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The LeadIn an era of digital distractions, renowned authors and public figures have come together to share their most compelling book recommendations, aiming to reignite readers' passion for literature. From Nobel laureates to best-selling authors, these selections offer diverse perspectives and captivating stories designed to rekindle the joy of reading.The Literary SelectionsMalala Yousafzai, the activist and Nobel laureate, recommends Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad. This British-Palestinian novel follows an actor who travels to the West Bank and becomes involved in a local production of Hamlet. Yousafzai was particularly moved by the rehearsal scenes that explore "arguments over translations, personal relationships, the question of whether a performance is even possible under Israeli occupation." She believes Hammad demonstrates that "theatre is capable of carrying weight that other art forms cannot hold."David Miliband, CEO of the International Rescue Committee, suggests Free: Coming of Age at the End of History by Lea Ypi. This memoir chronicles growing up in Albania, the last Stalinist country in Europe. Miliband describes the book as "at once hilarious and serious, appalling in its description of the lies and tentacles of the regime of Enver Hoxha and touching in its humanity." He notes that the author's journey from "Young Pioneer" in the Albanian Communist party to professor in the UK makes the book "more than a work of memory or history. It is also an engagement with the challenges of the present."Katherine Rundell, acclaimed author, enthusiastically recommends Luke Kennard's Black Bag. She admits to laughing "aloud dozens and dozens of times" while reading this novel about a young actor who takes a job dressing in a black bag during psychology lectures to gauge students' reactions to strangeness. Based on a real 1967 experiment, Rundell praises its "brilliant" and "inventive originality," calling it "a triumph of a book" that is "very powerfully worth your time."Jack Thorne, screenwriter, revisits Susan Cooper's classic The Dark Is Rising. As someone who identifies as "quite a weird kid," Thorne found that the book "found that weirdness and twisted it." He's holding off sharing it with his 10-year-old until the "perfect age" of 11, praising its exploration of "the battle between the Dark and the Light" that "weaves myth and history into a glorious concoction that uses language as a weapon."Margaret Busby, publisher and president of English PEN, recommends CLR James's The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution. First published in 1938, this historical work documents "the only successful revolt of the enslaved in history." Busby, who had a personal connection to the author (her father was James's friend from schooldays in Trinidad), calls it an "uplifting example of how the personal and political connect" and notes its continuing relevance as "a defiant call to resisting oppression."The Reader ImpactThese diverse recommendations offer readers a pathway back to literary engagement by providing books that are not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating. Each selection offers a unique perspective that can challenge readers' thinking while providing the pleasure of immersive storytelling. The variety of genres and styles represented ensures that there's something for every type of reader, whether they prefer contemporary fiction, historical accounts, or fantasy.The Cultural SignificanceIn an increasingly fragmented media landscape, these recommendations highlight the enduring power of books to connect us to different experiences and perspectives. The selections reflect both timeless themes and contemporary concerns, demonstrating how literature continues to evolve while addressing fundamental human questions. The fact that these recommendations come from diverse figures—activists, politicians, writers, and scholars—underscores the broad cultural relevance of reading across different professions and backgrounds.The Future of ReadingAs digital distractions continue to compete for our attention, curated recommendations from trusted voices may become increasingly important in guiding readers back to literature. These selections suggest a trend toward books that offer both entertainment and substance—works that can make us laugh while making us think. The enduring appeal of physical books, as evidenced by the care taken in describing these specific editions, indicates that despite digital alternatives, many readers still value the tangible experience of reading a well-crafted book.

The Diplomatic Standoff in Tehran Pakistan's powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday as diplomatic efforts to broker a peace agreement between Iran and the United States intensified. Pakistani officials are reportedly playing a growing mediation role as regional powers push to prevent a wider conflict. But Iranian officials have tempered expectations for a quick breakthrough. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said differences in the mediated talks between Tehran and Washington remain "deep and significant", signalling that major obstacles still stand in the way of a formal agreement. Meanwhile, outrage is growing over Israel's treatment of Gaza aid flotilla activists after organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said at least 15 detainees reported incidents of sexual assault, including rape, following their seizure by Israeli forces in international waters. The allegations have added to mounting international scrutiny over Israel's handling of pro-Palestinian activists and detainees. Iran's Strategic Position on Hormuz Hormuz 'security service': Iran said fees and tolls linked to transit through the Strait of Hormuz are part of a "security service" provided to vessels crossing the strategic waterway, as Tehran rejects US threats of escalation and asserts control over the strait under what it calls a "new reality". Iranian officials say more than 30 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy over the past day. War halt 'essential': An Iranian official said stopping the war "on all fronts" is a necessary condition for any future negotiations with the US, while stressing that no final agreement has yet been reached despite ongoing efforts to bridge differences between Tehran and Washington. The source added that a positive diplomatic atmosphere alone is "not enough" to secure a deal. The Decisive Stage of Diplomacy 'Turning point': Iran said intensive diplomacy with the US has reached a "decisive" stage, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei citing the presence of senior Pakistani officials in Tehran as part of efforts to secure a peace agreement. He said Iran would not publicly discuss details of nuclear negotiations after past talks "led us into war", while reiterating Tehran's right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. Sanctions not a priority: An Iranian official says ending the war, lifting the US blockade and ensuring stability in the Strait of Hormuz remain Tehran's main priorities in ongoing peace talks, while stressing that lifting sanctions on oil exports and releasing frozen assets are "not details for us". The official also praised Qatar's role in supporting Pakistani-led mediation efforts. UN push on Hormuz: France has drafted a United Nations Security Council resolution proposing an international mission to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as a competing US-Bahraini proposal faces resistance from Russia and China, which have signalled they may veto the measure. The dispute over control of the strategic waterway has become a key obstacle in efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran amid rising oil prices and shipping disruptions. US Position and Domestic Pressures Diplomatic efforts continue: The US said "some progress" has been made in talks with Iran, though major differences remain over Tehran's enriched uranium programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan and Qatar step up mediation efforts in Tehran as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns Washington still has "other options" if diplomacy fails. Domestic pressure grows: Jason Campbell of the Middle East Institute said President Donald Trump is facing mounting pressure to de-escalate the war with Iran as oil prices rise and US midterm elections approach, despite Trump insisting the conflict "will be over soon". Campbell said Tehran believes it can withstand prolonged economic and security pressure, while "time is not a neutral factor" for the White House. Escalating Regional Conflicts US sanctions in Lebanon: Washington has imposed sanctions on nine individuals in Lebanon, including two military officers accused of links to Hezbollah, even as the US continues to mediate talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Deadly strikes in Lebanon: Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon have killed at least 11 people, including several healthcare workers and paramedics, in the latest violence to test the fragile US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The strikes hit multiple locations in the Tyre district, including Deir Qanoun en-Nahr, Hannaouiyah and Nabatieh, as Israel says it will continue targeting Hezbollah despite the truce. Lebanon economy strained by war: Business owners in Lebanon said the wars involving Israel, Hezbollah and Iran are deepening the country's economic crisis, with rising fuel and supply costs driving inflation higher and hurting livelihoods. In Beirut, barber Mario Habib says soaring generator, petrol and product costs have reduced business, as economists warn Lebanon's fragile recovery could stall if the conflict continues. Hamas accuses Israel of seeking Palestinian displacement: Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said Israel's war on Gaza aims to "end the Palestinian presence" in the territory rather than merely occupy it, rejecting calls for Hamas to disarm and warning that Palestinians would continue to resist what he described as efforts to force them from their land.

The World Cup AbsencesThe world's best football players will travel to North America this summer for the most anticipated sporting event of the year: the FIFA World Cup 2026. While the 48-team tournament will feature young prodigies and veterans alike, some stars will not be at the tournament, having missed out due to injuries or because their nations failed to qualify.Stars Who Missed QualificationSeveral high-profile players will not be at the World Cup because their countries failed to secure qualification. Among them are:Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia) - The Paris Saint-Germain winger, one of the most feared in European football, will not be on the plane to North America as Georgia failed to qualify.Robert Lewandowski (Poland) - The 37-year-old Barcelona striker left the pitch in tears after Poland narrowly missed out on qualification. With 89 goals in 165 appearances for Poland, he has never advanced beyond the round of 16 at a World Cup.Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali (Italy) - Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time means the tournament will be devoid of some of the finest Azzurri talents, including the star goalkeeper and midfielder.Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) - Nigeria's shock penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the African playoffs means fans will miss out on watching these two bright attackers.Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) - Cameroon's failure to qualify came as a surprise as the Indomitable Lions hold the African record for the most World Cup appearances with eight overall.Injury-Related AbsencesSeveral players who would have likely been selected for their national teams have been ruled out due to injuries:Hugo Ekitike (France) - The France forward ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for Liverpool against PSG in April, an injury that could sideline him until January 2027.Estevao (Brazil) - The 19-year-old suffered a grade four hamstring injury while playing for Chelsea in April, crushing his dream of making his World Cup debut.Rodrygo (Brazil) - The Real Madrid winger suffered a torn meniscus and ACL in his right knee while playing for Madrid in March and is expected to be out until the end of 2026.Xavi Simons (Netherlands) - The attacking midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while playing for Tottenham Hotspur against Wolverhampton Wanderers.Other Notable AbsencesSeveral other high-profile players will also miss the tournament:Fermin Lopez (Spain) - Misses out after requiring surgery on a fracture in his right foot.Serge Gnabry (Germany) - Ruled out with a torn adductor muscle in his right thigh.Cole Palmer and Phil Foden (England) - Omitted from England's squad after both had disappointing seasons.Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma (Japan) - Minamino was left out after suffering an ACL tear while Mitoma also misses out after suffering a hamstring injury.Eder Militao, Joao Pedro, and Richarlison (Brazil) - All dropped from Brazil's squad due to injuries.Jan Oblak (Slovenia) - The goalkeeper and captain will be absent after Slovenia failed to qualify.Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary) - Faces a similar fate after Hungary missed out on qualification.

The Evening's Premier TV Offerings Television tonight presents an eclectic mix of dramas, game shows, and special celebrations across multiple channels. From a trippy group holiday drama on BBC One to a classic darts game show on ITV, viewers have plenty of options to choose from. Dramatic Escapes and Twisted Holidays Two Weeks in August airs at 9pm on BBC One, featuring Jessica Raine and Damien Malony as friends on a problematic Greek holiday. The drama takes a turn when the group consumes hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading to a twisty, trippy experience. Leila Farzad, Dolly Wells, and Hugh Skinner also star in this sun-soaked drama. Game Shows and Celebrity Competitions Bullseye for Soccer Aid premieres at 5.55pm on ITV1, bringing together celebrities for a classic darts competition. Freddie Flintoff returns as host, with teams including Kym Marsh and her sister-in-law Claire, Jon Richardson and Angela Barnes, and Olly Murs and Mark Wright competing under Richard Ashdown's judging eye. Nobody's Fool at 9pm on ITV1 presents a new quiz show hosted by Danny Dyer and Emily Atack. Ten contestants compete at a manor to appear the most intelligent, with a £100,000 prize at stake. The show combines elements of social experiment with competition, described as "Destination X meets The Traitors." Unique Accommodations Around the Globe World's Most Secret Hotels airs at 8pm on Channel 4, showcasing extraordinary accommodations worldwide. In East Lothian, Scotland, the Bus Stop offers glamping in luxury buses. In Arizona, Castle Hot Springs is located 11km down a dirt road near the Bradshaw Mountains thermal waters. The series is narrated by Julie Walters. Celebrating a Music Icon Cher at the BBC honors the singer's 80th birthday at 9pm on BBC Two. The special features clips of Cher's performances and chatshow moments throughout her career. Cher holds the distinction of being the only artist with US Billboard No 1s in every decade between the 1960s and 2010s, with hits including "I Got You Babe," "Walking in Memphis," "Strong Enough," and "Believe." Classic Detective Reimagined Monsieur Spade at 9pm on U& Drama features Clive Owen as Sam Spade, Dashiell Hammett's iconic detective. Set in 1963 in the south of France, the retired Spade investigates the murder of six nuns, becoming entangled in jurisdictional conflicts with the Vatican. Owen brings a "rumpled melancholy" to the role. Film Highlights for Tonight Is This Thing On?, now available on Disney+, is inspired by the true story of how John Bishop became a comedian. Bradley Cooper directs this drama about marriage and midlife crisis, starring Will Arnett as a New York financier who finds unexpected fulfillment through stand-up comedy. Laura Dern co-stars as his estranged wife. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War is now streaming on Prime Video. The John Krasinski-led espionage thriller follows the CIA analyst as he teams up with Sienna Miller's MI6 agent to pursue a rogue black ops operative from London to Dubai. The film offers a more relaxed take on the spy genre compared to the high-octane Mission: Impossible series. My Favourite Cake airs at 9pm on BBC Four, celebrating the art of baking with a focus on favorite cake recipes and techniques.

The Lead: Pakistan's Diplomatic Push in Iran CrisisPakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is in Iran as part of ongoing mediation efforts to end the Israel and United States's war that began on February 28. This high-level diplomatic visit comes as the US reports slight progress in negotiations while tensions remain high in the region.The Event Details: Pakistan's Second Mediation MissionMunir arrived in Tehran on Friday, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported, citing the Pakistan Army. "On arrival, he was received and warmly welcomed by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni," IRNA said, adding that "Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also present at the reception."It is the second such trip to Tehran by Munir amid Pakistani mediation efforts to end the war. Islamabad helped secure a temporary ceasefire between the warring sides on April 8, and later hosted the highest-level talks between the US and Iran since 1979 on April 11-12.During this visit to Iran, unnamed Pakistani sources told the Anadolu news agency that Munir will discuss Iran-US talks, regional peace and stability, and other "important issues".The Data Analysis: Shifting Positions in Negotiations"The current process and the presence of senior Pakistani officials in Tehran means that we have reached a turning point or a decisive situation," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil ⁠Baghaei said on Friday.Iranian state media quoted Baghaei as saying the gaps between Tehran and Washington are "deep and significant". "We cannot necessarily say that we have reached a point where an agreement is close," he said. "The focus of the negotiations is on ending the war. Details related to the nuclear issue are not being discussed at this stage."Speaking at the White House on Friday, US President Donald Trump said, "Iran is dying to make a deal". "We'll see what happens. But we hit them hard, and we had no choice because Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. They cannot have it," Trump added.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that "slight progress" was made during talks with Iran. "I don't want to exaggerate the progress in talks, saying there had been 'a little bit of movement, and that's good'. He said the conversations were ongoing.The Impact Analysis: Regional and Global RamificationsThe Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries a fifth of global oil production, have sent ripples through the global economy, driving energy prices soaring.As diplomatic efforts continue, European Union nations moved towards imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and others responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz, the EU said on Friday. Tehran effectively closed the key shipping lane for global oil and gas supplies in retaliation for the US-Israeli war."The EU will now be able to introduce further restrictive measures in response to Iran's actions undermining the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," the European Council representing EU nations said.Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off. But he's also previously indicated he would hold off on military action to allow talks to continue, only to turn around and launch strikes. The US president said he called off attacks on Iran this week at the request of allies in the Middle East, including the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.The Prediction: Path Forward for Diplomatic SolutionsIran's ⁠Baghaei said ⁠on Friday that a Qatari delegation ‌was currently holding talks with Iran's foreign minister, ⁠but added that ⁠Pakistan remained the main ⁠mediator in ⁠the ⁠negotiations.With Pakistan intensifying its mediation process to secure a second round of direct talks between the US and Iran, the region remains on edge. While both sides report some progress, the deep gaps between Tehran and Washington suggest that a comprehensive resolution to the conflict remains elusive, with potential for both diplomatic breakthroughs and military escalation still on the table.

Only 16% of Americans now view the U.S. economy as "good" or "excellent," and the Gallup Economic Confidence Index has fallen to -45, the lowest reading since 2022. The decline follows a sharp rise in inflation and gasoline prices triggered by the ongoing war on Iran, adding fresh pressure to President Donald Trump's re‑election prospects.Gallup Survey Reveals Record‑Low Economic ConfidenceThe Gallup poll, released on May 24, 2026, asked respondents to rate current economic conditions and outlook. Findings include:49% say conditions are "poor"34% rate them as "fair"76% believe the economy is getting worse20% think it is improvingThe index combines two sub‑scores: economic conditions (-33) and economic outlook (-56).Key Numbers: Inflation, Gasoline Prices, and the Energy ShockEnergy costs have surged since the conflict began in late February:Average gasoline price: $4.55 per gallon, up from under $3.00 pre‑warConsumer‑price inflation rose in March and April, driven primarily by higher energy pricesIran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. naval blockades have constrained global oil supplies, amplifying domestic price pressures.War on Iran Drives Sentiment and Shapes the 2026 MidtermsThe deteriorating confidence adds to President Trump's political woes. A concurrent New York Times/Sienna poll shows only 31% approval of his handling of the Iran war. Critics argue the administration’s focus on foreign intervention distracts from domestic economic concerns, while the president maintains the campaign is essential to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.Outlook: Recovery Paths or Continued Decline?Analysts warn that unless the energy blockade eases, gasoline prices could remain elevated, keeping consumer sentiment low. Potential scenarios include:Ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz – could lower oil prices and improve confidence.Prolonged conflict – may entrench high energy costs, further eroding the index.Policy interventions such as targeted subsidies or tax relief to offset inflationary pressures.The next few months will be pivotal for both the economy and the upcoming midterm elections, as voters weigh the cost of war against domestic economic performance.

Senegal's Prime Minister Defends Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has publicly defended the nation's newly enacted anti-LGBTQ laws, delivering a strong rebuke of Western influence while addressing the National Assembly. The speech comes amid international condemnation of legislation that significantly criminalizes same-sex relationships in the West African nation. New Laws Criminalize Same-Sex Relationships with Harsher Penalties The legislation, which came into effect in late March, doubles the prison sentence for same-sex sexual acts from five years to ten years. The law also criminalizes the financing of same-sex relationships, as well as what it describes as the "glorification of unnatural acts," a provision that includes the promotion of, or engagement in, homosexual acts. In February, 12 males were arrested in the capital, Dakar, for so-called "acts against nature," highlighting the increased enforcement of these laws. International Condemnation of Senegal's Crackdown United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Turk had urged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye not to enact the legislation, describing it as "deeply worrying." "This law exposes people to hate crimes, abuse, arbitrary arrests, blackmail and widespread discrimination in education, health, employment and housing. Furthermore, it restricts the legitimate work of human rights defenders, the media and freedom of expression of everyone in Senegal," Turk said at the time. Following the arrests in Dakar, Human Rights Watch called on the government to protect LGBTQ rights and release those detained, also demanding the repeal of what they termed "discriminatory and homophobic laws." Global Context of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Senegal is one of many African nations to adopt harsher anti-LGBTQ laws in recent years, reflecting a broader trend across the continent. According to international data, 65 countries worldwide criminalize same-sex relations, with more than half of these nations located in Africa. This places Senegal within a significant global movement toward restricting LGBTQ rights, particularly in regions with strong conservative religious and cultural influences. Future Outlook for LGBTQ Rights in West Africa The stance taken by Senegal's leadership signals continued challenges for LGBTQ advocacy in West Africa, where cultural and religious conservatism often intersects with political positioning against Western influence. As neighboring nations observe Senegal's approach, the region may see either a hardening of anti-LGBTQ policies or, potentially, increased international pressure to reconsider such legislation. The international community, including human rights organizations and Western governments, faces the delicate balance of respecting national sovereignty while advocating for universal human rights standards in an increasingly polarized global environment.

The Disco Legend Returns to the SpotlightLost in Music, He's the Greatest Dancer, Thinking of You and We Are Family – many artists would long for just one of these songs at any time in their career, but for Sister Sledge they all appeared on a single side of one of their albums. As she brings these and the rest of the disco group's still-sensational catalogue to the Electric Paradise festival this summer, Kathy Sledge will be joining us to answer your questions.The Rise of Sister SledgeKathy is one of four Sledge sisters along with Debbie, Joni and Kim, who formed the group as children in the mid-1960s, picking up gigs at churches and local events in their home city of Philadelphia as the Sledge Sisters. After flipping the name around, they got a record deal and their first chart success came in the UK in 1973, with the Top 20 hit Mama Never Told Me.The Chic Collaboration That Defined an EraFurther commercial success eluded them for a few years – though that's no reflection on the quality of early disco material such as Pain Reliever – until their label paired them with Chic's Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. Sister Sledge's poise and charisma shone from the aforementioned hits the pair wrote for them, collected on the album We Are Family. The title track reached No 2 in the US and it, along with the others, endure as pinnacles of the disco era.Chart Success Through the DecadesRemixed versions of those songs came back around in 1984 and 1993, each to great success particularly in the UK, though the group's only UK No 1 single was in a very different style in 1985, with the swaying neo-60s pop of Frankie.A Solo Career and Continued PerformancesKathy took the lead vocal on some of their biggest hits, and after Sister Sledge went on hiatus in 1987, she had a solo career interspersed with occasional Sister Sledge reunions, and later – amid some legal wrangles with her sisters – solo tours of Sister Sledge material. Next up she'll perform at Electric Paradise in Milton Keynes, on 8 August, alongside other legends of the era such as Grace Jones, Candi Staton, Kool and the Gang and more.Your Questions for the Disco IconNow 67, Kathy has been in countless nightclubs and recording studios around the world across her multi-decade career, so there's plenty to ask her. Post your questions in the comments below before 6pm GMT on Wednesday, and we'll publish her answers later in the week.

The Latest Escalation in Lebanon Israeli attacks have killed at least 11 people in southern Lebanon, including several healthcare workers. The attacks occurred on Friday in the Tyre district and are the latest in a long line, questioning the durability of the shaky United States-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Details of the Attacks At least 11 people killed in Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon Several healthcare workers among the dead, including paramedics and a child Attacks occurred in the Tyre district, including in the municipality of Deir Qanoun en-Nahr and the town of Hannaouiyah The Humanitarian Impact More than 400 people have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire came into force in mid-April. Israel insists it will continue to target the Hezbollah armed group, which opposed the Lebanese government’s agreement on the ceasefire. At least 2,896 people killed in Lebanon since Israeli attacks began More than 8,824 injured and over 1.6 million displaced – about one-fifth of the country’s population The Systematic Destruction of Health Facilities The Israeli military has repeatedly attacked health facilities and medical teams in Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of using them to conceal weapons and fighters. The Lebanese government rejects that claim. 116 healthcare workers killed since the latest escalation in early March 16 hospitals damaged and 147 ambulances attacked The Future Outlook A ceasefire brokered by the United States came into effect in mid-April, but the violence has continued, and Hezbollah has continued to trade attacks with Israel. The US has imposed sanctions on individuals with links to Hezbollah, including Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon.