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Pakistan dispatched a mixed fleet of fighter and support aircraft to King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on Saturday, marking the first visible military action under the mutual defence agreement signed in September 2025. The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed the landing, noting the deployment aligns with the collective defence clause that obliges each signatory to treat an attack on the other as an attack on itself. At the same time, Islamabad is hosting direct US‑Iran negotiations aimed at halting weeks of regional fighting triggered by Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Gulf targets after the US‑Israeli killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28 February. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told reporters he personally warned Iranian leaders in early March that Pakistan must honour its obligations to Riyadh. Tehran, seeking assurances that Saudi soil would not be used for attacks against it, received such guarantees, Dar added. Despite these diplomatic overtures, Iranian attacks on Saudi facilities – including key bases and a US embassy building – have persisted. In early March, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, flew to Riyadh to discuss measures to curb Iranian strikes within the framework of the defence pact. Four days before the jet deployment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif phoned Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, pledging that Pakistan would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia. The two leaders also agreed to accelerate a $5 billion Saudi investment package earmarked for Pakistan. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al‑Jadaan met Sharif, Dar and Munir in Islamabad on Saturday, underscoring the economic dimension of the partnership. Saudi Arabia hosts roughly 2.5 million Pakistani workers, whose remittances are vital to Pakistan’s fragile economy, and has repeatedly provided financial assistance. Security analyst Imtiaz Gul told Al Jazeera the deployment was not intended as a military escalation but as a “messaging tool” to remind Tehran of Pakistan’s treaty obligations. “Three jets won’t make much of a difference militarily,” he said, noting Saudi Arabia’s own sizable air force. Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, described the move as “a risky gambit.” He warned that if Iran refuses concessions, Pakistan could be drawn closer to Saudi Arabia, potentially invoking the defence pact in a renewed conflict.

Donald Trump's approach to the Iran war has led to a significant escalation of threats, including genocidal rhetoric and war crimes. His strategy has been marked by intimidation and vicious threats, crossing an inviolable red line of international law.Trump's war was initially expected to be over within days, with Iran's complete capitulation. However, the Iranians gained superior leverage by controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. This led to a significant increase in maritime insurance premiums and a decline in traffic.Despite his initial confidence, Trump escalated his rhetoric, threatening to target civilian infrastructure, including power plants and oil fields. His doctrine of war crimes was echoed by his Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, who advocated for maximum lethality and authority for warfighters.Trump's threats culminated in a tweet on April 5, in which he stated, "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH. Praise be to Allah." This incitement to genocide was a war crime and a violation of numerous treaties ratified by the United States, including the Geneva Convention and the Genocide Convention.The article concludes that Trump's actions demonstrate a descent into international lawlessness and a disregard for human life. His blatant disregard for international law and human rights has significant implications for global stability and security.

Brian Cox’s latest live show, ‘Emergence’, draws its spark from Johannes Kepler’s 1609 treatise ‘The Six‑Cornered Snowflake’. Cox explains that Kepler’s wonder at the symmetry of snowflakes, written during a Prague snowstorm, embodies the modern scientific quest to understand the origins of patterns we observe.He says the show explores three realms: what we know, what we don’t know, and what may remain unknowable. This framework sets the stage for his reflections on the biggest unanswered questions in science.If he could answer any scientific mystery, Cox would choose the existence of life beyond Earth. He points to current missions—two spacecraft heading to Jupiter’s moons and the James Webb Space Telescope probing exoplanet atmospheres—as promising avenues that might soon reveal a biosignature.When asked about the future of technology, Cox warns that the trajectory of artificial intelligence is still opaque, making it both thrilling and potentially hazardous. He adds that quantum computing is another frontier with wildly divergent timelines—some experts see breakthroughs within five years, others doubt they’ll arrive in a lifetime—highlighting the revolutionary yet unpredictable nature of these tools.Cox also reflects on his shifting stance toward social media. He admits moving from early optimism about its democratizing power to a more critical view of its noise and misinformation, while acknowledging its complex impact on politics and public discourse.On personal advice, Cox stresses the importance of following one’s passion: “Do what you most enjoy,” he says, recalling his own journey from a teenage musician to a celebrated astronomer, supported by parents who encouraged his interests.He shares a memorable fan encounter: at an ELO concert, a man introduced himself as Paul McCartney after asking a question about Saturn’s moon Enceladus—an encounter that left Cox “overwhelmed” as a lifelong Beatles fan.When asked about a pop‑culture stance, Cox admits he is largely out of touch, but notes that musical innovation seems to have plateaued since the 1980s, contrasting the rapid evolution of earlier decades.One of his favorite astronomical facts is the staggering number of observable galaxies: about two trillion. He highlights how, within a century, humanity moved from debating whether other galaxies existed to quantifying an immense cosmos, also measuring its age at roughly 13.8 billion years.Brian Cox will tour ‘Emergence’ across Australia from 5 to 30 May 2026.

Eamonn Holmes, the 66‑year‑old presenter of GB News’s breakfast programme, is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke last week.A GB News spokesperson confirmed that the Northern Irish broadcaster is responding well to treatment and has requested privacy while focusing on his recovery. The network added that “his colleagues and everyone at GB News wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.”In Holmes’s absence, the channel said that Alex Armstrong will co‑anchor the morning slot alongside Ellie Costello for the coming week.Holmes, who previously fronted ITV’s This Morning and co‑presented with his former wife Ruth Langsford for 14 years, has a documented history of serious health issues. He has undergone spinal surgery, a double hip replacement, and endured multiple falls, including a live on‑air incident when a studio chair collapsed.Speaking about that on‑air fall, Holmes recalled, “It was a bit of a shock for me because I’d had a fall in my bathroom two weeks earlier that hospitalised me, and it hit me again right in the back.” He described the aftermath as “really, really sore.”His health struggles have also impacted his personal life. In 2022, Holmes told the Sun that chronic pain and mobility problems strained his marriage to Langsford, and he later disclosed a dislocated pelvis in 2021 that led to three slipped discs.Holmes is now in a relationship with 44‑year‑old counsellor Katie Alexander. The pair were photographed together at a recent event, with Holmes using a wheelchair.GB News chief executive Angelos Frangopoulos expressed support, stating, “Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we’re with him every step of the way as he recovers.”

The Caribbean and Latin America are facing a critical moment in their relationship with Cuba, as they succumb to US pressure to expel Cuban doctors. These medical professionals have been a lifeline for many in the region, providing essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Cuban doctors have been a cornerstone of healthcare in the Caribbean and Latin America, with programs dating back 50 years. However, under pressure from the US, countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, and St Vincent and the Grenadines have terminated these agreements. Only St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago have yet to follow. The US has branded these programs "forced labor" and "human trafficking" because the Cuban state retains a share of salaries. However, this ignores the fact that Cuban doctors are trained free of charge by the Cuban government, unlike their counterparts in countries like the UK, who often graduate with significant student debt. The consequences of expelling Cuban doctors are severe. Millions could lose basic healthcare, with Indigenous communities particularly exposed. The region's healthcare systems, already fragile, are being strained, and the poorest will pay the price in untreated illnesses, unattended births, and undiagnosed cancers. Cuba has built a global medical network of more than 50,000 professionals working across dozens of countries, generating billions in foreign revenue and sustaining its economy under embargo. However, US pressure is disrupting this model, and Cuban medical personnel are being withdrawn, cutting off one of the island's few reliable sources of income. The Caribbean and Latin America are complicit in this economic warfare against Cuba. Sanctions restrict trade, finance, fuel, and medicine, shrinking economies, deepening poverty, and punishing citizens rather than governments. In Cuba, the effects are stark: blackouts, shortages, and collapsing productivity. A notable exception is Barbados, whose Prime Minister Mia Mottley has defended Cuba's medical missions and rejected the insinuation of "trafficking." She has made it clear that Barbados will stand by what is right, even at the cost of US punishments, highlighting that sovereignty is not merely constitutional but also moral.

Music lovers and Beatles fans are in for a treat tonight as McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass airs on BBC Two at 8:45pm. This documentary delves into the mysterious disappearance of Paul McCartney's iconic Höfner bass guitar, which he purchased in 1961 during the formative years of the Beatles. The instrument, which became synonymous with McCartney's music, vanished around the time of the Beatles' split and has been on a journey of its own ever since. The documentary features contributions from 'bass detectives' and McCartney himself, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known story. In other TV news, Proper Ladies on BBC Three at 7:45pm showcases new talent with a comedy short film initiative, beginning with Sabrina Ali's play Dugsi Dayz, a coming-of-age story about four Muslim girls. Celebrity Sabotage on ITV1 at 8pm features civilians competing in a military endurance series, while celebrities and a guest saboteur try to disrupt the proceedings from a nearby bunker. Film enthusiasts can look forward to Outcome on Apple TV, a comedy starring Keanu Reeves as Reef Hawk, a celebrated actor and secret recovering heroin addict. The movie follows his apology tour to find the culprit behind a compromising video. Sporting events include Premier League football matches, the Grand National Festival, Women's Six Nations Rugby Union, and a boxing match between Tyson Fury and Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Despite a three‑game winless run that has seen Liverpool knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City and trailing Paris Saint‑Germain 2‑0 in the Champions League quarter‑final, manager Arne Slot insists he feels "complete support" from both the club’s hierarchy and its supporters. Slot told reporters that sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive Michael Edwards stand firmly behind him. He added that, surprisingly, the fans have also shown solidarity, chanting "We love Liverpool" even after the 4‑0 defeat to City. With Liverpool perched in fifth place in the Premier League – the final Champions League qualification slot – and Chelsea just one point behind, the upcoming home fixture against Fulham carries heightened importance for the club’s European ambitions. Off the pitch, a faction of supporters is organising a protest at Anfield over the owners’ plan to raise ticket prices. The movement recalls a 2016 demonstration when roughly 10,000 fans exited a match to oppose a similar price hike, eventually forcing the American owners to retreat. Slot expressed hope that the iconic Anfield atmosphere will remain intact, stating, "Anfield has always shown its importance in both good and tough times, and I trust the fans will continue to be a positive force, even during protest." In related news, Slot paid tribute to Andy Robertson, who will depart after a nine‑year spell at the club. The Scotland captain, now out of contract, has seen his role diminish following the arrival of left‑back Milos Kerkez. Slot described Robertson as a "great player and a great person" who has served Liverpool loyally for nearly a decade. Overall, Slot’s message underscores a belief that the club’s internal cohesion and the unwavering passion of its fanbase can help navigate the current challenges on and off the field.

Ukraine’s armed forces reported that Russian soldier losses surged to 35,351 in March, the highest monthly tally since the conflict began. 96% of those casualties were inflicted by Ukrainian drones, with artillery and small arms accounting for the remainder. This represents a 29% increase over February’s figures, according to Ukraine’s commander‑in‑chief. Ukrainian officials say the spike confirms a trend of rising Russian attrition. Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Colonel Pavlo Palisa, noted that Russia suffered 316 casualties per square kilometre captured in the first quarter of 2026, compared with just 120 per km² in 2025. Russia’s manpower replenishment is faltering. Although Moscow set a target of 409,000 contract soldiers for the year, recruitment in the first quarter averaged 940 troops per day, well below the required 1,120 per day. At this pace, analysts project a 65,000‑person shortfall by year‑end, a vulnerability Kyiv aims to exploit. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly set a goal of inflicting 50,000 Russian casualties each month to render the invading force “irrecoverably weakened.” Territorial gains for Russia are also receding. The Institute for the Study of War estimates Russian forces captured an average of 5.5 sq km per day in 2026, down from 10.66 sq km a year earlier and 14.9 sq km at the end of 2024. Ukrainian commanders attribute their lethal edge to a rapid expansion of drone capabilities. Commander‑in‑Chief Oleksandr Syrskii disclosed that Ukrainian drones struck 151,207 targets in March, a 50% rise from February, driven by roughly 11,000 sorties daily. Ukraine now enjoys a 1.3:1 advantage in First‑Person‑View drones on the frontlines. Interceptor drones also played a decisive role, with Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reporting a record 33,000 Russian UAVs shot down in March—double the previous month’s tally. His deputy, Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, is collaborating with manufacturers on next‑generation interceptors capable of speeds up to 550 km/h to counter emerging jet‑powered Shahed drones. Long‑range strike capacity is set to expand further. Fire Point, Ukraine’s leading long‑range drone producer, announced the near‑deployment of two ballistic missiles with ranges of 300 km and 850 km, the latter theoretically reaching Moscow. These offensive gains have shifted the operational balance. Syrskii asserts that, despite modest territorial concessions, Ukrainian forces have seized the “strategic initiative” by preventing large‑scale Russian offensives and intensifying mid‑range strikes (30‑120 km into Russian rear areas) against logistics hubs, warehouses, command posts and oil depots. On the ground, Ukrainian troops have recaptured eight settlements and reclaimed 480 sq km of land in the Dnipropetrovsk region, underscoring the momentum of Kyiv’s counter‑offensive. Analysts warn that Russia may still pursue broader territorial ambitions, eyeing the Odesa and Mykolaiv coasts and a potential southern buffer in Vinnytsia near Moldova’s Transnistria. President Zelenskyy reiterated that Russian leadership believes a Ukrainian retreat would spare “hundreds of thousands of people,” a claim he dismissed as a strategic ploy during recent ceasefire talks.

Oppdal, a mountain village in central Norway, hosted its first interspecies council on a snowy morning at the Bjerkeløkkja conference centre. Thirty‑eight local participants each represented a different species – from a northern bat to a birch tree – and voiced the needs of the natural world in a structured decision‑making process.The council draws on the legacy of the Council of All Beings, a practice created in the 1980s by environmentalists John Seed and Joanna Macy. Phoebe Tickell, a scientist and “moral imagination” activist mentored by Macy, adapted the ritual into a governance methodology that expands representation beyond humans.Facilitators first identified the multispecies stakeholders in the region, then briefed human representatives – chosen either randomly or for expertise – on the perspectives they would embody. The session concluded with a manifesto of principles for human governance and an impact‑evaluation plan to track participants’ connection to nature six months later.Oppdal’s mayor, Elisabeth Hals, noted that the village’s population swells from 5,000 to over 30,000 in winter as tourists flock to private cabins (hytter). The municipality plans to add 1,000 new apartments by 2035 to promote year‑round tourism, a move that has sparked debate over land use, farming, and conservation.During the council, a birch “worried there’s too much of me,” while a rockfoil flower urged humans to “slow down and listen to where nature can tolerate more activity.” The River Driva lamented being treated as a mere resource, and a fox enthusiastically pointed at a wader, highlighting the emotional range the exercise seeks to capture.Proponents argue that such empathy‑building exercises are crucial as wildlife populations have fallen by roughly 70 % over the past 50 years. Tickell contends that “imperfect representation beats exclusion” and envisions interspecies councils becoming as routine as environmental impact assessments.Across the UK, 13 councils have recognised river rights since 2023, and a coalition of artists, ecologists, lawyers and policymakers is exploring similar biodiversity governance around the North Sea. In London, multispecies assemblies have already informed stewardship of the River Roding and land‑use consultations.Oppdal’s experiment aims to create “institutional trace” – genuine decision‑making power backed by robust methodology and longitudinal research – rather than a tokenistic green‑washing exercise. If successful, the model could be replicated internationally, giving non‑human nature a formal seat at the policy table.