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In an urgent 11‑hour appeal posted on X, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked U.S. President Donald Trump to push back the deadline for his proposed Iran deal by two weeks. Sharif also called on Tehran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same period, framing the move as a goodwill gesture that could bolster ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at ending the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran. Sharif wrote that “Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in the near future,” and added that a temporary cease‑fire across the region would give negotiations a chance to succeed. The White House, through press secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that President Trump is aware of Pakistan’s proposal and that an official response will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is “positively reviewing” the request. Trump has intensified his rhetoric, warning on Truth Social that the United States would “destroy the Iranian civilization” if Tehran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz and comply with his terms. Iran has responded by nearly halting maritime traffic through the waterway, which carries about one‑fifth of the world’s oil and LNG shipments, as retaliation for recent U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian soil. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it would not hesitate to strike back if U.S. forces target civilian facilities. In parallel, Israel has launched attacks on Iranian railways and bridges, while Iranian forces have struck targets in Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. A Pakistani source speaking to Al Jazeera noted that “we’re at a dangerous escalation, but the possibility of diplomacy can’t be ruled out till the last minute,” emphasizing Islamabad’s commitment to keeping all diplomatic channels open despite internal opposition. Legal experts have warned that Trump’s threats to target civilian infrastructure could amount to a war crime. Yale University professor and U.S. legal scholar Oona Hathaway warned that any such action would become “exhibit A” in future war‑crimes tribunals, noting that there is no statute of limitations for these offenses. As the deadline looms, the international community watches to see whether Trump will grant the requested extension, whether Iran will reopen the strategic strait, and whether diplomatic momentum can translate into a lasting cease‑fire in the volatile Middle East.

Israel’s armed forces posted a stark warning on X, urging Iranians to refrain from using trains or approaching railway lines until 21:00 Iran time (17:30 GMT). The message, issued on the military’s Persian‑language account, framed the advisory as a safety measure, hinting at imminent strikes on civilian rail infrastructure before U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz lapses. Trump has publicly threatened to bomb Iran’s bridges and power plants if the strategic waterway remains closed, setting a deadline of Tuesday 8 p.m. EST (01:00 GMT Wednesday). In response, Tehran has pledged “devastating” retaliation against any attacks on its civilian targets. Recent Israeli air operations have intensified. New strikes hit Tehran’s residential districts and a nearby synagogue, and a petrochemical facility on Iran’s side of the South Pars gasfield—shared with Qatar—was also targeted. According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, the conflict, which began on 28 February, has claimed at least 2,076 Iranian lives over more than five weeks. Amid the escalating rhetoric, the King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain was suspended as a precaution against potential Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The 25 km (16 mi) bridge is the sole road link for Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. Gulf states report heightened alert levels: alarms sounded in Bahrain and the UAE, and the Saudi Ministry of Defense said it intercepted seven ballistic missiles in its eastern sector. Al Jazeera’s correspondent noted that the Gulf region has borne the brunt of the conflict. On the diplomatic front, the UN Security Council is slated to vote on a watered‑down resolution aimed at unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. The draft, seen by AFP, omits any language authorising force, but Russia and China retain the power to veto. Iran’s blockade has already rattled global energy markets, driving oil and gas prices to record highs and forcing nations to adopt austerity measures. Analysts such as Trita Parsi, vice‑president of the Quincy Institute, argue that President Trump retains the flexibility to extend the deadline without losing credibility, given his historically limited diplomatic leverage. As the deadline looms, the convergence of military warnings, infrastructure closures, and diplomatic maneuvering highlights the fragile balance between coercive pressure and the risk of broader regional escalation.

Ben Roberts‑Smith, a former Australian special‑forces operative, was taken into custody at Sydney Airport on Tuesday after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced he faces five separate war‑crime counts linked to the killing of five individuals in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2012. The charges, each punishable by life imprisonment, allege that the victims were unarmed civilians who were not engaged in hostilities at the time of their deaths. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters that the prosecution will argue the victims were shot either directly by Roberts‑Smith or by subordinates acting on his orders while he was present. Barrett emphasized that the accusations stem from a "complex" investigation conducted jointly by the AFP and the Office of the Special Investigator, a probe that began in 2021. The New South Wales Local Court has scheduled a bail hearing for Roberts‑Smith on Wednesday, where he will appear before a magistrate. This arrest follows a high‑profile legal defeat for Roberts‑Smith: an Australian judge in 2023 ruled that journalists who reported he was "complicit in and responsible for the murder" of unarmed Afghan men had not defamed him, a decision upheld by the Full Court of the Federal Court in May of the previous year. Rawan Arraf, executive director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, described the development as a "significant and long‑awaited step for victims and affected communities" in Afghanistan. She added that prosecuting alleged war crimes by Australian special‑forces personnel is essential for delivering justice and for Australia to meet its international law obligations. Since the 2001 NATO‑led intervention, roughly 39,000 Australian soldiers have served in Afghanistan, supporting operations against the Taliban and other armed groups. Roberts‑Smith, who previously received the Victoria Cross for his fifth tour, was regarded as the most‑decorated living Australian war veteran before the charges. The case also revives attention on former army lawyer David McBride, who remains incarcerated for disclosing information about alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan. In response to Roberts‑Smith’s arrest, Senator David Shoebridge posted a brief message on X urging the release of McBride.

Bayern Munich survived a fierce Real Madrid comeback to win 2‑1 in the Champions League first‑leg at the Bernabéu, marking their first victory in Madrid in 24 years. The decisive moments came from Luis Díaz and Harry Kane, who scored before halftime.The opening goal arrived when Díaz finished a swift Bayern attack, followed shortly by Kane’s volley that doubled the lead. Real Madrid rallied when Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit with a strike sixteen minutes from time, sparking a frantic final period.Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, at 40, made nine crucial saves, including a low dive to deny Mbappé and a fingertip stop on Vinícius Júnior. Despite a flurry of chances – the match featured 39 shots – Bayern’s defence held firm.Real Madrid’s efforts were hampered by the suspension of Aurélien Tchouaméni and the inability to convert several clear opportunities, such as a chance for Vinícius that hit the side‑netting after Neuer’s intervention.Post‑match, Bayern captain Vincent Kompany praised his side’s fearlessness, while former Real defender Álvaro Arbeloa warned that Madrid would return to Munich with renewed determination.The result sets up a high‑stakes second leg at the Allianz Arena, where Bayern will look to capitalize on their historic win, and Real Madrid will aim to overturn the deficit.

The recent Artemis II mission, which sent astronauts to the far side of the moon, has sparked reflection on the dual implications of space travel. US astronaut Christina Koch encapsulated the profound appreciation for Earth that comes from experiencing it from space, echoing sentiments expressed by earlier space travellers.The Earthrise photograph from the Apollo 8 mission in 1968 is often credited with galvanizing the environmental movement. Similarly, journeys like Artemis II are hoped to foster global cooperation and a deeper appreciation for life. However, the current landscape of space exploration is complicated by the involvement of tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk and the emerging post-terrestrial geopolitical battle between the US and China.There is a growing concern that the £100bn Artemis programme could divert attention and resources away from solving pressing environmental issues on Earth. This concern is particularly pertinent given that the US withdrew from the Paris climate agreement in the same year as the mission. The pursuit of space exploration must be balanced with the imperative to address ecological limits and protect the planet we currently inhabit.Despite these challenges, the unquenchable human curiosity and scientific value of space travel should not be dismissed. The Artemis II launch was made possible by a rare display of bipartisan support for NASA in Congress. The achievements of the scientists, astronauts, and support teams are a testament to the positive aspects of space exploration.The mission to the moon's dark side, while not a solution to the world's problems, represents a significant scientific and exploratory milestone. The crew has seen more of the moon and travelled further from Earth than anyone before them. As the world watches their return and landing in the Pacific Ocean, it's clear that space exploration continues to captivate and inspire, even as it poses complex questions about our priorities and responsibilities.

President Donald Trump issued an unprecedented ultimatum on Tuesday, stating that if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET, he will "completely annihilate the entirety of Iranian civilization." The threat, posted on his Truth Social platform, was accompanied by language suggesting a total regime change and a benediction to the Iranian people. Democratic officials reacted with alarm. Senator Patty Murray called the post "the rantings of a bloodthirsty lunatic," while Senator Chris Coons labeled it "a threat to commit a war crime." Representative Joaquin Castro warned that the rhetoric implied either a nuclear option or an attempt to convince Tehran of such a possibility, and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman urged invoking the 25th Amendment to remove the president from office. Legal scholars highlighted that the United States and Iran are parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention, which bans collective punishment of civilian populations, and to Additional Protocol I, which prohibits attacks on essential civilian infrastructure. Although the U.S. has not ratified the protocol, a 2024 Biden‑era statement affirmed that its core principles are binding as customary international law. During a chaotic White House press conference, Trump reiterated that "the entire country could be taken out in one night" if Iran failed to meet the deadline, and dismissed concerns about civilian casualties by claiming Iranian civilians themselves were urging continued bombing. When pressed about violations of the Geneva Conventions, he did not dispute the legal point but responded, "I hope I don’t have to do it." The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded that the strait "will never return to its previous state" for the United States and its allies, underscoring the escalating rhetoric on both sides. Amid the diplomatic flare‑up, the administration also submitted a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request, featuring sweeping cuts to domestic programs, further intensifying scrutiny of the president’s foreign‑policy priorities. Critics note contradictions in Trump’s stance: weeks earlier he claimed the U.S. had no strategic need for Hormuz, yet now the strait’s reopening is the centerpiece of his ultimatum. He simultaneously declared the war "won" while threatening its most destructive phase. With Democrats urging constitutional remedies and international law experts warning of potential war‑crime violations, the situation places U.S. foreign policy and domestic governance under unprecedented pressure.

Arsenal travel to Lisbon after recent setbacks in domestic cup finals, yet they remain unbeaten in the Champions League group stage and the last‑16, where they defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3‑1 on aggregate. The Gunners entered the tie with eleven players back from international duty, but a knee injury to Gabriel Magalhães adds to a list that already includes Eze, Hincapié, Saka, Timber and Merino. The potential return of Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and Martin Ødegaard could restore creative spark. Sporting CP, still reeling from a 5‑1 loss to Arsenal last season, rely on Colombian striker Luis Suárez, who has netted 34 goals across all competitions, including five in Europe. Their home record at Estádio José Alvalade is formidable – five wins in five Champions League matches. Prediction: Arsenal to progress after a draw in the first leg. Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in a clash that pits a historically dominant Spanish side against a German outfit that has lost only twice in 43 matches this season and boasts a 13‑game unbeaten streak. Bayern, fresh from a 10‑2 demolition of Atalanta, have secured the Bundesliga and are eyeing a DFB‑Pokal semi‑final, but they have failed to beat Real in their last nine meetings. Madrid, despite a recent 2‑1 league loss to Mallorca, carry confidence from a 5‑1 aggregate victory over Manchester City. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined, leaving Andriy Lunin between the posts, while Kylian Mbappé leads the competition with 13 goals. Prediction: Bayern to progress after a draw in the first leg. Barcelona take on Atlético Madrid after a dramatic 2‑1 league defeat in which Robert Lewandowski scored late. Atlético, known for high‑scoring Champions League displays (55 goals in 12 games), will miss several starters, including Hancko and Ruggeri, while Jan Oblak is expected to keep goal. Barcelona enter the tie on a nine‑match unbeaten run, sit seven points clear at the top of La Liga, and have recently thrashed Newcastle 7‑2 in Europe. Injuries to Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong linger, but Ronald Araújo is likely to start. Prediction: Barcelona to win the first leg and the tie. Paris Saint‑Germain face Liverpool at a difficult moment for the English side, fresh from a 4‑0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City. Liverpool can count on the fitness of Mohamed Salah, Jeremie Frimpong and Federico Chiesa, and the possible return of £125 million signing Alexander Isak. PSG, meanwhile, continue their strong record against English clubs, having eliminated Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal last season and recently dispatching Chelsea 8‑2 on aggregate. Key players such as Vitinha, João Neves and Nuno Mendes are expected to start after recent bench appearances. Prediction: PSG to win the first leg and the tie.

The UK government announced a modest concession for millions of graduates with Plan 2 student loans: a cap on the interest rate at 6% starting 1 September 2026.The decision is presented as a safeguard against a possible surge in inflation linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rather than a full policy reversal.The 6% ceiling will apply both to undergraduate Plan 2 loans and to postgraduate Plan 3 loans taken out by borrowers in England and Wales.For many borrowers the cap trims the current 6.2% rate by 0.2 percentage points, meaning their debt will grow marginally slower; the repayment threshold of 9% of earnings above the annual limit remains unchanged.Interest rates are normally set each academic year using the Retail Price Index (RPI), which currently sits at 3.2% and is expected to rise – the March 2026 RPI is due on 22 April and analysts anticipate a figure above the February rate of 3.6%.Ministers say the cap “removes the risk of any temporary increase in inflation causing loan balances to compound at an unsustainable rate,” protecting borrowers from rates above 6%.Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to review the student‑loan system, and speculation persists that more extensive reforms could be announced later in the year.The National Union of Students hailed the cap as “a huge win” but warned that without adjustments to the repayment threshold the relief will be limited.Financial planner Ian Futcher of Quilter added that the cap offers “reassurance but not relief,” emphasizing the need for broader changes to ease graduate finances.

Aaron Ramsey has confirmed his retirement from professional football at the age of 35, ending a career that saw him feature for Arsenal, Juventus, Nice, Cardiff City and Rangers before becoming a free agent after leaving Mexican side Pumas last year.Ramsey earned 86 caps for Wales, with his final appearance coming in 2024. A string of injuries and reduced minutes saw him omitted from Wales' World Cup qualifying playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a defeat that effectively closed the door on any chance of a major tournament finale.In an emotional Instagram post, the midfielder wrote, "This has not been an easy decision to make. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. I owe a debt of gratitude to the managers and staff who helped me along the way." He also thanked the "Red Wall" – Wales' passionate supporters – for their unwavering backing.Ramsey further expressed appreciation for the clubs that shaped his journey, stating, "Thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for, and to the managers and staff who made it possible for me to live my dream at the highest level."His trophy cabinet includes three FA Cup medals with Arsenal, a Serie A title (2020) and Coppa Italia (2021) with Juventus, and a Scottish Cup with Rangers in 2022, underscoring a decorated career across England, Italy and Scotland.