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Lead: War Day 84 Marks a Shift Toward DiplomacyThe conflict between Iran and the United States entered its 84th day with renewed diplomatic activity. Both sides are exchanging draft proposals, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted "some good signs" while President Donald Trump warned of "very drastic" action if Tehran refuses to relinquish its uranium stockpiles.Mediated Negotiations Gain MomentumPakistani officials are conducting "intense mediation activity" in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Almigdad Alruhaid. Senior Iranian sources say negotiators are close to a draft framework, though others caution that a final agreement remains premature.Pakistani mediation is accelerating to prevent further escalation.US‑Iran red‑line shift: Cato Institute senior fellow Doug Bandow stresses the need for both parties to move beyond entrenched nuclear red lines.Key Figures and Financial Stakes7,200 civilians rescued from rubble by the Iranian Red Crescent.More than two dozen MQ‑9 Reaper drones destroyed, losses estimated at $1 bn (≈20% of pre‑war inventory).At least 42 US aircraft damaged or destroyed, total losses near $2.6 bn.US has paused a $14 bn arms sale to Taiwan to preserve munitions for the Iran campaign.Regional and Military ImplicationsCentcom reports the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group remains at "peak readiness" in the Arabian Sea, signaling continued pressure despite diplomatic overtures. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and new US sanctions on Hezbollah allies heighten the risk of a broader regional flare‑up.Outlook for a Potential DealIf the current draft proposals survive scrutiny, a diplomatic settlement could emerge within weeks, easing military pressure and opening pathways for humanitarian aid. However, the dual track of high‑cost equipment losses and political warnings from both Washington and Tehran suggests that any agreement will require substantial concessions on nuclear constraints and future US military commitments in the region.

The LeadIn the stolid world of German football, few moments have been as seismic as Bayer Uerdingen's 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1985 German Cup final. This giant-killing act, now celebrated as the 'Miracle of Berlin,' represented a rare inversion of the natural order in a nation dominated by football's traditional powerhouses.The Historic UpsetOn May 26, 1985, at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, Uerdingen—then a modest club from Krefeld with a population of around 300,000—defeated the seven-time cup holders Bayern Munich. The Bavarians, who had also won three consecutive European Cups between 1974-1976, were considered football aristocracy. Horst Feilzer and Wolfgang Schäfer scored for Uerdingen, while Dieter Hoeness netted Bayern's only goal. The victory was particularly significant as it was the first time the DFB-Pokal final had been staged in the former German capital.Under coach Kalli Feldkamp and chairman Arno Eschler, Uerdingen had only been promoted to the Bundesliga a couple of years earlier. Their team was devoid of household names, featuring the Funkel brothers (Friedhelm and Wolfgang) in midfield, while Bayern boasted stars like a young Lothar Matthäus and Klaus Augenthaler.The Rise and FallThe cup victory was not a one-off for Uerdingen. The following season, they reached the European Cup-Winners' Cup semi-finals, with their quarter-final tie against East Germany's Dynamo Dresden becoming club lore as the 'Miracle of the Grotenburg' after an improbable second-leg comeback. That match attracted 18 million television viewers, and the club finished third in the Bundesliga in the season after their cup triumph.Despite this brief period of success, Uerdingen's star faded. The club, backed by chemicals giant Bayer AG, could not sustain their upward trajectory. Today, they remain a distant memory in German football, their moment of glory a footnote in the sport's history.The LegacyUerdingen's victory remains one of the greatest cup shocks in German football history. It demonstrated that even in a sport dominated by established powerhouses, underdogs could occasionally triumph. As chairman Arno Eschler famously hoped after the victory: 'Ich hoffe dass dies keine einmmailie' [I hope this is not a one-off]. While Uerdingen couldn't build on their success, their 'Miracle of Berlin' continues to be celebrated as one of football's great fairy tales.

Tragic Loss of a Racing IconThe NASCAR community is in shock after the death of Kyle Busch, a two‑time Cup Series champion and record‑holding winner across NASCAR’s three national series. He passed away at 41 following a brief hospitalization for a “severe illness.”Details of the Illness and HospitalisationBusch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive. He was rushed to a Charlotte hospital and died the following day. The family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR released a joint statement confirming his death but did not disclose a cause.Wednesday: Unresponsive during simulator test; transported to hospital.Thursday: Family announces death; no cause released.Three days before scheduled start in the Coca‑Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.Career Statistics Highlighting Busch’s RecordBusch’s achievements set him apart in modern motorsport:Combined wins: 234 across Cup, Xfinity (O’Reilly Auto Parts) and Trucks series.Cup victories: 63 wins.Xfinity wins: 102 wins (record).Truck Series wins: 69 wins (record).Championships: Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 with Joe Gibbs Racing.Rookie of the Year: 2005.Repercussions for NASCAR and the Racing CommunityThe loss reverberates through teams, drivers, and fans. Statements from NASCAR, teammates Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski expressed “heartbreak” and “absolute shock.” Busch’s role as an owner in the Truck Series and his outspoken personality helped build the devoted “Rowdy Nation” fan base.His career also illustrates the sport’s competitive dynamics, from early dismissal by Hendrick Motorsports to a dominant stint with Joe Gibbs Racing, and later challenges with Richard Childress Racing.Looking Ahead: Legacy and Future of the SportWhile the immediate future of Busch’s teams remains uncertain, his impact is likely to be cemented with Hall of Fame consideration and continued reverence from fans and fellow drivers. The sport may also see increased focus on driver health monitoring, given the sudden nature of his decline.

Meta has reached a confidential settlement with Breathitt County Schools in Kentucky, ending a lawsuit that alleged the company’s social networks are engineered to be addictive and cause mental‑health harm to students.Meta Settles Kentucky School District Lawsuit Over Alleged Addiction DesignThe settlement was announced less than three weeks before the case was set to go to trial in federal court in California. While the exact terms were not disclosed, Meta emphasized its ongoing work on safety tools such as Teen Accounts and parental controls.Financial Stakes and Settlement LandscapeThe Kentucky district originally sought more than $60 million to cover mental‑health services and a 15‑year remediation program.Meta’s settlement follows similar agreements by TikTok and Snap with the same group of roughly 1,200 school districts.Recent jury verdicts ordered Meta and YouTube to pay $6 million in damages and Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties for related claims.Implications for Social Media Regulation and Child SafetyThe case adds pressure on the industry to redesign features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay video, which plaintiffs argue are deliberately addictive. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are citing these lawsuits as evidence that existing self‑regulation is insufficient, potentially accelerating federal or state legislation aimed at protecting minors online.Future Legal Battles and Industry OutlookAttorneys for the remaining school districts say they will continue pursuing justice, with another 1,200 districts still in litigation. Upcoming trials include an individual case in California and a Tennessee attorney‑general suit slated for July, while a federal case by the Tucson Unified School District is scheduled for January 2027. The outcomes of these cases will likely shape the next wave of social‑media liability and could force broader industry changes.

Executive Summary: Leader Ousted but Not DefeatedThe Turkish judiciary has removed the head of the main opposition party from his leadership role, prompting him to declare his intention to continue fighting for his political agenda. Court Ruling and Immediate AftermathThe court's decision formally terminated the leader's tenure as party chair, citing procedural violations. Within hours, the ousted figure addressed supporters, emphasizing his commitment to remain a political actor and to challenge the ruling establishment. Political Stakes and Electoral ContextNational elections are scheduled for 2027, making the leadership vacuum a critical factor for opposition strategy.The ruling party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stands to benefit from a fragmented opposition.Opposition parties are scrambling to reorganize and present a unified front. Implications for Turkey's Democratic InstitutionsThe ruling illustrates growing tensions between the judiciary and political opposition, raising concerns among international observers about the independence of Turkey's courts and the health of its democratic processes. Outlook: Potential Paths for the OppositionAnalysts anticipate two main scenarios: a rapid reconstitution of opposition leadership that could rally voters, or prolonged internal disputes that may weaken the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. The leader's vow to stay active suggests he may pursue a role outside formal party structures, potentially influencing public discourse and mobilizing grassroots support.

A candid kitchen conversation with Sir Derek Jacobi The Guardian’s interview captures a warm, unguarded moment as Jacobi and his husband, director Richard Clifford, share coffee and stories in their London home. Jacobi, 80, jokes about his looks, admits he never felt “movie‑star material,” and confides that he would love to reach his centenary. Career milestones and personal anecdotes 1970s breakthrough as the stammering Emperor in I, Claudius. Acclaimed stage work including Cyrano de Bergerac (Royal Shakespeare Company, 1980s) and Macbeth at the Barbican (1993). Recent TV roles in Vicious and Last Tango in Halifax. Early life in Leytonstone; rheumatic fever at nine sparked a shift from working‑class roots to a posh accent and ambition. No financial figures – cultural impact takes centre stage The piece contains no monetary data; its value lies in documenting the lived experience of a veteran actor whose voice and presence have shaped British drama for five decades. What Jacobi’s reflections mean for British theatre and aging performers Jacobi’s honesty about age, health (including his AIDS diagnosis) and self‑image highlights the often‑unspoken pressures on older actors. His partnership with Clifford, who directs and designs their home, underscores the importance of supportive creative collaborations in sustaining long‑term artistic careers. Looking ahead: the goal of hitting 100 Jacobi ends on a hopeful note, expressing a desire to “hit 100” and continue contributing to the arts. His story suggests that longevity in performance is as much about personal resilience and community as it is about talent.

Executive Summary of the Podcast EpisodeThe Guardian’s latest podcast follows hunters who argue that shooting big game can help preserve Africa’s wildlife, sparking a nuanced discussion on conservation strategies.Episode Focus and How to Access ItListen or read: Read the text version hereSupport the Guardian: theguardian.com/longreadpodRelated Publication Highlighted in the EpisodeThe episode references Adapted from The Savage Landscape: How We Made the Wilderness by Cal Flyn, published by William Collins on 7 May. The book can be ordered via guardianbookshop.com.Visual Context ProvidedPhotograph: ReutersWhy This Conversation MattersThe podcast adds to ongoing debates about the role of regulated hunting in wildlife management, offering perspectives from those directly involved in the practice.Looking AheadFuture episodes and related reporting are expected to continue exploring the complex balance between hunting, conservation funding, and ecosystem health across Africa.

The US-Taiwan Arms Sale Pause A top official in the United States military has said Washington is pausing a $14bn arms sale to Taiwan to conserve munitions for its war on Iran. Details of the Pause Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao provided the update to lawmakers during a Senate hearing on Thursday, a week after the weapons sale took centre stage in talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Cao told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense that the US is pausing the sale to ensure it has enough munitions for its potential conflict with Iran. The decision to move forward with the sale would be made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Impact on Taiwan's Defense Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai told reporters on Friday that Taiwan would continue to pursue arms purchases, according to Taiwanese news outlet FTV News. William Yang, senior analyst for northeast Asia at the Crisis Group, said in a social media post that the pause will “exacerbate anxiety and scepticism about US support in Taiwan and make it difficult for the Taiwanese government to request additional defence budget for the foreseeable future”. The Iran Conflict and US Military Preparedness The war has been paused since the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on April 8, but the sides have yet to reach a permanent peace deal. “Right now, we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury – which we have plenty,” Cao said. Future Outlook Trump, who has confirmed that he discussed the arms sale with Xi, said last week in an interview with Fox News that he “may” or “may not” approve the package. Trump has also suggested that the package could be used as a “negotiating chip” – despite a decades-old precedent against consulting with Beijing on arms sales.

The LeadGreenlanders have organized demonstrations against the opening of a new US consulate in Nuuk, the capital of the autonomous Danish territory. The protests highlight growing tensions over foreign presence in the strategically located Arctic island.The Opening of a New Diplomatic MissionThe United States recently established a new consulate in Nuuk, signaling increased diplomatic engagement with Greenland. This move comes amid heightened geopolitical interest in the Arctic region, particularly as ice melt opens new shipping routes and potential resource extraction opportunities. Greenland, while autonomous, remains under Danish sovereignty, though has been seeking greater international recognition and independence.Geopolitical Implications in the ArcticThe protest movement reflects broader concerns about foreign influence in Greenland. The island has become a focal point in strategic competition between global powers, particularly between the United States, China, and Russia. Greenland's strategic location and untapped natural resources make it a valuable asset in the evolving Arctic geopolitics. The demonstrations underscore the sensitivity of foreign diplomatic presence in the territory.Future of Greenland's International RelationsAs Greenland continues to navigate its relationship with Denmark while engaging with other international actors, the protest against the US consulate may signal a shift in how the territory approaches foreign engagement. Greenlanders appear increasingly wary of foreign powers viewing their homeland solely through a strategic lens rather than recognizing their unique cultural and political aspirations. The outcome of this diplomatic standoff could shape Greenland's international relations for years to come.