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Tehran – Iranian officials warned that the United States must increase pressure for any peace agreement while urging their supporters to keep the streets under control.Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the US delegation in Islamabad “failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation” during the marathon talks.US President Donald Trump announced an immediate naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and declared that US forces are “locked and loaded” to finish Iran at the “appropriate moment.”Iran hailed the delegation’s refusal to accept Washington’s core demands – ending nuclear enrichment and relinquishing control of the Strait – as a sign of defiant resolve.Judiciary chief Gholam‑Hossein Mohseni‑Ejei thanked the Islamabad team for “guarding the rights” of government supporters, including paramilitary forces that have been gathering in Tehran’s main squares for more than six weeks.State television aired an IRGC aerospace officer urging flag‑waving crowds not to worry, stating, “If the enemy does not understand, we will make them understand,” which was met with cheers demanding more missile and drone attacks.Iranian officials blamed Trump’s “excessive demands” for the talks’ failure, noting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not expect an agreement after a single day of negotiations.Hard‑line parliamentarians expressed satisfaction with the stalemate, viewing Iran as holding the upper hand. Deputy speaker Hamidreza Haji‑Babaei said only a UN Security Council resolution signalling US surrender would lift sanctions on Iran.Lawmaker Amir Hossein Sabeti of the Paydari faction thanked the negotiating team for standing by red lines and called for “resistance in the field against these evildoers.”The sudden announcement of a two‑week cease‑fire left pro‑state voices disappointed; local media reported the Iranian delegation numbered over 85 members, including state‑affiliated journalists and factional analysts.The talks confirmed that a diplomatic breakthrough was not imminent and hinted at further escalation, though not necessarily a return to full‑scale fighting.National security commission head Ebrahim Azizi dismissed Trump’s blockade threats as “excessive talk.”The IRGC warned it would meet any vessel passing the Strait of Hormuz with “full force” and rejected US claims that two warships had already transited the waterway.Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian he remains ready to facilitate a Middle‑East peace settlement.Pezeshkian, focused on domestic affairs, reaffirmed support for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and announced that schools and universities will continue online via a limited intranet.Iran’s economy continues to suffer from chronic inflation, rising unemployment and a near‑total internet shutdown, deepening public hardship.

London's Metropolitan Police arrested 523 people aged 18 to 87 during a pro-Palestinian protest in Trafalgar Square, where demonstrators showed support for Palestine Action. The arrests were made for holding placards in support of the group, which was designated a 'terrorist' organisation in July, although a High Court ruling later overturned this ban due to free speech concerns. The protest, organised by Defend Our Juries, drew hundreds of participants who oppose what they describe as the UK government's complicity in Israel's actions in Gaza and the crackdown on peaceful protests. The group criticised police for making arrests despite the government's ban being ruled unlawful. Amnesty International UK condemned the arrests as 'yet another blow to civil liberties', highlighting that police resorted to mass arrests of people holding placards, including an elderly woman with walking sticks. The ban on Palestine Action, which aims to end global participation in Israel's regime, has generated significant backlash, with nearly 3,000 arrests occurring since its imposition. Protesters, including Freya, 28, and Denis MacDermot, 73, expressed their determination to continue opposing what they described as genocide. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests as part of their effort to enforce the law, despite the legal complexities surrounding the ban on Palestine Action.

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.

Manchester City delivered a commanding 3‑0 win at Stamford Bridge on April 12, 2026, a result that brings them within a single game’s reach of the league leaders, Arsenal. The victory, part of City’s impressive April record of 19 wins and 4 draws from 23 matches, underscores Pep Guardiola’s reputation as a spring‑time title avenger. The opening goal arrived in the 10th minute when Nico O’Reilly headed a close‑range effort past the Chelsea keeper, a moment described as a “free header” that ignited the Etihad‑like atmosphere among the travelling fans. Within the next 17 minutes, Marc Guéhi and Jérémy Doku added their names to the scoresheet, exposing a Chelsea defence that resembled a “shop‑worn bead curtain”. Guardiola’s side now sits six points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. A win at the Etihad next Sunday would reduce the deficit to three points, and a subsequent victory at Burnley could see the two clubs level on points, with City holding the superior goal difference. Arsenal, meanwhile, are grappling with a dramatic slump. After a nine‑point lead that seemed unassailable, the Gunners suffered a home defeat to Bournemouth, leaving them vulnerable to a potential “quadruple collapse” over the next sixteen days. City’s recent form has been nothing short of dominant: in their last three fixtures they have beaten the league leaders, the title‑holders, and the Club World Champions, scoring nine goals while keeping a clean sheet. The squad’s depth is evident, with five different scorers contributing to the tally. In contrast, Chelsea’s performance highlighted the widening gulf at the top of the table. Manager Liam Rosenior, still finding his footing after a mid‑season appointment, has yet to secure a win against the league’s elite, having lost to Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta. Guardiola, ever the seasoned tactician, appeared composed even when Chelsea showed brief bursts of energy. His sideline attire—a practical anorak and brown shoes—mirrored his methodical approach, while midfield dynamo Bernardo Silva moved with the poise of a “captive prince” amid the chaos. As the season edges toward its climax, City’s blend of experience, tactical flexibility, and spring‑time confidence positions them as genuine title contenders. The next few weeks will determine whether Guardiola’s “alpha‑dog” energy can finally translate into the Premier League crown, or if Arsenal can rally to retain their lead.

This week Anthropic revealed that its latest AI system, dubbed Mythos, is so powerful that the company will not make it publicly available, arguing that the potential risks outweigh commercial incentives.U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened senior banking executives to discuss the implications of the model, underscoring growing governmental concern over advanced AI capabilities.In the United Kingdom, Reform MP Danny Kruger wrote to the government urging an immediate dialogue with Anthropic, warning that Claude Mythos could pose "catastrophic cybersecurity risks" to the nation.Critics such as AI researcher Gary Marcus questioned the hype, suggesting that Anthropic’s co‑founder Dario Amodei may possess strong technical skills but is "graduated from the same school of hype and exaggeration" as OpenAI’s Sam Altman.Beyond the policy debate, Anthropic has mounted a striking media offensive. The startup secured a 10,000‑word profile in the New Yorker, two feature pieces in the Wall Street Journal, and a Time magazine cover that placed founder Amodei alongside the Pentagon and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.Co‑founder Jack Clark and Amodei appeared on separate New York Times podcasts, fielding questions about machine consciousness and the model’s potential to "rip through the economy." Their "resident philosopher" even discussed with the WSJ whether Claude, Anthropic’s commercial product used for cryptocurrency trading and missile‑target designation, possesses a "sense of self."Anthropic’s public‑relations lead, Danielle Ghiglieri, celebrated the coverage on LinkedIn, describing the Time cover as a "mad dash" that finally let the company tell its own story.However, the company’s PR triumphs have not been without missteps. In early April, Anthropic inadvertently released part of Claude’s internal source code, though it assured that no customer data or credentials were exposed.Experts remain skeptical about the unverified claims surrounding Mythos. Dr. Heidy Khlaaf of the AI Now Institute warned that the vague marketing language could be an attempt to attract investment without substantive scrutiny.Cybersecurity specialist Jameison O’Reilly acknowledged the model’s novelty but downplayed Anthropic’s assertion of discovering "thousands of zero‑day vulnerabilities," noting that in a decade of offensive operations, zero‑days were rarely needed to achieve objectives.Anthropic also faces operational constraints. The firm has imposed usage caps on its popular Claude model and now requires customers to purchase additional compute capacity for third‑party tools, suggesting that infrastructure limitations may be a practical reason for withholding Mythos.As the race to dominate the emerging AI market intensifies, Anthropic’s strategy appears to blend genuine safety concerns with a calculated publicity push, positioning Mythos as a strategic signal that the company remains "open for business" while keeping the technology under tight control.

In the early hours of Thursday, a wave of Israeli air strikes across Gaza resulted in the deaths of several civilians. Families across the enclave gathered to mourn their loved ones, holding impromptu vigils and sharing grief in a climate of heightened tension. While official casualty figures have not yet been released, the emotional impact on the community is evident, with many expressing sorrow and fear for the future.Local residents described the attacks as sudden and devastating, noting that the strikes targeted densely populated neighborhoods. Humanitarian groups have called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and to allow aid agencies to reach affected families. The incident adds to a growing list of confrontations that have strained relations between Israel and Palestinian territories, drawing international attention to the urgent need for diplomatic intervention.

A solemn gathering was organized in Madrid to remember the victims of the latest Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon. Participants, including members of the Lebanese diaspora and local supporters, assembled in the city’s central square, lighting candles and holding signs that expressed grief and solidarity. Key messages emphasized the human cost of the conflict and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. While specific organizers were not named, the event underscored a broader European concern over the escalating violence in the region. The vigil also served as a platform for attendees to voice demands for diplomatic efforts aimed at protecting civilians and restoring stability in the Middle East.

In a significant display of public dissent, hundreds of people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square on Saturday to protest against the UK government's ban on the Palestine Action campaign group. The demonstration, organized by Defend Our Juries (DOJ), drew a large crowd holding signs that read, 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'Police responded to the peaceful vigil by beginning arrests, with several individuals carried away from the scene. Notably, an elderly woman using walking sticks was escorted away by police, highlighting the strict measures taken by authorities.The protest was sparked by the UK government's decision to prospect Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in July 2025, making it illegal to be a member of or express support for the group. This move has been met with criticism, particularly after the High Court ruled in February that the government's proscription was unlawful and disproportionate, citing breaches of freedom of expression.Despite the court's ruling, the Metropolitan Police initially indicated they would not arrest individuals showing support for Palestine Action but reversed their policy on March 25. This U-turn has been criticized for undermining the court's decision and restricting free speech.Protesters, including Qesser Zuhrah, a former hunger striker from the Palestine Action network, expressed their dissatisfaction with the police's actions. Zuhrah stated that the Met's decision to resume arrests shows that the police 'don't serve us' and only work to reinforce government interests.The UK government's appeal against the High Court ruling is set to be heard by the Court of Appeal on April 28 and 29. Organizers estimated that 1,500 people participated in the vigil, demonstrating significant public support for Palestine Action and concerns over the government's stance on free speech.

The online prediction market platform Polymarket has seen a surge in users betting on global events, including war and politics. With over $500,000 staked on whether Russia will capture Kostyantynivka, Ukraine, and millions more bet on the US-Iran conflict, the platform's influence is growing.Users, often anonymous and operating in groups on messaging apps like Discord, debate and strategize on how to profit from these events. Some critics argue that this gamification of war is immoral and can lead to manipulation of broader markets.Polymarket views itself as a source of truth, providing data on the future by allowing the public to bet on it. The platform has gained attention from major investors, including the Intercontinental Exchange, which has invested up to $2bn.However, concerns arise about the platform's decision-making process, which relies on an anonymous group of people holding a cryptocurrency token called UMA. This has led to disputes over the outcome of events and accusations of corruption.Experts warn that Polymarket's influence could extend beyond the platform, potentially manipulating larger markets and affecting institutions and pension funds.