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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.

US Vice‑President JD Vance addressed a podium in Pakistan, confirming that after a marathon 21‑hour negotiation no settlement had been secured to end the conflict with Iran. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was in Miami watching a mixed‑martial‑arts fight, a stark contrast that underscored the administration’s focus on spectacle over substantive diplomacy. The breakdown was not accidental. Washington insists Iran must relinquish any capacity to develop a nuclear weapon, whereas Tehran maintains its right to a civilian nuclear programme and rejects the notion of a weapons agenda. The US “final and best offer” demanded a complete surrender of that capability, a condition more akin to imposing victory than fostering negotiation. Compounding the impasse, the United States sought unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Iran, however, pressed for transit fees, lifted sanctions, unfrozen assets, reparations, and a broader regional cease‑fire. The divergent demands meant that a single round of talks could not bridge the gap, resulting in negotiations devoid of trust and a war without a clear resolution. Historical wisdom, echoed by Winston Churchill’s famous remark that "jaw‑jaw is better than war‑war", highlights the high cost of continued fighting. Ironically, the current US‑Iran dispute revolves around a nuclear programme that was once restrained by a deal the Trump administration later abrogated, and a maritime route that the same administration helped ignite by launching the conflict. The fragile cease‑fire’s survival now hinges not only on Washington and Tehran but also on Israel’s expanding offensive in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, an operation that has drawn accusations of war crimes and threatens to widen the regional conflagration. Financial markets are unlikely to react positively to recent developments. American voters are already feeling the impact of surging fuel prices, and Trump’s consideration of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could exacerbate the situation. Disrupting a route that carries roughly one‑fifth of global oil would push prices higher, with ripple effects far beyond the Gulf. The current cease‑fire is set to expire in just over a week. While diplomatic talks have not formally ended, a stalemate persists and the logic of escalation is gaining traction. Iran appears unlikely to concede, opting instead to test US resolve at sea. Seasonal heat may limit a full‑scale ground offensive for now, but the risk of a shift toward naval confrontations, airstrikes, and proxy warfare looms, offering no winners—only further loss.

Britain’s cabinet is set to introduce a sweeping bill that would let ministers dynamically align UK regulations with EU single‑market rules using so‑called Henry VIII powers. The proposal would enable the government to adopt evolving EU standards in sectors such as food, drink, automotive and emissions trading without the need for a separate parliamentary vote on each change.The legislation is tied to the forthcoming food and drink trade deal with the EU, which the government claims will generate £5.1 billion a year for the British economy. By granting ministers the ability to implement new EU rules through secondary legislation, the bill aims to cut red tape, lower costs for businesses, and accelerate the rollout of trade agreements.Under the proposed framework, Parliament would retain the ability to approve or reject secondary legislation but would not be able to amend it. Critics warn this could turn MPs into mere "rubber‑stamps" for EU‑aligned regulations, limiting democratic scrutiny and potentially provoking retaliatory measures from the EU if the UK blocks such instruments.Political analysts note that the move comes amid heightened geopolitical tension following the United States’ war with Iran, which has exposed the fragility of Britain’s special relationship with Washington. Ministers argue that deeper regulatory alignment with the EU will add billions to the UK economy, mitigate the cost of the conflict, and address the “sluggish productivity” that has plagued the post‑Brexit era.Economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) underscore the stakes: Brexit is projected to cut long‑run productivity by 4 % and shrink both exports and imports by 15 % compared with a scenario where the UK remained in the EU. Proponents of the bill contend that aligning with EU standards without re‑joining the customs union or single market will help reverse these losses while respecting political red lines on sovereignty and freedom of movement.Opposition parties, including hard‑Brexit advocates and the Liberal Democrats, have signalled they will challenge the bill, particularly in the House of Lords. The government acknowledges that while the Commons is unlikely to reject the proposal, the Lords could pose a significant obstacle.Academic voices, such as Prof Anand Menon of the think‑tank UK in a Changing Europe, caution that the approach amounts to “integration with the EU by stealth,” stripping the UK of a vote on the rules it will be forced to follow. He describes the situation as “the ugly trade‑off of Brexit,” where political control is sacrificed for economic access.Supporters counter that the bill will streamline the implementation of existing and future agreements, with any regulatory disputes to be settled by an independent tribunal rather than an EU court. They argue this balances the need for swift economic action with the preservation of constitutional safeguards.Prime Minister Keir Starmer has framed the initiative as part of a broader “reset” of UK‑EU relations, emphasizing a strategic partnership that deepens trade and defence cooperation while avoiding a return to the customs union or single market membership. The government stresses that Parliament will still play its “full constitutional role” in scrutinising the legislation.

Tyson Fury, the Gypsy King of boxing, has once again called out Anthony Joshua for a highly anticipated superfight, but the question remains: will it ever happen? The two British boxing legends have been talking about facing each other for over 10 years, but the bout has been plagued by delays, postponements, and cancellations. Following his dominant victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury expressed his desire to fight Joshua next, stating, "I've no idea" if the fight will happen. Despite Joshua's presence ringside, he refused to give a definitive answer, citing the need for time to recover from a tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. Fury, who has been chasing Joshua for a decade, sounded perplexed by Joshua's evasive response. "He didn't give an answer," Fury said. "In my opinion, he didn't want no smoke. He didn't look like he wanted it. He was shell-shocked." Fury emphasized that he has given Joshua the respect and space he deserves, especially after his recent personal tragedy. Joshua, on the other hand, appeared dismissive, stating "Contracts are being sent over and you’ll probably see us in the ring next, more than likely." When asked if he needed a warm-up fight, Joshua quipped, "Good question. That [Fury] could be a warmup fight, based on what I saw tonight." Fury dismissed the suggestion that Joshua needed a proper test against a real boxer before stepping into the ring with him. "It’s another stumbling block. He’s just knocked a man spark out," Fury said. "I’ve just come off a win. Let’s get it on. He’s 36. I’m 37. What’s the holdup?" The two fighters have had a long and complicated history, with Fury noting, "If it ain’t Anthony Joshua next I’m not interested in boxing. I’ll eat a thousand Easter eggs, go up to 35 stone. I’m out. It’s either him or I’m gone again. I’m not interested in up-and-comers. I’m not interested in someone trying to prove a point over me. I don’t care about rankings or belts. I only care now about AJ. That’s the defining fight for British boxing."

Two planes of Iranian negotiators, many from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, arrived in Pakistan to confront a 21‑hour deadline for talks that span two decades of nuclear tension and new strategic concerns such as control of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. compensation for past attacks.The United States responded with a delegation that included Vice‑President JD Vance and roughly 300 officials, signaling a recognition that Iran’s seasoned team—featuring figures like Ali Bagheri Kani and former chief negotiator Abbas Araghchi—was well‑prepared.During the marathon, Vance held multiple conversations with former President Donald Trump and, notably, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iranian officials claimed the Netanyahu call hardened the U.S. stance, underscoring the delicate diplomatic balance.Veteran negotiators Robert Malley and Aaron David Miller warned that the time frame was either too long for a mere reiteration of rejected demands or far too short for genuine negotiation, highlighting a strategic misreading of Tehran’s position.Vance concluded the session by presenting what he described as a “best and final offer,” leaving the door open for further dialogue pending Iranian acceptance.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump signaled an intention to impose a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a move that could inflate global oil prices and further destabilize the region.Iran’s objectives included drafting a memorandum of understanding to extend a tentative ceasefire and address three core issues: an end to Israel’s offensive in Lebanon, a governance framework for Hormuz shipping, and the disposition of its highly enriched uranium stockpile, whether through UN‑supervised down‑blending or export to a third party.Vance emphasized the need for an affirmative Iranian commitment not to pursue a nuclear weapon or the rapid pathways to one, a demand that intersects with ongoing debates about Iran’s sovereign right to enrich uranium—a capability currently null after recent U.S. strikes.In practice, Iran is already exercising selective control over Hormuz traffic, allowing 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil and 4 million barrels of Saudi oil to pass, a tactic described by an Iranian parliamentarian as a “continuous atomic bomb” that provides strategic depth.Beyond the diplomatic impasse, Iran confronts severe domestic challenges: hyperinflation approaching triple‑digit levels, an internet blackout threatening economic activity, and a political climate marked by assassination threats. These pressures compound the difficulty of achieving a sustainable peace settlement.

GSK has revealed promising early results for its treatment for gynaecological cancers, Mocertatug Rezetecan (Mo-Rez), as its chief executive, Luke Miels, seeks to speed up drug development at the group.The company reported that in an early-stage trial, Mo-Rez shrank or eliminated tumours in 62% of patients with ovarian cancer where chemotherapy had failed, and in 67% of those with endometrial cancer.GSK acquired the Mo-Rez cancer treatment, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), from China’s Hansoh Pharma in late 2023, and has trialled it in 224 patients around the world, including the UK, over the past year. Few patients needed to stop treatment because of side-effects, the most common being nausea. It is administered every three weeks via intravenous infusion.Combined with data from a separate, intermediate trial in China, these results give GSK the confidence to go straight to late-stage trials, with five clinical studies planned globally in the next few months, including on patients in the UK.Presenting the results at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s annual meeting on women’s cancer in Puerto Rico, Hesham Abdullah, GSK’s global head of cancer research and development, said: “Treatment of gynaecological cancers remains a major challenge, with a pressing need for new therapies that offer improved response rates. With Mo-Rez we now have compelling evidence of a promising clinical profile.”Endometrial cancer affects 1.6 million women globally, with 417,000 new cases each year. Ovarian cancer affects 843,000 people, with 240,000 new cases annually.Abdullah described Mo-Rez as a “key asset” in the company’s growing cancer portfolio, expected to be a blockbuster drug with peak annual sales of more than £2bn, which GSK hopes will help it achieve its 2031 sales target of £40bn.

Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa played out a 1-1 draw at the City Ground, a result that significantly boosts Forest's chances of avoiding relegation. Neco Williams's low strike cancelled out Murillo's own goal, securing a precious point for Forest.The match was marked by Villa's dominance, with Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins missing clear chances to score. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels made crucial saves, including one from Ross Barkley's low shot. The draw moves Forest three points clear of the relegation zone.Despite Villa's pressure, Forest's defense held firm, with Matty Cash seeing an effort blocked late in the game. The result comes as a relief for Forest, who could have faced a more challenging situation had they lost.The draw also highlights Villa's inconsistent form, as they failed to capitalize on their chances. Unai Emery's side now looks to their upcoming Europa League semi-final against Forest.

Libya has taken a significant step towards economic stability with the approval of its first unified budget in over a decade. The Central Bank of Libya confirmed that both the eastern-based House of Representatives (HoR) and the Tripoli-based High Council of State have endorsed the budget. This development is seen as a rare moment of cooperation in a country divided by conflict since the 2014 civil war. The unified budget was signed in the capital, Tripoli, where the internationally recognized Government of National Unity is based under Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Governor Naji Issa described the agreement as a 'clear declaration that Libya is capable of overcoming its differences when a unified vision for its future is forged.' Libya has remained split since the 2014 civil war, which created rival administrations in the east and west. The last time the country operated under a single national budget was in 2013. The deal brings together institutions that have long competed for authority, with representatives from both sides signing the agreement. Despite this breakthrough, political divisions remain entrenched. In the east, forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar maintain control over large parts of the country, including key oil-producing regions. The timing of the agreement is significant, given Libya's growing importance in global energy markets. Demand for its crude has increased amid disruptions linked to the Israel-US war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Libya's geographic position offers a critical advantage, as oil shipments from its ports reach European refineries quickly and avoid the risks associated with Gulf routes. Its light, sweet crude also meets the needs of European refiners facing ongoing supply challenges. This development signals a shift towards more formal cooperation, even as Libya's political fragmentation persists.

The British government announced that it is putting on hold a bill that would return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after President Donald Trump signaled a lack of US support for the arrangement.A UK spokesperson told Reuters and AFP that the deal would only move forward with American backing, stating, "We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support." The statement added that the islands, particularly Diego Garcia, remain a critical military asset for both nations.Last May, London and Port Louis unveiled a plan under which Britain would cede full sovereignty of the 60‑plus islands to Mauritius while retaining a 99‑year lease on Diego Garcia to preserve the US‑run base that anchors American power in the Indian Ocean.Trump dismissed the proposal in January as an "act of great stupidity," arguing that relinquishing the archipelago would undermine the strategic partnership. In response, the UK reiterated that the base’s long‑term security is the primary reason for the agreement and that it continues to engage with both Washington and Mauritius.At an Indian Ocean conference in Mauritius, Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful pledged that his government would "spare no effort" to pursue every diplomatic and legal avenue to complete the decolonisation of the Chagos archipelago, calling the issue a matter of justice.After an initial softening of tone following a February conversation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump later resumed his criticism on Truth Social, labeling the cession a "big mistake" and a "blight on our Great Ally." The dispute has unfolded against a backdrop of strained US‑UK relations over the ongoing US‑Israel conflict in Iran and the UK's leadership of a 30‑nation coalition protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz without US participation.Former senior civil servant Simon McDonald told BBC Radio that Trump’s hostility has forced the agreement into a "deep freeze," noting that when the US president is openly opposed, the British government must reassess its position.Britain has administered the Chagos Islands since 1814, even after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s. The Diego Garcia base has been pivotal in US operations in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The displaced Chagossian community continues to seek compensation, and a 2019 International Court of Justice advisory opinion recommended that the archipelago be returned to Mauritius.