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U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the next nuclear accord with Iran will be “far better” than the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) he abandoned in 2018, adding new demands on enrichment, ballistic missiles and proxy groups as a two‑week cease‑fire in the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict nears its end.Key DevelopmentsTrump asserts the forthcoming deal will surpass the JCPOA, which limited Iran’s uranium enrichment to 3.67% and reduced centrifuges to 6,104.New US‑Israel demands include: zero uranium enrichment, removal of the estimated 440 kg of 60%‑enriched uranium, strict caps on ballistic‑missile development, and a halt to support for Hezbollah, the Houthis and other proxy forces.Negotiations are expected to shift to Islamabad, Pakistan after the current cease‑fire expires.Analyst Andreas Kreig (King’s College London) predicts any new pact will likely resemble the JCPOA with limited tweaks, not the sweeping concessions Trump touts.Data & Market ImpactU.S. sanctions imposed after the 2018 withdrawal cut Iran’s oil exports by roughly 60 %, slashing revenue by an estimated $30 billion per year.Frozen Iranian sovereign assets total about $150 billion; their release would inject significant liquidity into Iran’s banking sector.IAEA reports indicate Iran now holds 440 kg of 60%‑enriched uranium, enough to reach weapons‑grade (90%) in weeks if centrifuge capacity is fully utilized.Why This MattersThe outcome will shape three critical arenas:Regional security: A stricter deal could curb Iran’s missile reach, reducing the threat to Israel’s “Iron Dome” and to Gulf‑state oil infrastructure.Global non‑proliferation: Allowing zero enrichment would set a precedent that could pressure other volatile states to accept similar terms, but it also risks driving Tehran underground if perceived as punitive.Economic stability: Lifting sanctions would revive Iran’s oil exports, potentially adding $20‑30 billion to global supply and influencing crude prices.Expert InsightAndreas Kreig warns that Tehran’s political climate has hardened; the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps now dominates strategic decision‑making, making concessions on sovereignty unlikely. While the United Nations resolution attached to the JCPOA prohibited missile work linked to nuclear delivery, the new U.S. demand for outright missile bans exceeds that framework and could stall talks.Economic incentives—rapid asset release and sanction relief—are the primary leverage for Washington. However, without a credible verification regime comparable to the JCPOA’s intrusive IAEA inspections, any “better” deal may lack enforceability, increasing the risk of clandestine enrichment.What Happens NextNegotiators are expected to convene in Islamabad within the next two weeks; the agenda will likely focus on enrichment thresholds and verification mechanisms.If talks stall, both sides may resort to further kinetic actions, as seen in recent strikes on Natanz, Isfahan and Bushehr facilities.International actors—EU, China, Russia—are poised to mediate, pushing for a compromise that balances sanctions relief with robust monitoring.Long‑term, the region’s stability hinges on whether the U.S. can deliver tangible economic benefits to Iran while securing verifiable limits on its nuclear and missile programs.

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes hang in the balance as they prepare to face Manchester City on Sunday. Midfielder Declan Rice has urged his team to elevate their performance, acknowledging that their recent form has been a concern.Rice, 27, highlighted the team's inconsistent style of play, which has drawn criticism from fans. Despite being six points clear of City at the top of the table, Rice emphasized that Arsenal must improve if they are to press their title claims.The midfielder reflected on a rollercoaster few weeks for Arsenal, including a Carabao Cup final defeat against City and a sobering home loss to Bournemouth in the league. However, they have also shown resilience, progressing to the Champions League semi-finals with a 0-0 draw against Sporting.Rice stressed the importance of performing better, particularly in terms of possession and confidence on the ball. He acknowledged that the team's recent errors have been costly, but they managed to rectify this against Sporting.“It's about doing the basics a little bit better, to a better level … just the five-, 10-yard passes that we're giving away a bit sloppily,” Rice said. “And just that confidence with the ball, just taking more touches, relaxing on the ball, not feeling under pressure.”Rice also expressed his desire for revenge against City, citing the pain of watching them lift the Carabao Cup trophy. He emphasized that the upcoming match is a significant test, but one that Arsenal is ready for.“To go there and win would be a massive statement,” Rice said. “And look, these boys are ready. We spoke as a group. We know what's required.”Arsenal have struggled to score in recent games, managing only three goals in their last five matches. Rice attributed this to the defensive strategies employed by opposing teams, particularly the low blocks they have faced.Despite these challenges, Rice remains committed to contributing to the team, having overcome illness to play against Sporting. He emphasized the importance of availability and depth, particularly with key players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka sidelined through injury.

Moya Brennan's voice was a remarkable instrument that captivated audiences worldwide, particularly with Clannad's hit song Theme from Harry's Game, which reached No 5 in the charts in 1982, sung in Irish Gaelic.Her distinctive voice, described as light as a leaf, provided a sacred counterpoint to the band's layered harmonies and Prophet 5 synthesiser sounds, guiding them to new musical territories.Brennan's impact extended beyond music, influencing the transportive possibilities of traditional music in film and TV soundtracks, including Robin of Sherwood, Titanic, and the King Arthur film adaptation.Her singing and harp-playing, nurtured in her parents' remote tavern in County Donegal, formed the foundation of Clannad's unique sound, characterised by 'blood harmony' with her siblings and uncles.Brennan's legacy paved the way for global success of artists like Enya and influenced Kate Bush's The Ninth Wave and The Beloved's The Sun Rising.Throughout her career, Brennan collaborated with various artists, including Bono, Bruce Hornsby, and the Blue Nile, and continued to perform and record music until her terminal diagnosis with pulmonary fibrosis.Her final performance, an a cappella rendition of Clannad's Gaoth Barra Na dTonn on a RTÉ show, was profoundly moving, showcasing her enduring spirit and vocal talent.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his pride in his team's performance after they reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in their history. The Gunners secured a spot in the last four with a gritty draw against Sporting, despite being without their injured captain Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.Declan Rice, who was captain in Ødegaard's absence, revealed that he had come off his sickbed to play a crucial role in the match. 'He was shattered,' Arteta said of Rice. 'He had no chance to play today, he wasn’t feeling good at all today, he played 94 minutes at the level that he’s done.'The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. Leandro Trossard headed against a post from a Max Dowman corner late on, while Sporting's João Simões fired into the side netting with virtually the last kick of the match.Arteta attributed his team's success to their durability, saying, 'That is the reason why we are the only English team in the competition, because this league and this schedule takes the hell out of you, and it’s very difficult to do what we’ve done.'Rice also addressed criticism of the team's recent performances, saying, 'If you don’t play well, if you don’t play good, take it with a pinch of salt and keep moving.'Arsenal will now face Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals, having maintained their record as the only unbeaten team left in this year’s competition. They will also look to bounce back from their recent Premier League defeat to Bournemouth when they face Manchester City on Sunday.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about his team's chances despite mounting injury concerns, particularly with star player Bukayo Saka sidelined with an achilles issue.Arteta insists he has 'zero fear' that Arsenal could end the season without silverware, but admits there are significant doubts over Saka's return. Saka has not played since the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City last month and Arteta is uncertain when he will be back.'Hopefully it's going to be a matter of days and not weeks,' Arteta said. 'But he has to see when he's loading more, how he responds to that kind of progression.'Arsenal are also facing doubts over Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and captain Martin Ødegaard for their Champions League match against Sporting. Additionally, Arteta will make a late call on Declan Rice's fitness after the England midfielder missed training on Tuesday.Despite recent setbacks, including a home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Arteta remains positive. 'Fire. I'm on fire. I'm on fire,' he said. 'Nothing else. I'm dreaming so much. I've done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. I just see beauty, opportunity, and I want to get it done for all these people that have been in this journey with us.'

Moya Brennan, the celebrated voice behind Irish folk ensemble Clannad, passed away at the age of 73 in her native County Donegal, surrounded by family. The 73‑year‑old had been living with pulmonary fibrosis and was awaiting a possible double‑lung transplant when she died peacefully. Born 4 August 1952 in Dublin as Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, she grew up in a large musical family that performed in their local pub. She later honed her craft at the Royal Irish Academy of Music before co‑founding Clannad in 1970 with her brothers and two uncles. Clann2’s early breakthrough came at the Slógadh Youth Festival, where a prize‑winning performance secured a Polydor contract—though the band members were too young to sign. Their commitment to singing in the Irish language set them apart; as Brennan recalled in 2022, they felt they were “letting the language down” but fell in love with its melodies. The group’s commercial breakthrough arrived in 1983 with the album Magical Ring and its hit single “Theme from Harry’s Game.”strong> The track reached No. 5 on the UK Top 40, earned Clannad a historic appearance on Top of the Pops as the first act to perform in Irish, and paved the way for a BAFTA‑winning score for the ITV series Robin of Sherwood. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Brennan earned the moniker “first lady of Celtic music,” garnering praise from peers such as Bono of U2 and contributing vocals to major film soundtracks including Titanic and King Arthur. Her sister Eithne, later known as Enya, also emerged from Clannad before launching a wildly successful solo career. Beyond her musical achievements, Brennan’s personal journey was marked by hardship. She publicly discussed a 1972 abortion in England, subsequent substance use, an 18‑month marriage to fellow musician Pat Farrell, a miscarriage in 1987, and a brief relationship with U2’s Adam Clayton. A deepening Christian faith after the miscarriage helped her overcome addiction, and she later married photographer Tim Jarvis in 1990, a partnership she credited with ending her drug use. Her solo discography began with the critically acclaimed album Máire in 1992 and continued through 2024’s Voices & Harps IV with Cormac de Barra. Brennan also devoted considerable energy to philanthropy, working with Christian Blind Mission Ireland on projects across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Brazil, and Tanzania, and supporting programs for those battling drug and alcohol dependency. In 2002 she officially adopted the stage name Moya Brennan, formalising the change by deed poll in 2009. Over the years she collaborated with a diverse roster of artists, from Shane MacGowan and Robert Plant to Bruce Hornsb​y, the Doobie Brothers, and Ronan Keating. Brennan is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children. In a 2022 interview she attributed her resilience in the face of her lung disease to her Christian faith, stating, “I know God is with me… that’s where my strength comes from.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its list of 2026 inductees, showcasing a diverse range of artists who have made significant contributions to the music industry. Phil Collins, known for hits like 'In the Air Tonight' and 'One More Night', will be inducted, despite already being part of the hall as a member of Genesis. Collins has earned eight Grammys, including album of the year in 1985 for 'No Jacket Required'.Oasis, the iconic Britpop band, will also be inducted, marking a significant recognition of their impact on the music scene. Sade, the soul-jazz vocalist, is another notable inductee, known for songs like 'Smooth Operator' and 'The Sweetest Taboo'. This will be her second nomination, following her first in 2024.The Wu-Tang Clan will be recognized as rap innovators, having released their game-changing debut album 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' in 1993. Other inductees include Iron Maiden, who helped power the new wave of British heavy metal, and Luther Vandross, who sold over 25m albums and inspired artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.The induction ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Peacock theater in Los Angeles. In addition to the performer category, the Hall of Fame will also celebrate contributions across three special categories: early influence, musical excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award.This year's early influence category will honor Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons. The musical excellence category will recognize songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin. The Ahmet Ertegun non-performer award will go to Ed Sullivan, the legendary host of the eponymous TV show that launched many musical icons of the 1950s and 1960s.

It's been 20 years since the passing of Muriel Spark, a celebrated Scottish novelist, short story writer, poet, and essayist. With a career spanning over two decades, Spark left an indelible mark on literature with her 22 novels, which are characterized by their uncanny, astute, and witty storytelling. James Bailey, author of the biography Like a Cat Loves a Bird: The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark, provides a guide to Spark's oeuvre, highlighting her unique narrative style. A typical Spark novel begins by introducing an enclosed community, such as nuns, schoolgirls, or desert island castaways, filled with gossip, deceptions, and conflicts. This setup is then disrupted by a dramatic event, like a murder or scandal, allowing Spark to explore the consequences. For readers new to Spark's work, Memento Mori (1959) is a great starting point. This darkly comic novel follows a cast of bickering pensioners who receive anonymous phone calls with the ominous message: 'Remember you must die.' The novel raises questions about mortality, fear, and the human condition. Spark's debut novel, The Comforters (1957), is a remarkable example of her innovative storytelling. The protagonist, Caroline Rose, believes she can hear the clanking typewriter keys of an entity she calls the Typing Ghost, which dictates the events of her life. This novel showcases Spark's ability to blend diabolism, diamond-smuggling, and supernatural elements. One of Spark's most famous novels, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, is known for its quotable lines, such as 'Give me a girl at an impressionable age and she is mine for life.' This novel explores themes of favouritism, fascism, and the seductive power of belonging. Spark considered The Driver's Seat (1970) her finest achievement, describing it as her creepiest work. This novel follows Lise, a protagonist whose holiday romance takes a dark and unexpected turn. Spark's works often explored the contrast between public personas and private lives. Her 1968 novel, The Public Image, is a prime example, delving into the world of a film star struggling to maintain her reputation amidst paparazzi and self-absorbed relationships. Spark's short stories, collected in her Complete Short Stories, offer a glimpse into her versatility as a writer. These tales often feature unquiet spirits and explore themes of mortality, guilt, and redemption.

The horror market has finally recognised women as a core audience, a shift reflected in the latest teen‑focused feature The Cure. Directed by Nancy Leopardi and penned by Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer (known for Unsane), the film blends gothic dread with a biting commentary on wealth and longevity. The story follows Ally Braun (Samantha Cochran), a lupus‑stricken teenager confined to a Malibu mansion owned by her billionaire parents, Jeff (David Dastmalchian) and Georgia (Ashley Greene). When the couple hosts a gathering for investors interested in a private island designed as an apocalypse refuge, Ally slips away to the beach and befriends a mysterious newcomer, Brooke (Sydney Taylor). Their uneasy friendship triggers a series of dark revelations that expose helicopter parenting, clandestine life‑extension research, and society’s obsession with youth and beauty. While the premise brims with clever ideas, the execution falters in its final act. Narrative threads are hurried, and the climax resolves with a brief burst of violence that feels more like a budget‑driven shortcut than a satisfying payoff. The film’s limited locations and dim lighting betray a modest production budget, even as it depicts extravagant wealth. Nevertheless, the youthful ensemble injects the story with genuine charisma. Their performances provide the film’s most compelling moments, keeping the audience engaged despite the structural shortcomings. The Cure becomes available on digital platforms from 13 April.