a space of concealment, secrecy and buried danger. Official U.S. And Israeli language repeatedly emphasize hidden facilities, underground sites, and mountain-protected programs. Geography itself becomes suspicious.

American military rhetoric casts U.S. Power as the force that sees, reaches and controls. What is hidden below is framed as deceit, what comes from above is framed as visibility and truth. Sovereignty is subtly redefined, and Iran is treated as a targetable space.

Iran is depicted as the center of instability radiating disorder across the region. The U.S. And Israel present themselves as managers of a threatened security architecture.

Gamification of war

Even the visual language of the war follows this pattern. The official White House social media videos mixed real Iran-war footage with video game imagery, action heroes, sports clips and slogans such as “JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY,” while officials said they would continue showing Iranian missiles and facilities being destroyed “in real time.”

This shows how war is not only narrated but also aestheticized. In speeches, the regime is demonized and the people are paternalized. In images, both disappear into a flat world of explosions and spectacle. Iran is reduced to a target environment.

The deeper issue is the convergence of institutions around the same narrative structure. Iran is framed as exceptional evil, the regime is separated from the people, war is lifted into a civilizational register, and Iranian territory is turned into legitimate target space.

What emerges is a full political framing strategy that decides in advance whose violence will be understood as order and whose very existence will be understood as a threat.

For that reason, the narrative dimension of this war may prove more dangerous than its military dimension alone. Military campaigns end. Narratives, once normalized, can endure much longer. And when they do, they make the next war easier to justify.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central argument presented regarding the U.S.-Israeli framing of the war?

The central argument is that the U.S. And Israel are framing the war against Iran not simply as a strategic conflict, but as a moral and civilizational struggle, portraying Iran as an exceptional evil and justifying domination as order.

How are the Iranian people portrayed in the official discourse?

The Iranian people are portrayed as suffering and passive, waiting for deliverance, while the regime is demonized as fanatical and repressive. This distinction is used to justify war while attempting to moralize it.

What is the significance of the spatial framing of Iran?

Iran is portrayed as a space of concealment and buried danger, with its geography presented as suspicious. This framing redefines sovereignty and presents Iran as a targetable space whose boundaries can be overridden in the name of security.

How might the normalization of this narrative impact future conflicts and international relations?