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High-profile Iranian officials, including Tehran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have arrived in Pakistan's capital Islamabad for crucial ceasefire talks with the US. The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, who expressed optimism about the negotiations before departing for Pakistan.Vice President Vance stated, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand.” This development comes as tensions in the region continue to escalate, with Israel pounding Lebanon in a separate incident.The talks are seen as a significant step towards de-escalation, with both sides seemingly willing to engage in dialogue. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the region and global stability.

Historic peace talks between Iran and the US commenced in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking the first face-to-face meeting between senior negotiators from both countries since 1979. The discussions, facilitated by Pakistani mediators, took place in a positive atmosphere despite continued fighting in Lebanon.The US delegation, led by Vice-President JD Vance, and Iran's negotiators, headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi, engaged in two rounds of talks. The discussions covered key topics such as security, finance, and the Strait of Hormuz.Pakistani sources confirmed that Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, was present in the room, having played a crucial role in brokering a ceasefire earlier in the week. Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, hosted dinner for the delegations at his residence.The Iranian negotiators initially demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon, reparations, and a commitment to unblock frozen assets as part of a peace deal. However, the US warned against attempts to manipulate the negotiations, with Vance stating that the US would not be receptive to such tactics.The talks have sparked optimism, with a senior Pakistani official expressing hope for a breakthrough. The discussions have also drawn attention from other countries, with reports suggesting that China may offer guarantees to secure a deal.Meanwhile, Israel's military actions in Lebanon have escalated tensions, with Hezbollah firing rockets at Israeli cities. The Lebanese army has deployed troops to maintain stability amid internal tensions.

The US State Department has taken a significant step in its ongoing efforts to crack down on individuals with ties to the Iranian regime, revoking the green cards of three Iranian nationals. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to prevent foreign nationals with connections to anti-American terrorist regimes from residing in the United States. The individuals affected include Seyed Eissa Hashemi, whose mother was a key figure in the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, known as 'Screaming Mary' for her role as a leading propagandist for the violent Islamists. The State Department also revoked the green card statuses of Hashemi's wife and son. According to the department, Hashemi entered the US in 2014 on a visa and was granted lawful permanent resident status in 2016 through the diversity immigrant visa program, which the Trump administration has since ended. The arrests and green card terminations are part of a series of actions against those the State Department deems to have ties to the current or former government of Iran. This is particularly significant given the ongoing tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, with Washington DC and Tehran recently reaching a two-week ceasefire agreement. The US has been waging war against Iran since late February, and these actions are seen as part of the US efforts to counter Iranian influence. Recent actions also include the arrest of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian military general assassinated by the US in 2020, and her daughter. The State Department has also revoked the green card status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of former Iranian national security council secretary Ali Larijani, and her husband. The situation remains complex, with US Vice-President JD Vance dispatched to Islamabad to broker peace talks, though Iranian leadership has stated they will not participate until Israel agrees to stop bombing Lebanon. The international community remains watchful as diplomatic efforts continue to navigate the intricate landscape of US-Iran relations.

Ipswich Town reignited their push for automatic promotion by edging out rivals Norwich City 2‑0 at Carrow Road, a win that propels them into the top two with at least a game in hand.The first goal came in the 11th minute after a contentious penalty: Anis Ben Slimane appeared to clash with Norwich defender Jack Taylor, prompting referee Anthony Backhouse to point to the spot. Jaden Philogene slotted the penalty, albeit sending goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic the wrong way.Just before halftime, a long throw from Darnell Furlong was flicked on, allowing George Hirst to volley home and double Ipswich’s lead. The victory marks Ipswich’s first win at Carrow Road since 2006 and their first derby double since the 1992‑93 season.Despite dominating possession, Norwich were unable to create clear‑cut chances, and the defeat extinguishes any lingering playoff hopes, though a top‑10 finish remains a remarkable turnaround from their early‑year position near the bottom of the table.In the same round, Millwall saw their automatic‑promotion bid dented by a goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion. The Lions generated the better chances, with Josh Coburn missing a close‑range volley and Mihailo Ivanovic striking the bar, but they were unable to find the net.Coventry City were also left waiting after a 0‑0 stalemate at home against relegated Sheffield Wednesday. A win would have lifted them into the promotion places, but the draw leaves them dependent on other results, notably Middlesbrough’s clash with Portsmouth later in the day.The draw gave Sheffield Wednesday their third point of 2026 and extended their record‑breaking run of 37 games without a win across all competitions.Elsewhere, Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City maintained unbeaten runs with a 0‑0 draw at Loftus Road. While both sides have avoided defeat, the result does little to advance their outside‑the‑playoffs ambitions.Later fixtures include Middlesbrough hosting Portsmouth, a match with implications at both ends of the table, and crucial battles for Oxford United against Watford and Leicester City versus Swansea City.

The Artemis II crew has just returned from a ten‑day journey that looped around the Moon, marking only the second launch of the Artemis system and the first with humans aboard. NASA admits that the limited data from this mission makes risk assessment difficult.To date, the Artemis programme has consumed almost $100 billion (≈£75 billion). The U.S. Congress’s 2025 "one big beautiful bill" earmarked $9.9 billion for the upcoming Artemis IV and V flights, with even larger sums projected for a permanent lunar base.The scientific case for lunar exploration remains compelling: studying the Moon can illuminate the Solar System’s formation and provide a pristine platform for telescopes, especially on the far side where radio interference is minimal.However, the article questions whether human presence is essential. While astronauts still offer unique capabilities, the author suggests that within a decade robots—already proven on Mars by Curiosity and Perseverance—will outperform humans in cost, endurance, and operational flexibility.China’s lunar ambitions underscore the geopolitical stakes. After successful robotic orbiters and landers, Beijing retrieved the first far‑side soil samples in 2024 and plans a 2025 mission to the south pole with an orbiter, lander, and "mini‑hopper". By 2028, China aims to test equipment for a lunar base, potentially mirroring the U.S. push for crewed landings.Advances in AI, sensor technology, and autonomous navigation could soon enable robots to conduct near‑self‑directed scientific surveys and even construct infrastructure, diminishing the practical advantage of astronauts.Historical examples, such as the Hubble Space Telescope’s on‑orbit repairs, are revisited. The article cites Riccardo Giacconi’s view that, without the human element, multiple Hubble‑class telescopes could have been launched for the same budget, illustrating how crewed interventions may no longer be cost‑effective.The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope in 2021—operating far beyond the reach of routine astronaut servicing—demonstrates that complex, high‑value missions can succeed without crewed support, reinforcing the argument that human spaceflight now serves more as a prestige project than a scientific necessity.In conclusion, while the awe of viewing Earth from lunar orbit endures, the article contends that the future of space exploration will be defined by robots and private sponsorship, not by the costly and risky deployment of astronauts to the Moon or beyond.

JD Vance, the US Vice-President, has embarked on a high-stakes mission to Islamabad to negotiate a peace deal with Iran, a task that has been likened to a 'poisoned chalice.' Vance's challenge is to secure a durable peace between a rhetorical ceasefire and the resumption of hostilities.Vance, a vocal critic of US wars in the Middle East, now finds himself at the forefront of efforts to end the conflict. His presence at the talks, the highest-level meeting since the Iranian revolution of 1979, underscores the significance of this diplomatic push. However, Iran's negotiators feel emboldened by their recent successes, including control of the strategic Hormuz strait and their resilience in the face of a massive US-Israeli onslaught.The path to negotiations is fraught with hurdles. Iran has set conditions for talks, including the release of its blocked assets, a demand the US has not publicly agreed to. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliamentary speaker, emphasized that these conditions must be met before negotiations can begin. This stance could complicate Vance's efforts to initiate meaningful dialogue.Vance's mission could have far-reaching implications for his potential presidential run in 2028. His credentials as a MAGA supporter have been questioned due to his less-than-enthusiastic approach to the war in Iran. The outcome of these talks could either bolster or undermine his political standing.Tehran's negotiators are known for their tireless and relentless bargaining style, which could put Vance under significant pressure. The US, while able to walk away from the negotiating table, cannot guarantee the free flow of marine traffic from the Persian Gulf, giving Iran key leverage over the White House. This dynamic could have profound implications for the global economy, particularly in terms of fuel shortages and supply chain disruptions.Before departing for Islamabad, Vance indicated that his team had received clear instructions from Donald Trump regarding the negotiations. He expressed a willingness to engage in good faith with Iran but warned against attempts to 'play' the US. The success of these talks remains uncertain, but their impact on global stability and Vance's political future is undeniable.

NASA's Artemis II mission is on track for a historic splashdown on Earth, a critical phase in the mission that underscores the progress being made in space exploration. The splashdown is a pivotal moment for the mission, demonstrating the capabilities of the spacecraft and the teams involved.The Artemis II mission is part of NASA's ambitious plans to return humans to the Moon and beyond. This mission serves as a stepping stone for future lunar and interplanetary exploration, highlighting the advancements in technology and strategy that are essential for deep space travel.As the mission prepares for splashdown, it reflects the ongoing efforts of NASA and its partners to push the boundaries of space exploration. The successful execution of this phase will provide valuable insights and data, contributing to the continued development of space travel and the exploration of our solar system.

A 20‑year‑old male was taken into custody by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) after a Molotov cocktail was hurled at the North Beach residence of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman in the early hours of Friday, around 4 a.m. local time (11:00 GMT). The incendiary device ignited part of an exterior gate before the suspect fled on foot.Police confirmed that the suspect was located about an hour later, approximately 4.8 kilometres (three miles) from the scene, near OpenAI’s headquarters, where he allegedly threatened to set the building ablaze. No injuries were reported.OpenAI released a statement thanking the SFPD for its rapid response and emphasizing that the company is fully cooperating with investigators. “Thankfully, no one was hurt,” the spokesperson said, adding that the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance in protecting employees.The attack arrives amid a wave of security concerns targeting OpenAI’s facilities. In November, a separate threat prompted a temporary lockdown of the company’s San Francisco office, and activists have increasingly singled out Altman and OpenAI for the perceived risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence.Critics also point to OpenAI’s recent partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, arguing that the collaboration intensifies scrutiny of the firm’s role in military technology. Public sentiment toward AI remains divided; a recent NBC News poll indicated that AI is viewed less favorably than the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.Despite the controversy, OpenAI’s growth trajectory remains robust. The company announced a valuation of $852 billion following a funding round that raised $122 billion. Its flagship product, ChatGPT, continues to dominate the consumer AI market with over 900 million weekly active users and roughly 50 million subscribers. Usage of OpenAI’s search features has also tripled over the past year.While the motive behind the Molotov attack remains unclear, the incident underscores the escalating security challenges faced by leading AI firms operating at the intersection of technology, public policy, and national defense.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his cabinet has been directed to begin cease‑fire talks with Lebanon "as soon as possible", a day after Israel launched its largest‑scale offensive against the neighbour, resulting in over 300 fatalities and more than 1,150 injuries.Netanyahu said the request followed “repeated calls” from Beirut for direct dialogue, yet he reaffirmed that Israel will continue targeting Hezbollah. Analysts caution that the intensified strikes could undermine the US‑Iran cease‑fire negotiations slated to start Saturday in Pakistan.The heavy bombing on Wednesday was carried out without the customary warnings, just hours after the United States and Iran announced a two‑week cease‑fire in the broader US‑Israel‑Iran conflict that began on 28 February. While attacks persisted into Friday, their intensity had lessened, and Hezbollah responded with missile fire into Israeli territory.Experts suggest the Wednesday onslaught was designed to disrupt Tehran’s diplomatic overtures, as Iran has insisted that any negotiations must be predicated on a halt to hostilities against both Iran and its ally Hezbollah.Hezbollah, which originated as a resistance movement to Israel’s 18‑year occupation of southern Lebanon (1982‑2000), now functions as both a political party and a formidable armed group—described as comparable to a medium‑sized army and stronger than the Lebanese military.Both Israeli and Lebanese officials have signalled a willingness to engage in peace talks, but Israel’s ongoing bombardment fuels scepticism. Netanyahu reiterated that disarming Hezbollah remains a top priority, even as he ordered the commencement of negotiations.Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir warned on X that the Israeli Defence Forces will continue to fight Hezbollah with “great intensity” and are prepared to resume full‑scale operations if required.Lebanese Prime Minister Joseph Aoun welcomed the prospect of talks, yet Beirut has insisted that any negotiations must occur only after a complete halt to Israeli attacks.The United States is reportedly applying pressure on Israel to curb its campaign. According to a Wall Street Journal report, former President Donald Trump called Netanyahu to urge an end to the bombing, a message echoed by Vice President JD Vance, who said Israel had agreed to “check itself” in Lebanon. European allies, notably Germany and France, have also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.Hezbollah, which holds 15 of Lebanon’s 128 parliamentary seats, has categorically rejected any dialogue with Israel. Analysts note that Iran’s insistence on including Lebanon in the cease‑fire agreement could strain relations with the Lebanese government, which seeks a greater say in any war‑time decisions.Iran’s 10‑point peace proposal to the United States explicitly demands that Israel halt attacks on all Iranian allies, including Hezbollah, for the cease‑fire to hold. Continued Israeli strikes are therefore viewed as a “grave violation” of Tehran’s red lines and could jeopardise the fragile truce.Confusion persists over whether Lebanon was part of the US‑Iran cease‑fire deal. While Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that the agreement covered “everywhere including Lebanon,” U.S. officials, including Trump and Vance, later claimed Lebanon was not included, leading to mixed messages on the ground.As displaced Lebanese begin returning home, the uncertainty surrounding the cease‑fire’s scope underscores the complex web of regional actors—Israel, Hezbollah, Iran, the United States, and Pakistan—each influencing the prospects for a sustainable peace.