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The recent announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US has been hailed by Donald Trump as a victorious dawn of a new era, but it is Iran that enters peace talks with the stronger hand. The Tehran regime has demonstrated its power to close the Hormuz strait and holds a stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU), the original crux of the conflict with the US, Israel, and allies.Trump won instant gratification with the ceasefire, which allowed him to remain the central player in the drama and claim a few hours later to have dramatically reversed course and be “far along” along the road to an enduring Middle East peace. However, the actual ceasefire terms remain hazy with varying interpretations in circulation.Iran's 10-point plan, not Trump's 15-pointer, was referred to when welcoming the ceasefire, calling it “a workable basis on which to negotiate”. The Tehran government included the right to enrich in the Farsi version of the ceasefire terms, but not in the English translation, suggesting it was put there for domestic consumption as the regime boasted victory.There seems little doubt that Iran will make the right to enrich uranium a red line at talks over a long-term settlement, as it has in all its negotiations with the west, and its possession of 440kg of HEU (enough in theory to make a dozen nuclear warheads) will be a powerful bargaining chip.

Iran has put forth a 10-point peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. The plan, conveyed through Pakistan, includes key elements such as an end to hostilities in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran.US President Donald Trump described the Iranian proposal as a 'significant step' but emphasized that it was 'not good enough'. He warned that if Iran does not agree to a deal, it will face severe consequences, including the destruction of its bridges and power plants. 'If they don't make a deal, they will have no bridges and no power plants,' Trump stated.The conflict, now in its second month, has led to a significant escalation of violence, with 1.2 million Lebanese people displaced due to Israeli attacks. Iran's top university and a major petrochemical plant were hit on Monday, following Trump's threat to target power plants and bridges unless Tehran agrees to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage through which 20 percent of the world's oil and gas supplies pass.Human rights organizations and members of the US Congress have criticized Trump for threatening to attack civilian targets, which is considered a war crime. The situation remains dire as the deadline set by Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz approaches, with Tehran rejecting the ultimatum and threatening to retaliate.

The White House has firmly denied that it has any plans to use nuclear weapons against Iran, amid escalating tensions and a looming deadline imposed by President Donald Trump. Trump has warned that if Iran does not capitulate to his demands, a 'whole civilisation will die tonight'.The denial from Washington came as Trump employed apocalyptic language, insisting that Iran must make a deal or face a massive onslaught. The original ultimatum was made by Trump on Saturday, demanding that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global energy exports pass, or face an assault on key infrastructure.The deadline falls at 8pm Eastern time (00:00 GMT), and legal experts warn that targeting civilian infrastructure could amount to a war crime. Texas Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro called on Trump to immediately clarify that he is not considering using nuclear weapons.Vice President JD Vance later stated that US forces could employ tools they 'so far haven't decided to use', sparking concerns. The Iranian response has been defiant, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) vowing to respond in kind if the US attacks civilian facilities.Iran has proposed a 10-point peace plan to end the war, which Trump called a 'significant step' but 'not good enough'. The situation remains volatile, with Israel-US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks across the region and Israel intensifying.

As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches, Iranians are bracing for a potential catastrophe. With over 90 million people facing uncertainty, daily life in Iran could drastically change by Wednesday.Trump has issued ominous warnings, stating that if Iran does not comply, its electricity, bridges, and other critical infrastructure will be targeted, despite this violating international law. Such actions could lead to the destruction of a whole civilisation, as Trump previously mentioned.In the hours leading up to the 8pm US Eastern Time (23:00 GMT) deadline, residents of Tehran express their fears. A Tehran resident noted, “We all know he’s crazy enough to do it. He doesn’t care as long as he believes it serves his interest.” This sentiment reflects the anxiety gripping the nation as the threat of an attack looms.Preparations for potential blackouts and shortages are underway. Iranians are charging phones and power banks, using household appliances, and stocking up on essentials like bread, flour, and bottled water. The price of bottled water has surged due to chronic inflation and the ongoing conflict.The impact on vulnerable populations, including the sick and disabled, could be severe. Long-lasting power cuts would hinder access to essential medicines and medical equipment, exacerbating the crisis.Market prices for electrical devices and generators have skyrocketed, with many struggling to afford these necessities. A resident from the northern province of Gilan shared that he purchased a generator to power essential items, spending nearly all his earnings.Despite the threats, there is some optimism about Iran’s decentralised power distribution system potentially mitigating damage. The Ministry of Energy assured the public that they are prepared for worst-case scenarios and urged calm.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced readiness to expand its target list and attack critical infrastructure in neighbouring countries if the threatened attacks proceed. Iranian politicians, including former President Hassan Rouhani, have condemned Trump’s statements, highlighting Iran’s resilience and cultural heritage.As the situation unfolds, protests and demonstrations are taking place across the country. State-backed motorcades are roaming the streets of Tehran, playing revolutionary songs, while armed checkpoints maintain control over highways and public spaces.

The UK Home Office has refused rapper Kanye West’s request to travel to Britain, stating that his presence would not be "conducive to the public good" after a wave of criticism over his anti‑Semitic comments and open admiration for Adolf Hitler.West, now performing under the name Ye, submitted a visa application on Monday for a headline slot at London’s Wireless Festival in July. The Home Office issued a denial on Tuesday, effectively barring him from entry.In response, the festival’s organisers announced the cancellation of the entire event and pledged to refund all ticket holders, underscoring the pressure from sponsors and politicians to distance the show from the controversial artist.Amid the controversy, West publicly offered to meet members of the British Jewish community, saying he wanted to demonstrate “unity, peace and love through music” and that “words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions.”The backlash intensified after West released a track titled “Heil Hitler” and marketed a swastika‑bearing T‑shirt on his website, actions that have drawn widespread condemnation for glorifying Nazism.West has performed in the United States and Mexico City this year, but was barred from Australia in July 2023 for similar reasons. He later placed a full‑page apology in the Wall Street Journal, attributing his behavior to an untreated bipolar disorder.British government minister Wes Streeting dismissed the bipolar‑disorder explanation as “appalling,” while Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the decision to book West “deeply concerning” given his prior anti‑Semitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the Home Office’s move, stating that it “backed up its words with action” and affirmed that antisemitism has no place in the UK.West’s European tour continues to face resistance; the mayor of Marseille, France, publicly declared the rapper “not welcome” for a scheduled June concert.

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The threat of bombing Iran back to the 'stone ages' by US President Donald Trump has raised concerns about the morality, legality, and utility of such a campaign. In 2006, Israel bombed Lebanon's Jiyeh power station, causing a massive oil spill and significant damage. However, this did not prevent Hezbollah from rearming and continuing to fight. Similarly, Russia's sustained bombardment of Ukraine has not forced the country to concede. History has shown that bombing campaigns, including the British 'area bombing' of Germany in World War II and the US Rolling Thunder campaign against North Vietnam, have not always achieved their desired outcomes. Experts argue that bombing Iran's infrastructure would not change the regime's strategic calculus and would likely give the Iranian government a powerful propaganda tool. The US lacks a credible military option to force Iran into submission, and pressure alone may not be enough to break Tehran. The effectiveness of bombing campaigns in achieving war objectives is highly contested. The article cites the example of the British bomber command's promise to bring about the collapse of Germany within four months, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. Trump's threat to bomb Iran's infrastructure has been met with skepticism by experts, who argue that it is unlikely to achieve its desired outcome and may instead escalate the situation.

Glass Lewis, a leading proxy adviser, has advised investors to vote against BP's chair Albert Manifold because the board chose to exclude a climate‑strategy resolution from the upcoming annual general meeting.The resolution, put forward by activist shareholder group Follow This, sought a discussion of BP's long‑term strategy under scenarios of declining oil and gas demand.BP, currently pivoting back to oil and gas after a faltering renewable push, appointed Manifold in October with a promise to help the company “reach its full potential”.In a parallel leadership change, the firm named Meg O’Neill, a former ExxonMobil executive, as chief executive – making her the first woman to lead BP and its fourth CEO since 2023.Glass Lewis argued that the board’s decision to drop the climate proposal raises serious questions about transparency, shareholder communication and responsiveness, according to a note first reported by Reuters.Manifold responded on BP’s website, stating that the board concluded the Follow This proposal was invalid and would be ineffective if passed.Another proxy adviser, ISS, also recommended voting against BP’s request to retire two older climate‑impact reporting resolutions, contending that the proposals remain relevant despite newer reporting frameworks.Follow This disclosed that 12 institutional investors plan to oppose BP’s move to scrap its climate disclosures, and its CEO Mark van Baal warned that more than 25% of shareholders could vote against the resolution, enough to block it.O’Neill, addressing staff, highlighted the “significant complexity” of today’s environment – geopolitical tension, rapid technological change, and shifting global energy demand – and reaffirmed BP’s mission to deliver energy safely, reliably and efficiently.

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.