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The Latest Escalation in US-Iran Conflict The United States military says it has struck Iranian military sites, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has targeted a US base in response, the latest in a series of exchanges as negotiations to end the three-month US-Israel war on Iran are conducted. US Actions and Iranian Response US strikes Iranian sites: The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said it conducted “self-defense strikes” on Iranian radar and drone sites in the city of Goruk and on Qeshm Island at the weekend. Iran targets US base: The IRGC said it struck an airbase that was used for an attack on a telecommunications tower on Sirik Island, located in the southern province of Hormozgan, Iran’s Fars news agency reported. Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Impact Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is continuing to exchange messages with the US on a deal to end the war. Trump’s stance: US President Donald Trump described Iran as eager to reach an agreement, posting on his Truth Social platform that “Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the USA and those that are with us.” Kuwait intercepts missiles and drones: The General Staff of the Kuwaiti army said its air defences were “confronting hostile missile and drone attacks”. Israel pushes farther into Lebanon: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Israel’s military to push farther into Lebanon after Israeli forces made their deepest incursion into the country in more than 25 years. Hezbollah’s Actions and US Proposal Hezbollah downs Israeli drone: The Lebanese armed group said it shot down an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over the western sector of southern Lebanon using a surface-to-air missile on Sunday evening. Hezbollah strikes Israeli forces: Hezbollah also said its fighters fired a large number of rockets and artillery shells at Israeli forces on the eastern outskirts of the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif in southern Lebanon early on Monday. US proposes new plan: The US has put forward a proposal to de-escalate hostilities in Lebanon, a US official told Al Jazeera, adding that Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Netanyahu.

The Billionaire's Challenge to Women's FootballIt has been a bad week for Michele Kang, the billionaire women's football investor. On Wednesday the Uefa director of women's football, Nadine Kessler, was firm on the enforcement of rules prohibiting clubs with the same owner from playing each other in European competitions, dealing a blow to Kang, who has ambitions of taking London City Lionesses into Europe's premier competition, but also owns the tournament's most decorated side, OL Lyonnes.Then, across the weekend, Kang teams suffered two continental final defeats, with Lyonnes losing 4-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League final before her US outfit, Washington Spirit, fell short in the Concacaf W Champions Cup with a 5-3 reverse to the Mexican side Club América.Barcelona's Talent Pipeline vs. Financial MuscleSpeaking to the Catalan TV channel Esport3 in Oslo on Saturday evening, the Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll made some pointed remarks about money in football after their emphatic victory, and her words went viral. "There has been criticism but we have shown the team we are," she said. "Money isn't everything. We are privileged to have La Masia and all the girls that have come up to the first team: Aïcha Cámara, Carla [Julià Martínez], [Martine] Fenger, [Clara] Serrajordi, all of them. They are incredible. It says everything and that's why I say it."Many have assumed it was a jab at Kang and the use of her wealth to pursue glory in women's football, with Barcelona's talent pipeline apparently delivering an antidote to such an approach. There have been frustrations that Kang's teams have been sniffing at Barcelona's door in recent years, poaching the head coach Jonatan Giráldez, who led Barça to their second and third European titles, first planting him in post at Washington Spirit before switching him this season to Lyonnes, another of her Kynisca Sports International multi-club ownership group.The Financial Distortion in Women's FootballGiráldez isn't the only Barcelona employee to have been recruited by the big-spending Kang. The midfielder Ingrid Engen joined Lyonnes last summer and the defender Jana Fernández was acquired by London City from the Catalan club. Meanwhile, talk of potential rogue bids for Aitana Bonmatí have circulated in past seasons, while London City are believed to have made Alexia Putellas, soon to be out-of-contract, a large offer to play in the WSL.Clubs are seemingly irritated with Kang's spending because to entice superstars to fledgling projects she is offering fees and wages that are distorting the market, driving it beyond what many view as sustainable growth. Except, given the opportunity, every club would probably do it. Yes, huge men's clubs could do the same, given the large sums at their disposal, but often choose not to in the name of sustainability and gradual growth.Barcelona's Own Financial ChallengesHowever, while the constantly emerging talent from La Masia is both laudable and enviable, Barcelona are not a model women's football club, or a salve to the model being championed by Kang.Kang is one of many to have exploited the strict financial rules of La Liga, with the money trouble experienced by the men's side recently affecting every section of the club, from the women's team to the youth academy and basketball, handball and futsal teams. To lower the wage bill, players have been allowed to leave that may have been kept under different circumstances.The team that have powered Barça to four European titles contains several key players at the end of their contracts. Alongside Putellas, the quartet of Mapi León, Marta Torrejón, Salma Paralluelo and Caroline Graham Hansen are nearing the end of their deals. At some stage Barça will need to undergo their next evolution, but to what extent that is done on their terms, or forced by financial pressure, remains to be seen.The Future of Investment Models in Women's FootballSaturday's Champions League final was my eighth in nine years – the Covid-19 pandemic prevented me from attending the 2020 final between Lyon (now Lyonnes) and Wolfsburg in San Sebastián. The game has come a long way since my first, in Kyiv in 2018, when the host city was the same as the one for the men's Champions League final and the women's final cowered in its shadow.In Oslo the huge numbers pouring into Uefa's fan park, that featured a line of mini-pitches where girls' teams played all day, reflected the impact the final can now have on a city. Women's football has also changed a lot, but in some ways it is very similar. In 2018 Lyon lifted their fifth of what has become eight European titles, the efforts of the former club owner, men's and women's, Jean-Michel Aulas, repeatedly delivering for the French team. Aulas committed more resources to the women's team than most other European clubs and Kang is now doing the same sort of thing, but more aggressively, in a world where many of the top women's clubs are increasing investment.The problem is, there is no alternative model put forward by any of the biggest clubs. Each one walks the same path, in slightly different ways, perhaps getting annoyed at how others have gone the same route. Most men's Premier League clubs do not want an alternative funding model – because it might show fans there is another way of doing things. As it stands, those owners can take money out of clubs to boost their personal wealth.So, yes, Coll is right, but behaving like Barcelona are the morally superior club is misleading.

Morning Brief: PSG’s Triumph, Arsenal’s Heartbreak, and Upcoming FixturesParis Saint-Germain lifted the Champions League trophy after a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Arsenal on Sunday night. The French side threw a celebratory party, while the Gunners regrouped for a Premier League title celebration in north London later today. Meanwhile, Liverpool disclosed a transfer target, and the Women’s FA Cup final is scheduled for 15:00 BST. The Champions League Aftermath: PSG’s Party and Arsenal’s ReflectionMatch result: PSG 4‑3 (penalties) Arsenal after a 0‑0 draw.Key moment: Arsenal’s missed penalties sealed the loss.Immediate reaction: PSG hosted a victory gathering; Arsenal fans expected a title parade at 14:00 BST. Liverpool’s Transfer Focus: The Pursuit of IraolaLiverpool confirmed they are monitoring midfielder Iraola as a potential signing ahead of the summer window, aiming to bolster their midfield depth after a mixed season. Women’s FA Cup Final Preview: Manchester City vs BrightonKick‑off: 15:00 BST.Venue: Wembley Stadium.Recent form: Manchester City unbeaten in their last five matches; Brighton secured a surprise semi‑final win. Impact on English Football: Momentum Shifts and Narrative ThreadsThe contrasting fortunes of PSG and Arsenal highlight the fine margins in European competition, while Liverpool’s interest in Iraola signals a strategic push for midfield reinforcement. The Women’s FA Cup final adds further excitement to a weekend already rich in football storylines. Looking Ahead: What to Expect This WeekArsenal’s Premier League title celebration at 14:00 BST in north London.Liverpool’s potential transfer moves before the window closes on 31 August.Women’s FA Cup final outcome influencing the women's league race.

The Failed Dealmaker: Trump's Iran Dilemma For weeks, Donald Trump has tried to find a way to end the war he started with Iran – a deal that would allow him to declare victory and move past the conflict before it causes severe damage to the global economy and sinks Republican chances in the US midterm elections. But the self-proclaimed master dealmaker can't seem to stop sabotaging his own negotiations or to acknowledge that Iran is now in a better position to demand concessions than it was before the war. Strategic Missteps: From Military Action to Negotiation Deadlock Over the Memorial Day holiday, Trump skipped his eldest son's wedding in the Bahamas and canceled plans to spend the weekend at his New Jersey golf club. The last-minute changes heightened speculation that Trump was ready to unveil a deal to end the war. Trump then announced that he would hold a cabinet meeting at Camp David, the presidential compound in Maryland that has been the site of historic diplomatic summits. But that meeting was moved back to the White House, as it became clear that Trump had not been able to close a deal he could announce with great fanfare. The Art of the Deal: Trump's Negotiation Paradox Why has an agreement eluded the business titan who wrote the bestselling 1987 book The Art of the Deal? Trump admires strongman leaders and is loth to project any sign of weakness – and he's afraid of reaching a deal with Iran that makes him look weak. The president is also sensitive to criticism that any agreement he negotiates will be worse for the US than the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, which was brokered by Barack Obama's administration. Leverage Reversed: How Iran Gained the Upper Hand Trump's main problem is that Iran has more leverage than he does – and Iranian leaders are well aware of that advantage. On 28 February, Trump launched a joint US-Israeli war against Iran, killing the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other top military and political officials. But Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against US military bases across the Middle East, and it targeted the energy infrastructure of its Gulf neighbors. Iran also deployed its most effective economic weapon: it closed the strait of Hormuz, through which more than a fifth of the world's oil supply passed each day. Economic Fallout: Global Disruption and Rising Oil Prices The closure of the Strait of Hormuz – along with Iranian attacks on pipelines and gas fields in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – disrupted the global economy and increased oil prices. In the US, average gas prices have jumped by 50%, up to nearly $4.50 per gallon, since Trump launched the war. Trump and his ally, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, could not topple the Islamic regime that rose to power after Iran's 1979 revolution. Instead, they ended up strengthening it – by allowing Tehran to deploy its geographic control of the strait of Hormuz into a weapon that could instigate a global energy crisis and a worldwide recession. The Emerging Deal: Limited Concessions and Unresolved Issues The emerging deal is focused on solving a problem that didn't exist before Trump started this war: fully reopening the strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping so that oil prices can stabilize. Under a draft agreement being circulated to US allies, Washington would also lift its blockade of Iranian ports and allow Tehran to access about $12bn in frozen assets. Once again, Trump seems to be aiming for a limited deal with Iran that defers the most difficult questions to future talks, which could drag out for months or even years. Iran's Resilience: Military Strength Preserved In some ways, Iran has emerged stronger after a war intended to decimate its military capabilities. A CIA report sent to Trump earlier this month found that Tehran had managed to retain a significant part of its missile capabilities. The analysis said Iran preserved about 70% of its prewar stockpile of missiles and about 75% of its mobile launchers. The report also concluded that Iran was more resilient than US officials had claimed, and it could survive a naval blockade for months. Political Calculations: Midterm Elections and Trump's Dilemma At his cabinet meeting, Trump said he didn't care about the midterm elections and wasn't in a rush to reach a deal. "It's got to be perfect," Trump told reporters, adding: "I didn't do this to get a crummy agreement." Despite his weak position, Trump insists that he will strike a better deal with Iran than the one negotiated by the Obama administration in 2015. That agreement provided Tehran with relief from international sanctions in exchange for limits on its nuclear enrichment. The Unintended Consequences: Strengthening the Adversary Trump could have avoided starting a regime-change war that failed, leaving the world to deal with its consequences. Instead, the master negotiator handed Iran a new economic weapon – and more leverage to extract a favorable deal. The worst thing you can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it. That makes the other guy smell blood, and then you're dead. Trump wrote in his famous book. The best thing you can do is deal from strength, and leverage is the biggest strength you can have.

This weekend the night sky will showcase a blue micromoon – a rare alignment of a second full moon in a calendar month and a moon at its most distant point from Earth.Understanding the Dual Phenomenon: Blue Moon Meets MicromoonA "monthly blue moon" occurs when a second full moon appears in the same calendar month, as explained by Dr Greg Brown of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. A micromoon happens when the full moon coincides with the moon’s apogee, making it appear roughly 6% smaller than a typical full moon and about 14% smaller than a supermoon.Numbers Behind the Rarity: Frequency and Size DifferencesBlue moons: roughly every 2‑3 years.Micromoons: 2‑3 times per year.Combined blue micromoon: about once every 20‑30 years.Size reduction: ~6% smaller than average full moon, ~14% smaller than a supermoon.Why Stargazers Should Take Note: Visibility and Cultural ContextThe full moon peaks on 31 May at 9.45am BST (4.45am ET, 6.45pm AEST). For observers in the UK the moon will have set, but it remains visible throughout the night on Saturday and Sunday, appearing lower in the northern hemisphere sky and higher in the southern hemisphere. The event also revives the “once in a blue moon” expression, though the phrase likely stems from the rarer blue‑tinged moon caused by atmospheric particles.Looking Ahead: When the Next Blue Micromoon Might AppearAccording to Brown, the next UK blue micromoon is projected for 2066, while parts of the US may see one as early as 2053. Until then, enthusiasts can enjoy this once‑in‑a‑few‑decades spectacle.

Saturday's Sports Highlights 8am-3pm (BST): Matchday live - Champions League final buildup and breaking news 10:30am: French Open live - Jannik Sinner's meltdown opens up men's draw 1pm: Scotland v Curaçao live - Scotland's World Cup warm-up match 1:30pm: England v India live - Women's T20 cricket 5pm: Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal live - Champions League final Sunday's Sports Highlights 8am-1pm: Matchday live - Champions League final follow-up and Women's FA Cup 10:30am: French Open live - Day eight action at Roland Garros 1pm: Arsenal parade live - Gunners celebrate Premier League title 4pm: Manchester City v Brighton live - Women's FA Cup final

Good morning, football. Saturday will see the Champions League final in Budapest, while transfer rumors swirl around Liverpool and the Los Angeles World Cup fixture faces political uncertainty. Below we break down the main storylines and what they could mean for the sport. Champions League Final Set for Budapest Date: Saturday, 30 May 2026 Venue: Budapest, Hungary Teams: Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain Key Quote: "We were the underdogs on that day, for sure," says Kai Havertz about Arsenal’s previous upset against Chelsea. The final marks the first time the capital cities of England and France travel to Hungary for the showdown. Arsenal’s midfield star Kai Havertz highlighted the contrast with his experience of the 2024 underdog victory over Chelsea, underscoring the belief that this match could be a turning point for the Gunners. Transfer Market Shockwaves: Konaté and Liverpool Player: Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool centre‑back) Situation: Contract expires; potential free transfer Precedent: Trent Alexander‑Arnold left for Real Madrid on a £10m deal after contract termination Impact: Loss of a first‑choice defender without fee; defensive recruits Jérémy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni still recovering from injuries If Konaté departs, Liverpool will face a defensive gap at a crucial stage of the season, putting additional pressure on sporting director Richard Hughes and the club’s recruitment strategy. Geopolitical Tensions Cast Shadow Over LA World Cup Match Match: United States vs Iran (Los Angeles) Context: US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February 2026, raising doubts about Iran’s participation Potential Risks: Protests from the Iranian diaspora in “Tehrangeles”, possible player defiance Current Status: FIFA indicates the game will proceed as scheduled The fixture has become more than a football story, reflecting broader diplomatic strains. Security concerns and public sentiment could influence the atmosphere and even the outcome on the pitch. What the Weekend Could Mean for Clubs and Nations Arsenal: A win would secure their first Champions League trophy and boost morale ahead of the domestic season. Liverpool: Losing Konaté may accelerate a summer overhaul, affecting their defensive stability. World Cup: A smooth execution of the US‑Iran match could signal resilience amid geopolitical pressure, while any disruption would reverberate across the tournament. Stakeholders—from club executives to national federations—will be watching closely. The outcomes this weekend could reshape transfer strategies, fan expectations, and even the political narrative surrounding sport.

The Lead: Neymar's World Cup Dreams DashedBrazilian football superstar Neymar has been ruled out of the national team's upcoming friendlies and their crucial World Cup opener after scans revealed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed. The setback is a significant blow to Brazil's hopes in the upcoming tournament, as the 34-year-old forward faces two to three weeks on the sidelines.The Injury Details: Diagnosis and Recovery TimelineCBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar delivered the news on Thursday, revealing that Neymar underwent medical tests including an MRI scan which showed a grade-two calf strain—more severe than initially thought. This moderate injury involves a partial tear of the muscle fibers that requires rest and rehabilitation. The diagnosis differs from that presented by Santos prior to the squad announcement, with the club's doctor stating the problem was merely swelling. Neymar will miss Sunday's friendly against Panama at the Maracana and the subsequent match against Egypt in Cleveland.The Team Impact Analysis: Brazil Adjusts Without Key PlayersThe absence of Neymar compounds Brazil's existing injury concerns. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is already without defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, as well as forward Gabriel Martinelli for Sunday's fixture due to their involvement in this weekend's Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar's recall had generated widespread excitement after not featuring in Ancelotti's plans during the Italian's year in charge. The forward, who has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has endured years of injury troubles and an underwhelming return to Santos.The Tournament Outlook: Brazil's Path ForwardWith Neymar all but ruled out of Brazil's World Cup opener against African champions Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, the five-time world champions must quickly regroup. Brazil are in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland. Ancelotti had previously stated that Neymar would receive no special treatment, and that his place in the squad would be strictly based on fitness and form, not sentiment. For now, Brazil must plan without their star player as they prepare for their World Cup campaign.

The Sound of Summer and the Cost of SilenceThe 'lawnmower hum' is a defining auditory backdrop of the season, yet it has evolved from a mere annoyance into a significant source of legal liability. While some view the rip, chug, and whine of garden machinery as the 'music of May,' it frequently pits neighbours against one another, turning weekend relaxation into a battleground of noise complaints.The Legal Threshold: From Annoyance to FelonyThe conflict between maintaining a pristine lawn and respecting community peace has escalated to serious criminal levels. A recent case in Wiltshire highlights the extreme end of this spectrum, where a woman faces up to a year in jail for deliberately leaving her lawnmower running during a neighbour's dinner party. This incident was not spontaneous but the culmination of a 15-year feud and a violation of a restraining order.Weekday Hours: Generally 8am to 8pm are considered acceptable.Saturday Hours: Some councils recommend restrictions between 9am to 7pm.Sunday Hours: Stricter limits often apply, typically 10am to 7pm.The Financial Impact of Noise ViolationsLocal authorities possess the power to impose strict penalties on those who disregard these quiet hours. The financial cost of a single noise violation can be substantial, with fines reaching up to £5,000. This financial burden applies not only to the operator of the machinery but also to those using other noisy tools such as hedge trimmers, edge strimmers, and pressure washers that disturb the peace.The Social Shift in Suburban EtiquetteThe core of the issue lies in a clash of lifestyles: the hard-working individual who must mow on weekends versus the neighbour seeking relaxation. The irritation is compounded by the antisocial use of tools during sensitive times, creating a breakdown in mutual consideration. As urban density increases and gardens become smaller, the margin for error in noise management is shrinking.Future Outlook: Enforcing the PeaceAs legal frameworks tighten and community standards evolve, the expectation for 'quiet enjoyment' of a property is likely to become more rigid. Future disputes may see a rise in litigation rather than informal compromise, as the financial and legal risks of ignoring noise restrictions continue to mount.