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Day 44 of the US‑Iran war ended without a peace deal as a marathon 21‑hour session in Islamabad collapsed, jeopardising the fragile cease‑fire that has held since the conflict began over six weeks ago.Vice President JD Vance, leading the US delegation, told reporters that the lack of an agreement was "bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America," before departing Pakistan.Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pledged that Islamabad would continue to facilitate dialogue between the two longtime adversaries.In Iran, officials downplayed expectations, noting that no one anticipated a settlement in a single session. State‑run IRIB quoted ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying the talks were never expected to conclude quickly. Meanwhile, Tehran residents expressed a mix of scepticism and hope after weeks of air attacks that have left a nation of 93 million people reeling; more than 2,000 Iranians have been killed in the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict.In the United States, Vance reiterated that the delegation left with a "final and best offer" for Iran, emphasizing that Washington had communicated its position repeatedly during the talks. He cited multiple conversations with President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Central Command head Brad Cooper. Trump, however, maintained that the US had already "won" on the battlefield by eliminating Iranian leaders and key infrastructure, stating that a deal would not alter the outcome.The US military reported that two destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz ahead of planned mine‑clearing operations – a first since hostilities began – though Iran’s state media claimed the joint command denied the movement.Academic David Des Roches of the Thayer Marshall Institute told Al Jazeera that while Washington clarified its stance, it did not shift its core demand: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.In Lebanon, Israel continued strikes, claiming to have hit a "loaded and ready‑to‑launch rocket launcher" in Jouaiya, southern Lebanon. Protests have erupted in Beirut against any direct Israel‑Lebanon negotiations. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported at least 2,020 deaths and 6,436 injuries from Israeli attacks since March 2.In Israel, Channel 12 reported that a drone launched from Lebanon triggered sirens in the Upper Galilee before being intercepted.The stalemate has kept global oil and gas prices soaring, underscoring the broader economic ripple effects of a war that shows no sign of abating.

“The world is grown so bad that wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch,” wrote Shakespeare in *Richard III*. The line now echoes a hopeful development: the iconic golden eagle could once again soar over England after more than a century and a half of absence. The golden eagle, a bird with a wingspan of roughly 2 metres, was a common sight in Shakespeare’s England, yet it has been effectively extinct in the country since the death of the last native individual in 2015. Centuries of persecution by gamekeepers and farmers, who feared predation on lambs and game birds, drove the species to the brink. A feasibility study commissioned by Forestry England and released on Sunday pinpoints eight potential “recovery zones”—predominantly in northern England—where the habitat could sustain a viable eagle population. The report cautions that establishing breeding pairs may take **more than a decade**. In response, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds announced an additional £1 million in species‑recovery funding. The money will underwrite a programme that could see juvenile eagles, aged six to eight weeks, released into the wild as early as next year. Reynolds said, “This government is committed to protecting and restoring our most threatened native wildlife – and that includes bringing back iconic species like the golden eagle. Backed by £1 million of government funding, we will work alongside partners and communities to make the golden eagle a feature of English landscapes once again.” Across the border, golden eagle numbers in southern Scotland have surged to record levels thanks to a major restoration project. Satellite tracking shows that some translocated Scottish birds are already venturing into northern England, offering a natural source of future colonisers. The new funding will support these cross‑border movements and enable targeted reintroductions. While experts anticipate that golden eagles could be regularly observed across northern England within 10 years, establishing a self‑sustaining breeding population will require a longer horizon. Mike Seddon, chief executive of Forestry England, explained, “The detailed findings of our feasibility study will guide us, with our partners at Restoring Upland Nature, to take the next steps toward recovering golden eagles in northern England. This DEFRA funding means we can build on the good work we have begun, engaging local communities, landowners and conservation organisations.” The £1 million allocation forms part of a broader £60 million species‑recovery fund announced by DEFRA. It aligns with the UK’s legally binding commitment to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 and to reduce extinction risk by 2042 relative to 2022 levels.

President Donald Trump's 2027 budget proposal has drawn sharp criticism for its stark prioritization of military spending over healthcare and social welfare programs, despite the US facing a crisis of deaths from avoidable causes. The budget proposes a $1.5 trillion military expenditure, a significant increase from previous years, while cutting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget by 12%.The US faces a grim reality in healthcare, with deaths from treatable conditions nearly twice the rate of countries like Spain, France, Japan, and Australia. Many Americans struggle to access healthcare due to cost, with the US having the highest out-of-pocket expenses for medical services among its peers. The proposed budget cuts to HHS and other non-defense programs will likely exacerbate these issues.Trump's budget plan also slashes funding for programs like Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, potentially leaving 15 million Americans without health insurance, according to analysts. The administration's justification for these cuts includes claims of corruption and wasteful spending in certain programs.The budget proposal has been seen as a betrayal by many Americans who supported Trump based on his promises to help working-class individuals. The data suggests that if Trump continues to ignore the needs of his base, he may soon lose their support. American men and women are dying, and these individuals are also Trump's voters.The Pentagon's recent spending on conflicts, such as the war against Iran, has been substantial, with estimates suggesting $12.7 billion in the first six days and $28 billion in just over five weeks. The budget proposal's focus on military spending raises concerns about the impact on the US economy and society.

Manchester City delivered a decisive 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a result that reduced Arsenal's nine‑point cushion to six and gave Pep Guardiola's side fresh impetus in the Premier League title race.City seized control early in the second half, with Nico O'Reilly heading in from a Rayan Cherki cross in the 51st minute. Six minutes later, Cherki’s incisive play produced a disguised pass to Marc Guéhi, who finished to make it 2-0. A third goal followed as a swift counter‑attack saw Cherki again on the ball, delivering a cross that O'Reilly converted, sealing the win.The match also highlighted individual milestones: Cherki notched his 10th league assist, becoming the first debutant since Dimitri Payet (2015‑16) to reach double‑digit assists in a Premier League season. Meanwhile, Guéhi recorded the first away player to keep two clean sheets at Stamford Bridge in a single campaign, having previously done so with Crystal Palace.Strategically, the win narrows the gap to Arsenal, leaving City six points behind with a game in hand. Should City overcome Arsenal at the Etihad this weekend, they could overtake the Gunners and re‑establish themselves as front‑runners for the title.Chelsea, hampered by the absence of injured captain Reece James and the suspension of Enzo Fernández, struggled to match City’s intensity. Their disciplinary record remains a concern, having amassed the league's highest number of yellow cards for dissent (16). Despite moments of promise from Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and João Pedro, the Blues lacked the cutting edge in the final third and were out‑classed in midfield.Guardiola’s halftime adjustments proved pivotal; the team increased tempo, sharpened passing angles, and pressed higher, turning a sluggish first half into a dominant second‑half display. The victory not only restores confidence after a recent FA Cup win over Liverpool but also underscores City’s ability to respond swiftly to rivals’ slip‑ups, a pattern that has defined many of their recent title pursuits.

Roberto De Zerbi diagnosed a deep‑seated lack of confidence as the core issue behind Tottenham’s recent struggles after his debut in charge ended in a 1‑0 loss to Sunderland. The defeat has dropped Spurs into the relegation zone, sitting 18th and two points shy of safety with only six games left.“We didn’t deserve to lose,” De Zerbi said, referring to the decisive second‑half goal that came from a Nordi Mukiele deflection. “We played well, but not well enough to win.” He added that while the players showed the right attitude, his priority now is to rebuild their mental resilience.The manager also raised concerns over captain Cristian Romero’s knee injury after a mid‑field collision. “I don’t know the extent yet, but we hope it’s not serious. He’s vital for the rest of the season,” De Zerbi remarked.Confidence, according to De Zerbi, is the missing ingredient for Spurs to unleash their quality. “When the squad believes in themselves, the football follows. A single win could change the narrative,” he asserted, emphasizing that his role is more about fostering belief than overhauling tactics.Looking ahead, Tottenham travel to face De Zerbi’s former club Brighton, a match De Zerbi hopes will serve as a catalyst for a confidence surge. He warned that the fear of relegation is palpable among the players and that a positive mindset is essential to reverse their fortunes.Brighton manager Régis Le Bris, meanwhile, was less concerned after his side’s victory, noting a strong finish after a slow start and expressing ambition for a top‑ten finish.

President Donald Trump declared that the United States will commence a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to the breakdown of peace talks between Washington and Tehran held in Islamabad.In addition to the blockade, Trump warned that American forces could target Iran’s water‑treatment plants, power stations and bridges unless Tehran abandons its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.The announcement came after a 21‑hour round of direct negotiations between the two sides collapsed on Sunday morning, ending a brief cease‑fire that had been brokered by the United States, Israel and Iran.U.S. Vice‑President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said Iran refused to renounce the possibility of developing nuclear weapons, while Iranian officials accused Washington of failing to earn their trust.Trump instructed the U.S. Navy to begin “blockading any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz” starting Monday at 10 a.m. ET (14:00 GMT). He also accused Iran of “extortion” for charging tolls to tankers and announced a de‑mining operation in the waterway’s central sector, although the exact number of mines remains unclear.The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned that any warships enforcing the blockade would be deemed a breach of the cease‑fire and would be met with a strong response, insisting the strait remains under Iranian control.Two U.S. destroyers transited the strait on Saturday without incident, a move the Pentagon described as the start of a mine‑clearance mission, even as Iranian media claimed the vessels were threatened as they departed.Financial markets reacted sharply: U.S. crude oil jumped 8% to $104.24 per barrel and Brent crude rose 7% to $102.29, reflecting concerns that the blockade could disrupt the flow of roughly 100 tankers that have been paying up to $2 million each for passage.Vance reiterated that the United States seeks a clear, affirmative commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear weapon, describing it as the “core goal of the president.”Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf argued that Tehran offered “constructive initiatives,” but U.S. demands were “excessive” and hindered an agreement, according to the semi‑official Tasnim news agency.Pakistani mediators urged both parties to avoid renewed hostilities and pledged to arrange fresh talks, emphasizing the importance of upholding the existing cease‑fire.In a televised interview, Trump warned that if a deal cannot be reached, the United States may resume bombing Iran, specifically targeting its water‑supply infrastructure, desalination plants and power generation facilities.Regional fallout continued: at least 11 people were killed in southern Lebanon amid a series of Israeli strikes, while Pope Francis called for an immediate cease‑fire, expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people.The broader conflict, now six weeks old, has claimed more than 3,000 lives in Iran, over 2,000 in Lebanon, dozens in Israel and several Gulf states, and has inflicted extensive damage on critical infrastructure across the Middle East.

Manchester City secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, closing the gap on Arsenal to six points at the top of the Premier League. The win was marked by a significant improvement in City's performance after a lackluster first half.Pep Guardiola attributed his team's success to good weather, humorously suggesting that the sunshine played a key role in lifting their levels. "The sun," City's manager said. "I'm not joking. The sun. In Manchester there is never the sun. If the sun arrived in November, we would be champions in January."City's Nico O'Reilly opened the scoring, followed by goals from Marc Guéhi and Jérémy Doku in the second half. Guardiola praised his team's mentality, stating that the second half was "extraordinary" due to their mindset.The win sets up a crucial match between City and Arsenal on Sunday, with City having a game in hand. Guardiola emphasized the importance of the match, saying "Arsenal is a final for us – for them as well". Despite the Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal last month, Guardiola acknowledged that chasing down Mikel Arteta's side will be tough and that his team must respect their opponents.

Luton Town have won the Vertu Trophy, defeating Stockport 2-1 in the final. The match, held at Wembley, saw Nahki Wells score twice for Luton, securing their first trophy since 2009. This victory marks a significant milestone for Jack Wilshere, who has been managing Luton for six months and 38 games.The match began with Stockport taking an early lead through Adama Sidibeh. However, Luton equalized with a goal from Emilio Lawrence. Wells then scored the winning goal, showcasing his exemplary touch and control from a pass by Kal Naismith.Despite Stockport's efforts to equalize, Luton maintained their dominance. The team's progressive and inventive style of play ultimately led to their victory. Wilshere expressed his happiness for the players, stating, “Mainly, I am happy for the players. They have believed in me.”This win also signifies a positive step for Luton in their bid to secure a playoff position in League One. The team's performance under Wilshere's management has been promising, with Jordan Clark, one of Luton's Premier League survivors, praising Wilshere's tactical acumen.

Manchester City delivered a commanding 3‑0 win at Stamford Bridge on April 12, 2026, a result that brings them within a single game’s reach of the league leaders, Arsenal. The victory, part of City’s impressive April record of 19 wins and 4 draws from 23 matches, underscores Pep Guardiola’s reputation as a spring‑time title avenger. The opening goal arrived in the 10th minute when Nico O’Reilly headed a close‑range effort past the Chelsea keeper, a moment described as a “free header” that ignited the Etihad‑like atmosphere among the travelling fans. Within the next 17 minutes, Marc Guéhi and Jérémy Doku added their names to the scoresheet, exposing a Chelsea defence that resembled a “shop‑worn bead curtain”. Guardiola’s side now sits six points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. A win at the Etihad next Sunday would reduce the deficit to three points, and a subsequent victory at Burnley could see the two clubs level on points, with City holding the superior goal difference. Arsenal, meanwhile, are grappling with a dramatic slump. After a nine‑point lead that seemed unassailable, the Gunners suffered a home defeat to Bournemouth, leaving them vulnerable to a potential “quadruple collapse” over the next sixteen days. City’s recent form has been nothing short of dominant: in their last three fixtures they have beaten the league leaders, the title‑holders, and the Club World Champions, scoring nine goals while keeping a clean sheet. The squad’s depth is evident, with five different scorers contributing to the tally. In contrast, Chelsea’s performance highlighted the widening gulf at the top of the table. Manager Liam Rosenior, still finding his footing after a mid‑season appointment, has yet to secure a win against the league’s elite, having lost to Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta. Guardiola, ever the seasoned tactician, appeared composed even when Chelsea showed brief bursts of energy. His sideline attire—a practical anorak and brown shoes—mirrored his methodical approach, while midfield dynamo Bernardo Silva moved with the poise of a “captive prince” amid the chaos. As the season edges toward its climax, City’s blend of experience, tactical flexibility, and spring‑time confidence positions them as genuine title contenders. The next few weeks will determine whether Guardiola’s “alpha‑dog” energy can finally translate into the Premier League crown, or if Arsenal can rally to retain their lead.