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The United States is reportedly contemplating a daring military operation to confiscate Iran's reserves of highly enriched uranium, a move that experts warn would be fraught with significant challenges and risks.Ensuring Iran does not possess nuclear weapons or the capability to produce them using enriched uranium has been a primary objective for the US during negotiations with Iranian officials over the past year. This goal was also cited as a justification for the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities during last year's 12-day war with Israel and for initiating the ongoing conflict in February, despite ongoing talks with Iran at the time.Iran possesses approximately 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a level at which it becomes considerably easier to reach the 90 percent threshold required to produce a nuclear weapon. This amount theoretically could be used to produce more than 10 nuclear warheads, according to International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi.Iran asserts that its nuclear program is exclusively for civilian energy purposes, despite enriching uranium far beyond the required threshold. Iranian officials have expressed openness to discussing a reduction in the level of enrichment during past negotiations but have refused to dismantle the country's nuclear program entirely, citing national sovereignty concerns.In 2015, the former Obama administration negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran and other nations, under which Iran agreed not to enrich uranium to high levels and to undergo frequent inspections. However, Trump withdrew the US from this agreement during his first term as president.Challenges in Accessing and Transporting the UraniumAny military ground operation to extract the uranium would face substantial chemical, logistical, and tactical hurdles. Isfahan, where about half of the enriched uranium is believed to be stored, is over 480 kilometers (about 300 miles) inland, far from the nearest US naval ships. This would necessitate transporting US forces, possibly alongside Israeli troops, over a long distance through an active warzone, accompanied by heavy equipment.Securing a substantial perimeter around the site and holding that territory for the duration of the operation would be required, all while mitigating the risk of constant fire from Iran. Experts describe this as a risky and infeasible operation.Storing and Handling the UraniumIf the US were to successfully extract the uranium, it would likely be stored in the form of hexafluoride gas, which is difficult to handle and reacts with water to produce extremely toxic chemicals. The uranium hexafluoride must be stored in small, separated canisters to prevent neutrons from multiplying out of control.Any damage to these canisters could trigger the release of toxic chemicals, posing a radiological hazard. An alternative would be to destroy the cylinders on the spot using Army Nuclear Disablement Teams, but this would result in chemical contamination and environmental hazards.Previous Operations and Potential AlternativesIn 1994, US forces undertook a secret operation dubbed Project Sapphire to remove weapons-grade uranium from Kazakhstan. A similar operation for Iran is being considered, but it would require coordination with Iranian authorities and the IAEA, and a cessation of hostilities.A less risky approach would be for the US to negotiate a deal with Iran, resulting in the stockpile being left in place but under international oversight, being downblended, or being removed with Iranian agreement.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have confirmed they are holding talks in China aimed at ending the worst conflict between the South Asian neighbours since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.Senior officials from both countries are holding preliminary talks in the northwestern Chinese city of Urumqi to try to secure a ceasefire to end months of cross-border attacks, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday.The fighting has killed dozens of people on both sides and disrupted trade and cross-border travel since it started in October.Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring fighters who carry out attacks inside Pakistan, especially the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group is separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban, which took over Afghanistan in 2021 following the chaotic withdrawal of United States-led troops.Andrabi told reporters in Beijing that the government hoped for a “durable solution”.“Our participation [in talks] is a reiteration of our core concerns,” he said.“The burden of real process, however, lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable actions against terrorist groups using [its] soil against Pakistan.”Following China’s request for talks, Afghanistan’s Taliban government said it had sent a “mid-level delegation” to Urumqi.The Afghan side “intends to hold comprehensive and responsible talks with the other side on good neighbourliness, strengthening trade relations, and effective management of security issues”, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said.Pakistan described the negotiations as “working-level talks”.“Our delegation has not returned yet,” Islamabad’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said.China, which also borders both countries, has been trying to mediate a negotiated settlement to the conflict.Beijing deployed a special envoy to try to broker a deal last month, but the diplomatic effort was followed by Pakistani strikes on a Kabul rehab centre that prompted international condemnation.More than 400 people were killed in the attack, according to Afghan officials. Islamabad said the strike targeted military installations and “terrorist support infrastructure”.The two sides then announced a pause in fighting to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye.But sporadic attacks have been reported in border areas since the temporary truce ended.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General, Jassim al-Budaiwi, has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate action to stop Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, which he described as a 'flagrant violation' of international law and the UN Charter.Speaking at the UNSC, al-Budaiwi called on the council to 'take all necessary measures' to bring an end to Iran's attacks on Gulf countries and to protect maritime corridors and guarantee uninterrupted maritime navigation through strategic waterways in the region.The GCC chief also emphasized the need for the six GCC states – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates – to be included in any talks or deals with Iran 'to enhance regional security and prevent further escalation or repetition of such attacks in the future.'Iran has been carrying out daily missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, including in Arab Gulf nations, since the US and Israel launched a war against the country on February 28. These attacks have struck civilian sites, including critical energy facilities, and have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key Gulf waterway through which about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquified natural gas supplies transit.The situation has sent global energy prices skyrocketing, and frustrations are growing across the Gulf as the US-Israeli war on Iran drags on. According to Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi, 85 percent of the projectiles fired by Iran have targeted Gulf countries, with the UAE being the hardest hit.

One year ago, US President Donald Trump introduced a 10% global tariff, sparking a trade war with far-reaching consequences. The immediate impact was severe, with the stock market experiencing its worst drop since the pandemic. In response, countries scrambled to negotiate deals with Washington or retaliate with their own tariffs. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that most of Trump's tariffs are illegal, citing the president's lack of authority to impose broad, open-ended tariffs under a national emergency. However, this ruling did not end the trade war. Within hours, Trump invoked a different statute to launch a temporary tariff, set to expire in July. The effects of the tariffs have already reshaped the US economy. The average effective US tariff rate surged from 2.6% to over 13%, the highest level since World War II. This significant increase has led to higher costs for American consumers. According to the Tax Foundation, US households paid $1,000 more in 2025 for the same goods. Tarrifs work by imposing a tax on foreign goods and services, making them more expensive and encouraging local purchases. Despite Trump's promise that tariffs would reduce the trade deficit and make the US richer, the reality is that the average US consumer is worse off. The Penn Wharton Budget Model reports that the US collected over $287.1 billion in customs duties in 2025 and $64.4 billion in 2026. Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that nearly 90% of the economic burden from tariffs has fallen on US businesses and consumers, with foreign exporters absorbing only a small percentage of the cost. Lower-income households have been disproportionately affected, as they spend a higher proportion of their earnings on essential goods like food, clothing, and transportation. Following the Supreme Court's ruling, the government may be required to refund up to $175 billion to businesses that paid the tariffs. With Trump's tariffs being replaced by a flat 10% tariff, the Tax Foundation projects that the average cost to US households will fall to about $600. While an improvement, it remains a significant cost for consumers.

Recent weeks have been a test of resolve for Chelsea. A humiliating 3‑0 loss to Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League last‑16, coupled with a slide in the Premier League, has left the Blues scrambling for answers. Adding to the chaos, two of the squad’s most influential players have gone public. Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández hinted at a summer move, saying, "I really like Madrid, it’s similar to Buenos Aires," while left‑back Marc Cucurella told The Athletic that the club is paying the price for its inexperience and that the PSG defeat has left the dressing‑room "discouraged". These remarks strike at the heart of Chelsea’s BlueCo‑era project, which has relied on signing young talent to build a sustainable future. Critics point out that, unlike Manchester United’s Class of ’92, Chelsea lacks seasoned veterans to mentor the newcomers. The debate resurfaced when Liam Rosenior was appointed head coach in January, with the club’s hierarchy insisting that a long‑term contract (six‑and‑a‑half years) will give him time to nurture the squad. Leadership dynamics are also under scrutiny. Fernández, who wears the captain’s armband in Reece James’s absence, publicly criticised goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen after a costly error against PSG – a move many view as inconsistent with the culture of a united dressing‑room. Financially, Chelsea has tried to balance ambition with prudence. Fernández’s contract runs until 2032 and is heavily incentive‑based, a strategy designed to keep the wage bill in check. Nonetheless, the club posted a **pre‑tax loss of £262.4 million** for the 2024‑25 season, the largest in English football history, raising questions about the sustainability of its recruitment model. There have been moments of optimism. Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup after beating PSG last summer, but the departure of former coach Enzo Maresca in early January – allegedly after talks with Manchester City figures – destabilised the squad. Players like Fernández and Cucurella recall the impact of that exit on team morale. Despite recent setbacks, the club remains confident in Rosenior’s vision, extending Cucurella’s deal last summer and securing long‑term contracts for key figures such as Reece James, Cole Palmer, and Moisés Caicedo. The Blues still have a realistic chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and host Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter‑finals. Looking ahead, sources suggest a possible shift in recruitment strategy, moving away from an exclusive focus on raw talent toward a blend of proven Premier League players and selective signings. While Fernández’s desire for a better contract could spark a transfer saga – with Madrid reportedly unwilling to meet a £100 million fee – the club must decide whether retaining a player whose ambitions no longer align with its project is worth the risk. In sum, Chelsea faces a pivotal moment: restore on‑field performance, manage a record financial loss, and convince both fans and players that the youth‑centred blueprint can deliver the trophies promised under the “trust the process” mantra.

Shoaib Bashir, a 22-year-old off-spinner, has joined Derbyshire Cricket Club on a two-year deal, marking a fresh start in his cricket career. Bashir, who was overlooked by England for the Ashes despite two years of investment, aims to secure regular game time and work with renowned coach Mickey Arthur.Bashir's goals remain unchanged, with his sights set on winning back his Test spot with England. He believes working with Arthur, who has coached Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia, will be instrumental in his development. Arthur, 57, is known for his enthusiasm for the game and his ability to nurture young talent.“Every time you wear an England shirt it’s the most special thing,” Bashir said. “I was more than happy just observing, watching, learning so much in Australia. I’m only 22 so I’ve still got to take in a lot of information.”Arthur praised Bashir, calling him an “exciting talent” with a bright future ahead. “I think he’s such an exciting talent. For a guy that challenges both edges of the bat, and being only 22, it’s a fantastic package,” Arthur said.Bashir has played 19 Test matches, taking 68 wickets at 39, but has only played 18 games in the County Championship. He is eager to make an impact with Derbyshire and prove himself as a valuable asset to the England team.

In a picturesque woodland setting, a remarkable partnership between a 12-year-old mare named Etty and her handler, Toby Hoad, showcases the effectiveness of horse logging. This traditional yet sustainable method of extracting tree trunks causes minimal disturbance to the environment compared to mechanized approaches. Etty, a stocky chestnut mare, works in tandem with Toby, requiring a deep understanding and trust between them. Toby explains that building a strong relationship with his equine partner is crucial: 'You've really got to build up a relationship; you've got to build up trust. I can drop the reins, and she will pull out the log for me if it's in a tight spot.' The use of horsepower for logging offers several advantages. Equines are more maneuverable, can work in restricted spaces, don't compact the ground, and cope well with wet conditions without damaging the forest floor. These benefits make horse logging an attractive alternative to traditional methods. Toby, one of only a handful of professionals doing this job full-time, uses the French Comtois draught breed for their strength and suitability for the task. The breed's compact size and robust nature make them ideal for navigating woodland terrain. Toby notes that traditional UK heavy horses, such as shires, would be too large for this work. As the seasons change, Toby and Etty are nearing the end of their current project, removing diseased ash trees from a coppice. The work will resume in September, with the team taking a break to participate in agricultural shows and engage in other activities like bracken rolling, a non-chemical method of controlling fern growth.

President Donald Trump has announced a new policy threatening to impose 100% tariffs on US pharmaceutical companies that do not agree to lower their drug prices. This move is part of his effort to address the high cost of prescription medications in the US.The tariffs will specifically target branded drugs and their active ingredients, while generic drugs, which account for over 90% of medicines sold in the US, will be exempt for at least one year. Additionally, certain specialty drugs, such as orphan, veterinary, and other specialty drugs, will be exempt if they are from countries with which the US has a trade deal or meet urgent public health needs.Drugmakers that enter into pricing agreements with the White House and onshore drug production will be exempt from the tariffs. Companies planning to increase their domestic manufacturing will face a 20% tariff that will escalate to 100% over four years.The policy has been met with criticism from industry groups, such as the Midsized Biotech Alliance of America (MBAA), which argues that it creates an "unfair two-tiered system" that benefits large companies with diversified portfolios.Trump has been under pressure to lower drug prices, with US patients often paying nearly triple what patients pay in other developed nations. The announcement comes as the White House faces pressure from consumers to address rising costs amid other tariff-related price increases and high gas prices triggered by geopolitical tensions.

Thames Water is reportedly close to securing a pact with England and Wales’ water regulator, Ofwat, that would prevent the imposition of fresh fines for the next four years, contingent on a substantial commitment to upgrade its infrastructure.The proposal, first tabled in June 2025, originates from the utility’s creditors, who are keen to avoid a scenario where the struggling company is temporarily renationalised. These lenders had already injected £3 bn of emergency financing last year to keep the business afloat.Having amassed a £17.6 bn debt burden since privatisation, Thames Water has been battling potential insolvency for over two years. A previous attempt to sell the firm collapsed when the preferred bidder, KKR, pulled out at the last minute.Under the contemplated agreement, Ofwat would accept “undertakings” from Thames Water, meaning the company would focus on rectifying the underlying service failures rather than paying penalties to the government. However, the deal would not shield the utility from possible sanctions by the Environment Agency or from ongoing legal actions.Pressure is mounting as Thames Water is projected to run out of cash in October, intensifying the urgency of reaching a resolution. Any settlement must undergo a three‑month public consultation, a process likely to attract criticism given that customer water bills are set to rise by more than a third by 2030, before accounting for inflation.Creditors have pledged that all outstanding fines will be settled and that regulators will gain greater transparency and accountability over the company’s efforts to curb pollution, leakage, and other performance targets introduced a year ago.Thames Water itself emphasised a “market‑led solution” that delivers swift improvements for both customers and the environment while progressing its operational and financial turnaround plan. The utility highlighted that it has launched its largest upgrade in 150 years, allocating a record £1.26 bn in capital investment—a 22% year‑on‑year increase in the first half of the 2025‑26 financial year—focused on fixing leaks, reducing pollution, and enhancing water quality.An Ofwat spokesperson noted that the regulator is carefully reviewing the creditors’ plans to ensure they produce a genuine turnaround in performance and bolster the company’s financial resilience for the benefit of both customers and the environment.